International parcel shipping
How to calculate the volumetric weight of a parcel
In international express, the volumetric weight of a parcel is calculated by multiplying length, width and height in centimeters, then dividing by 5,000 at DHL Express and FedEx. The carrier charges the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm box weighing 8 kg is therefore billed at 19.2 kg. In standard air freight, the usual divisor is 6,000.
The volumetric weight of a parcel is calculated by multiplying its length, width and height in centimeters, then dividing the result by 5,000. This is the rule applied by DHL Express and FedEx for international shipments. The carrier then compares this volumetric weight with the parcel’s actual weight and charges the higher of the two, called the chargeable weight. A light but bulky parcel therefore costs the price of a heavier one.
What is the volumetric weight formula in express?
| Carrier | Formula | Equivalent | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5,000 | 200 kg per m³ | DHL, calculating volumetric weight |
| FedEx | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5,000, each dimension rounded up to the next centimeter | 200 kg per m³ | FedEx, calculating dimensional weight |
Dimensions are taken at the widest points of the parcel, packaging included. A bulging box, a handle or an overhanging pallet all count in the measurement. The weight used is then rounded according to the carrier’s rate grid.
Which weight will be charged? Four examples
| Shipment | Dimensions | Actual weight | Volumetric weight (÷ 5,000) | Chargeable weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box of samples | 40 × 30 × 20 cm | 5 kg | 4.8 kg | 5 kg (actual weight) |
| Light, bulky box, for example empty packaging | 60 × 40 × 40 cm | 8 kg | 19.2 kg | 19.2 kg (volumetric) |
| Compact metal parts | 30 × 30 × 30 cm | 20 kg | 5.4 kg | 20 kg (actual weight) |
| Small pallet | 120 × 80 × 100 cm | 90 kg | 192 kg | 192 kg (volumetric) |
The second example shows the most common gap: a box weighing 8 kg is billed at more than double. The last one shows the limit of express for light pallets. The same pallet would be charged at 160 kg in standard air freight, with a divisor of 6,000.
Why don’t express and air freight use the same divisor?
| Mode | Usual divisor | Reference density | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| International express (DHL Express, FedEx) | 5,000 | 200 kg per m³ | A bulky parcel is charged at a higher weight |
| Standard air freight | 6,000 | about 167 kg per m³ | The same shipment is charged about 17% less |
Standard air freight most often uses a 1:6 ratio, which is a divisor of 6,000, as Maersk explains in its guide to chargeable weight. Express applies a stricter divisor because its price includes pickup, door-to-door transport and customs clearance within short lead times. For a heavy or very bulky shipment, standard air freight often becomes the better option. Our guide air freight vs sea freight helps you compare modes.
How can you reduce the volumetric weight of a parcel?
- Choose the smallest box that fits the goods. A box that is too big makes you pay for air.
- Cut unnecessary void fill, without weakening the protection of the products.
- Pack dense and light items together in the same parcel. The actual weight of the first offsets the volume of the second, and the total chargeable weight drops compared with two separate parcels.
- For a pallet, check the real height: a few extra centimeters can add several chargeable kilos.
- For a heavy shipment or a pallet, also get a quote for standard air freight.
How do you check the chargeable weight on a shipping invoice?
Carriers measure and weigh parcels in their sorting centers. If the recorded dimensions exceed those in the booking, they rebill the difference after shipment. To avoid surprises:
- record the dimensions and weight of each parcel when packing, with a photo if possible;
- compare them with the values on the invoice, parcel by parcel;
- dispute any gap quickly, attaching your measurements.
With OVRSEA, the dimensions entered in your request are used to compare DHL Express, FedEx and UPS offers on the same chargeable weight. In the event of a discrepancy or dispute, we handle the claim with the carrier. Our guide shipping a heavy parcel internationally covers the other components of the price.
FAQ
What is the formula for the volumetric weight of a parcel?
At DHL Express and FedEx, the volumetric weight in kilograms equals length × width × height in centimeters, divided by 5,000. Dimensions are measured at the widest points of the parcel, packaging included. The carrier then compares this result with the actual weight and charges the higher of the two.
Why is my parcel billed at a higher weight than it actually weighs?
Because its volumetric weight exceeds its actual weight. A light but bulky parcel takes up the space of a heavier parcel in the aircraft, and the carrier charges for that space. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm box weighing 8 kg is billed at 19.2 kg in express.
Is volumetric weight the same in express and in air freight?
No. In express, DHL Express and FedEx divide the volume in cubic centimeters by 5,000, which is 200 kg per cubic meter. In standard air freight, the usual divisor is 6,000, which is about 167 kg per cubic meter. For the same bulky shipment, the chargeable weight is therefore higher in express.
How can I reduce the volumetric weight of a shipment?
Choose the smallest box that fits the goods, cut unnecessary void fill and pack dense and light items together in one parcel rather than in two. Measure each parcel before requesting a quote: an underestimated dimension leads to a rebilling after shipment.