People using courier services usually do not give much thought to how the price of a consignment is calculated, as the dimensions of the consignment usually fall within those considered standard by the carrier. This is why the concept of "overall weight" remains a mystery to many. However, it is worth finding out what this term actually means.
Dimensional weighing is also referred to as dimensional, volumetric, volumetric or spatial weighing. It is usually erroneously associated with the actual weight of a parcel, i.e. the kilograms you get when you place it on the scale.
In essence, it is a factor in calculating the cost of a shipment. If a consignment is not automatically sorted, i.e. if it does not fit into the accepted dimensions, it is priced using the dimensional weight.
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How do I calculate the overall weight?
As the name implies, the relevant dimensions are used to calculate the gab weight. This can be done using the formula:
Length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) / 6000
To get the dimensional weight, you need to multiply all the dimensions of the shipment and then divide them by the volumetric weight conversion factor (usually 6000, but some courier companies may use a different conversion factor). Information about this is included in each carrier's terms and conditions. To make the calculation, you can also use one of the websites that offer a calculator to price your shipment.
Dimensional weight and transport costs
It is worth remembering, however, that the final cost of transport is calculated by comparing the actual weight of the consignment and the overall weight. The larger one is always used for pricing. To illustrate this with an example:
The overall weight of a 30 x 30 x 30 parcel will be 4.5 (because 30 x 30 x 30 / 6000 = 4.5). Assuming that its actual weight is 10 kg, this is what will be taken into account when calculating the transport costs (because 4.5 < 10). However, if the actual weight were less than the overall weight, it is the latter that will prove to be the determining factor in the pricing.
The use of dimensional scales provides a certain security for hauliers. This is primarily a question of the space that consignments take up in the transport vehicle - large, but lightweight goods take up more space, so it is much more cost-effective to calculate the cost of transport using the dimensional rather than the actual weight.
Proper shipment parameters
When using courier services, customers usually fit into standard parcel sizes. In most cases, it is therefore difficult to determine what really influences the calculation of the delivery cost - whether the weight or the dimensions of the parcel. It is therefore very important to get the shipping parameters right when sending goods.
These are usually checked and verified at the distribution warehouse or sorting office. If wrong dimensions are given, the customer must expect additional charges. If the overall weight exceeds the actual weight, the surcharge can be up to 100% of the original shipping price.
InPost bulky parcels
Bulky parcels in our company are priced according to the formula given above. The maximum weight of a parcel cannot exceed 70 kilograms, and additional charges will apply for parcels over 50 kilograms (for each additional kilogram).
We also offer long-distance parcels. They are distinguished by the fact that the dimension of the longest side exceeds 200 cm. How are they accounted for? The price of such a shipment is calculated by adding up each commenced metre. The maximum length cannot exceed 350 cm and the weight cannot exceed 30 kg.
Standard and non-standard parcels
InPost's basic offer applies to parcel post parcels. We offer them to our customers in three different sizes so that they fit calmly into the boxes in the machine. The available sizes are as follows:
- XS size with maximum dimensions of 4 x 23 x 40 cm and largest weight of 3 kg. This size is only available in the InPost Mobile app,
- Gabarit A with maximum dimensions of 8 x 38 x 64 cm and a maximum weight of 25 kg,
- Gabarit B with a maximum size of 19 x 38 x 64 cm and a maximum weight of 25 kg,
- Gabarit C with a maximum size of 41 x 38 x 64 cm and a maximum weight of 25 kg.
When it comes to standard courier services The longest side must not exceed 120 cm and the sum of all dimensions must not exceed 220 cm. If any of the values is higher, we are dealing with a non-standard parcel. This is also the case for irregularly shaped and protruding items. We hope that by now you know all about oversize parcels and more!
