Volumetric weight
Chargeable weight by courier
Worked example
Using the default values, volumetric weight gives a chargeable weight of 4.8 kg.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Box size | 40 × 30 × 20 cm |
| Volume | 24 litre |
| Carrier | Blue Dart — Air |
| Divisor | 5,000 |
| Charged on | Volumetric |
| Per box | 4.8 kg |
| Boxes | 1 |
| Total chargeable | 4.8 kg |
What you need
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Actual weight
- Carrier
- Number of boxes
Questions
What is volumetric weight?
Couriers charge on whichever is greater, actual weight or volume-based weight, because a large light parcel takes the same space as a small heavy one. Length × width × height in centimetres, divided by the carrier divisor, gives the volumetric figure in kilograms.
Why is the divisor sometimes 4000 and sometimes 5000?
A lower divisor produces a higher chargeable weight. Surface freight typically uses 4000 and air 5000, so the same box can cost more by road than by air on a weight basis.
Important
Divisors are the published ones for standard service and most carriers round up to the next slab. Surface and air differ, oversized consignments may use another divisor, and a negotiated contract overrides all of it — confirm with your account manager.