Couriers charge by volumetric or actual weight, whichever is higher. Calculate both before you ship.
Couriers bill on chargeable weight, which is the higher of the parcel's actual weight and its volumetric (dimensional) weight. Volumetric weight converts the space a box occupies into a weight using the formula (Length x Width x Height in cm) divided by a divisor - 5000 for most Indian surface couriers, 4000 for some, and 6000 for air cargo. Light but bulky items get billed on volume, so measuring the packed box before you ship avoids surprise charges.
A 30 x 20 x 15 cm carton of cushions weighs just 1 kg actual. Volumetric weight = (30 x 20 x 15) / 5000 = 9000 / 5000 = 1.8 kg. Since 1.8 kg is higher than the 1 kg actual, the courier bills you for 1.8 kg, so you should quote shipping and pack accordingly.
Most domestic surface shipments in India use 5000. Some couriers and premium services use 4000, and international air cargo commonly uses 6000. Always confirm the divisor in your courier agreement, since it directly changes your bill.
Because it is bulky. When the box is large but the contents are light, volumetric weight exceeds actual weight and the courier charges on volume. Using a smaller, snug box lowers the volumetric weight and the cost.
Measure the final packed box, including the carton and any cushioning, because that is the space the courier actually carries. Round up to the nearest cm as most couriers do.
Use right-sized boxes, remove empty space, use flat or vacuum packing for soft goods, and avoid oversized cartons. Cutting box dimensions cuts volumetric weight fast, since volume grows with all three sides.
Commmerce captures package weight at packing and generates carrier labels automatically.
See Fulfilment & Delivery
