How freight forwarders calculate shipping weight?

Many people think shipping a fluffy toy should be cheaper because it is very light.

But that is not always true.

In shipping, forwarders charge by actual weight or volume weight.

They use whichever is higher.

For example, a product weighs 3 kg.

The carton size is 30 × 20 × 15 cm.

In this case, they charge 3 kg.

Now look at a fluffy toy.

It weighs only 1.5 kg.

But the carton size is 40 × 30 × 30 cm.

The box is big, so they do not charge 1.5 kg.

They charge volume weight.

How to calculate volume weight?

Carton size in cm.

40 × 30 × 30 ÷ 5000 = 7.2 kg.

Forwarders usually round up.

So they charge 7.5 kg.

This is important shipping knowledge.

Next time, do not only check the weight.

Always check the carton size too.

It decides if your shipment is charged by volume weight.

If you are planning to build your own product line, choosing lightweight and compact products is always a smarter start. You can see some examples of custom wooden gifts here.