Volumetric Weight & How To Optimize It
2023.08.10
As the world becomes more and more globalized, shipping and logistics have become critical components of the modern economy. In order to calculate the shipping cost of a package, carriers take into account a variety of factors, one of which is volumetric weight. In this article, we will explore what volumetric weight is, how it affects shipping costs, and ways to optimize it to save on shipping expenses.
What is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, is a term used in logistics to determine the amount of space a package occupies in a carrier's transport vehicle. This weight is not related to the actual weight of the package but rather to its size. In other words, the volumetric weight is a calculation of how much space a package occupies in relation to its weight.
Carriers use volumetric weight to determine the cost of shipping a package, as it is more expensive to transport larger packages that take up more space. To calculate the volumetric weight of a package, carriers use a simple formula that takes into account the length, width, and height of the package:
Take a look at this illustration
The volumetric factor is a number that carriers use to convert the calculated volume of the package into weight units. The exact value of the volumetric factor depends on the carrier and the mode of transportation used. For example, air carriers typically use a higher volumetric factor than ground carriers.
Why is volumetric weight important?
Carriers use the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight to determine the cost of shipping a package. This means that a package that is large but light in weight may be more expensive to ship than a smaller package that is heavier.
For instance, imagine two packages with the same weight, but one is a small box and the other is a large box. The small box will take up less space on the delivery vehicle, while the large box will take up more space, even though they weigh the same. Therefore, the shipping cost for the large box will be higher, based on its volumetric weight.
How do we optimize volumetric weight?
At The K-Addy, we understand that minimizing the size of a package can significantly reduce the cost of shipping, making it more affordable for our customers. So, how do we optimize the volumetric weight of your shipment?
We offer consolidation services. This means that we will combine multiple packages from different retailers into one larger package for shipping. By doing so, we can reduce the overall number of packages being shipped.
We also offer repackaging service where we pack items into smaller boxes or envelopes that better fit the size of the items being shipped. Depending on the size and shape of an item, we may also use bubble wrap or vacuum sealed plastic bags.
These methods can help to reduce the cost of shipping.
Overall, understanding volumetric weight and learning how to optimize it can lead to significant cost savings when shipping packages. By accurately calculating the volumetric weight of your shipments, you can avoid paying excessive fees based on the package's physical dimensions. Our team of experts can provide guidance on packaging techniques and materials to minimize volumetric weight and maximize shipping efficiency.
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