Why is the billed weight higher than the actual weight?
The short answer
Some lines charge using the higher of actual and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight uses the outer parcel dimensions and a line-specific divisor. Billing increments may then round that figure further.
A light coat in a large carton can occupy considerable space. Adding the individual item weights therefore may not reproduce the billed parcel weight.
A worked example
For a 40 × 30 × 25 cm parcel on a line using a 6,000 divisor, volumetric weight is 30,000 / 6,000, or 5 kg. If the scale reads 3.5 kg and the line uses the higher figure, the basis is 5 kg before any billing increments. This example is not the rule for every shipping line.
What to collect
- The measured weight including final packaging.
- The outer length, width and height in the required units.
- The divisor, charging method and billing increments for the specific line being compared.
Now, make it yours.
Provide the dimensions and your line’s rule to understand the calculation.
Help me understand my parcel’s billable weight using its actual weight, dimensions and the divisor for my shipping line.Open chatFrequently asked questions
Is the divisor always 6,000?
No. Use the divisor specified for your selected line and the correct units.
Does removing a box always reduce the bill?
It may reduce volume, but savings depend on the resulting billable weight and charging increment.