Master the Art of Shipping: Your Ultimate Volumetric Weight Calculator Guide
Understanding Shipping Weights Shipping weights are crucial in determining the cost of shipping a package. There are two types of shipping weights: actual weight and volumetric weight. Actual weight refers to the physical weight of a package, typically measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs.). Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, is a calculated…
Understanding Shipping Weights
Shipping weights are crucial in determining the cost of shipping a package.
There are two types of shipping weights: actual weight and volumetric weight.
Actual weight refers to the physical weight of a package, typically measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs.).
Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, is a calculated weight based on the package’s length, width, and height.
Actual space refers to a package’s physical space in transit, which influences shipping costs and logistics efficiency.
Calculating Volumetric Weight
To calculate volumetric weight, you need to know the package’s dimensions: length, width, and height.
The volumetric weight formula is Length x Width x Height / Volumetric Divisor. This formula helps you determine the volumetric weight of a package using its dimensions.
The volumetric divisor varies by freight forwarder and mode of transport, but a common divisor is 6000 cm3 = 1 kg.
Calculating volumetric weight helps shippers determine the shipment’s chargeable weight.
Chargeable Weight and Gross Weight
Ever wondered why you sometimes pay for more weight than your package weighs? It’s all about chargeable weight and gross weight. The shipment’s chargeable weight is determined by comparing the actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight of the cargo, and the higher of the two is used to calculate shipping costs.
Gross weight is simple: it’s the total weight of your package, including its contents and packaging. However, chargeable weight is a bit more complex. It is the weight used to determine shipping costs, and it often takes into account both the actual weight and the size of the package.
So, why do we have this extra layer of complexity? Let’s dive in and find out in this simple breakdown.
Chargeable weight is the weight used to calculate shipping costs, which can be either actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
Gross weight is the total weight of a shipment, including the net weight of the product and the weight of the packaging.
Gross weight is measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
Chargeable weight is the weight upon which the carrier charges, which can be either the gross or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight
Actual weight and volumetric weight are two different measurements used to calculate shipping costs.
Actual weight is the physical weight of a package, while volumetric weight is a calculated weight based on the package’s dimensions.
The higher weight between actual weight and volumetric weight is used to determine the shipment’s chargeable weight.
Barry’s Sneakerhead Shipping Showdown: Let’s Calculate the Cost!
Barry is a Kenyan entrepreneur who just scored a huge deal in importing a shipment of trendy, limited-edition sneakers from the UK. These kicks are so hot that they’re expected to sell out in a flash!
Shipment Details:
Actual Weight: 50 kg (That’s a lot of sneakers!)
Dimensions: 80 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm (Think of a large suitcase)
The Shipping Challenge:
You’re excited about the potential profit, but shipping costs can be a major hurdle. To ensure you’re not paying more than you need to, let’s calculate the volumetric weight.
Volumetric Weight Calculation:
To get the volumetric weight calculated, multiply the dimensions: 80 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm = 192,000 cubic centimeters
Divide by the divisor (We use 6,000): 192,000 / 6,000 = 32 kg
The Verdict:
Your volumetric weight (32 kg) is less than the actual weight (50 kg). This means you’ll be charged based on the actual weight(50 kg).
Shipping Tips: Save with Arab Africa Cargo!
Optimized Packaging: We offer repackaging options, and use smaller, more efficient boxes or even vacuum-sealed bags to reduce volumetric weight.
Consolidated Shipments: Shipping packages from different suppliers? We combine multiple smaller shipments into one larger one to improve space utilization and reduce your shipping cost.
Multiple Shipping Options: Arab Africa Cargo helps you explore our 2 different shipping methods; Air and Sea- to find the best deal for your specific needs. Our reliable sea shipping is suited for your large consignments that are not urgent. Opt for our fast and efficient Air shipping for quicker timelines. Air freight uses specific formulas for determining shipping costs based on package dimensions and weight, emphasizing the importance of optimized packaging to reduce costs.
How To Optimize Packaging for Reduced Volumetric Weight
Using snugly fitting packaging can reduce the unused space around a package, resulting in a lower volumetric weight.
Efficient packaging can help reduce shipping costs.
It is essential to consider packaging when shipping packages to minimize volumetric weight.
Using the smallest possible box for each item can help master the art of volumetric weight.
Consolidating Shipments for Reduced Volumetric Weight
Consolidating multiple packages into a single package can reduce the volumetric weight.
This can help reduce shipping costs.
Consolidating packages is a common approach used by package forwarders.
It is essential to consider consolidating packages when shipping multiple items to minimize volumetric weight.
Additionally, consolidating shipments can help optimize cargo space and enhance decision-making for freight forwarding businesses.
Using a Volumetric Weight Calculator
A volumetric weight calculator can help shippers determine the shipment’s chargeable weight. Freight carriers determine the chargeable weight based on either the gross or volumetric weight of a shipment.
The calculator takes into account the package’s dimensions and the volumetric divisor. Using a volumetric weight calculator can help shippers make informed decisions and reduce shipping costs. The calculator provides a reliable means of calculating chargeable weight (also known as billable weight).
The Barrel Dilemma: A Shipping Conundrum
Imagine you’re a Kenyan coffee exporter with a shipment of premium beans destined for a discerning client in the US. You’ve packed these precious beans in sturdy barrels, each weighing around 50 kg. Sounds manageable, right?
The Challenge:
Barrels are notoriously bulky, even though the actual weight might not be outrageous. This could lead to a higher volumetric weight and a potential shipping cost headache.
Calculating Barrel Volume: A Step-by-Step Guide
To calculate the volume of a barrel, follow these steps:
Convert dimensions to centimeters: If the dimensions are given in inches, convert them to centimeters (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
Calculate the radius: Divide the diameter of the barrel by 2. For example, if the diameter is 20 inches (50.8 cm), the radius would be 50.8 cm / 2 = 25.4 cm.
Square the radius: Multiply the radius by itself. In this example, 25.4 cm * 25.4 cm = 645.16 cm².
Multiply by the height: Multiply the squared radius by the height of the barrel. If the height is 30 inches (76.2 cm), then 645.16 cm² * 76.2 cm = 49,235.83 cm³.
Multiply by pi: Finally, multiply the result by pi (approximately 3.14). So, 49,235.83 cm³ * 3.14 = 154,661.38 cm³
Calculating the Chargeable Weight Of A Barrel:
Step 6: Calculate Volumetric Weight
Use the formula: Volumetric Weight = (Volume = (π x (diameter/2)² x height)) / Divisor (typically 6,000).
Plug in the values:
For our example with a diameter of 20 inches (50.8 cm) and a height of 30 inches (76.2 cm), the formula becomes:
Volumetric Weight = (3.14 (50.8 cm / 2)² 76.2 cm) / 6,000
Calculate the result:
Volumetric Weight ≈ 163.4 kg
Now that you have both the actual weight and the volumetric weight, you can compare them to determine the chargeable weight for shipping. The higher of the two will be used to calculate the shipping cost. In this case, the volumetric weight (163.4 kg) is charged as it is higher than actual weight (50 kg).
To potentially reduce shipping costs, consider the following:
Optimize Packaging: If possible, repackage the coffee beans in smaller, more efficient containers to reduce volumetric weight.
Consolidate Shipments: Combine multiple smaller shipments into one larger one to improve space utilization
Practical Implications of Volumetric Weight
Volumetric weight has practical implications for shipping costs.
Volumetric or dimensional weight is a crucial factor in determining the chargeable weight for air freight.
Light bulky packages are typically charged based on volumetric weight, resulting in higher shipping costs.
Heavy compact packages are typically charged based on actual weight, resulting in lower shipping costs.
Understanding volumetric weight can help shippers make informed decisions and reduce shipping costs.
Soi’s The Inflatable Adventure: A Volumetric Weight Dilemma
Scenario:
Sharon Soi is a Kenyan event planner organizing a large outdoor music festival. To create a festive atmosphere, she decided to purchase a giant inflatable stage backdrop. The backdrop is lightweight, weighing only 50 kilograms, but it’s incredibly bulky, measuring 10 meters wide and 5 meters tall.
The Volumetric Weight Challenge:
Despite the low actual weight, the backdrop’s size will significantly impact its volumetric weight. This means that a shipping company will likely charge her based on the volumetric weight, which could be much higher than the actual weight.
Tips for Minimizing Volumetric Weight:
Deflate the Backdrop: If possible, Soi could deflate the backdrop before shipping to reduce its size.
Consider Alternative Materials: She could explore lighter or more compact materials that can achieve a similar effect.
By understanding the impact of volumetric weight on her inflatable backdrop, Soi makes informed decisions about shipping and potentially saves money on her event planning budget
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not considering packaging when shipping packages can result in higher volumetric weight.
Not consolidating packages can result in higher shipping costs.
Not using a volumetric weight calculator can result in incorrect chargeable weight calculations.
Not understanding the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight can result in incorrect shipping cost calculations.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of shipping is like becoming a secret agent – you need to know the tricks of the trade to stay ahead of the game (or, in this case, avoid paying extra for air).
By understanding volumetric weight, optimizing packaging, and consolidating shipments, you can save money and ensure your packages arrive safely and efficiently.
So, the next time you’re shipping a bulky item, remember: that size matters! But with a little knowledge and planning, you can avoid paying for more than you need to.
Talk to us at Arab Africa Cargo today, to get started!
WhatsApp: +44(0)203 002 7757
Email: [email protected]
