Measuring Your Package Correctly: The Guide to Avoiding Shipping Surprises

Daniel Oluwayomi

March 12, 2026

2 min 42 sec

We’ve all been there: those times when you’ve sold an item to a customer, prepped it for delivery, and it’s ready for shipping. But then, you get a surprise at the point of payment - the price on the dashboard looks different from what you already charged your customer. And you are now asking why?

Don’t panic - this article is for you. When you are done reading, you will know what actually happened and how to avoid such shipping surprises.

In the world of logistics, shipping starts long before the rider arrives at your door. It starts with a simple, crucial step: Getting the weight right. Accurate measurement isn't just about numbers; it’s about ensuring transparency, fairness, and a smooth journey for your package from your hands to its final destination. Whether you are shipping across Lagos, sending items outside Nigeria, or receiving shipments into Nigeria, knowing how to measure will save you time and money.

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Why Accuracy Matters

When you provide the correct weight on the Fez booking platform, you unlock several benefits:

Instant, Accurate Quotes: No "estimates" that change later. You pay exactly what you see.
Faster Processing: Accurate data prevents back-and-forth calls and shipping delays.
Better Handling: It helps our team prepare the right wrapping and vehicle for your specific item.
Stronger Trust: It ensures a seamless relationship between you and our delivery experts.

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The Two Ways We Measure Your Shipment

In logistics, we use two primary methods to determine cost. Understanding the difference helps you prepare for logistics costs effectively.

1. Actual Weight (The Scale Weight)

This is the most straightforward method. It is the physical weight of your item measured on a scale after it has been fully packaged.

Includes: The product + the box + bubble wrap/padding.
Example: If you place a packaged box of shoes on a scale and it reads 4 kg, your Actual Weight is 4 kg.

2. Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight

Sometimes, a package is very light but takes up a lot of space (like a large bag of cotton or a giant teddy bear). Because space is limited in delivery vehicles and planes, we calculate the "volume" the package occupies.

To find this, we use a standard formula:

What is "Chargeable Weight"?

At the end of the day, we compare the Actual Weight and the Volumetric Weight. The higher of the two becomes your Chargeable Weight. This is the standard practice used by carriers worldwide to ensure fairness and efficiency.

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This article will not be complete without these Fez Pro-Tips on How to Save Money:

Minimise Dead Space: Use a box that fits your item snugly. If you use a box that is too large, you are paying for "air" via volumetric weight.
Trim the Flaps: Ensure your box is taped down properly and no flaps are sticking out, as this can add extra centimetres to your measurements.
Know Your Item: High-density items (like books) are usually billed by Actual Weight, while low-density items (like pillows) are almost always billed by Volumetric Weight.

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Coming Up Next: Wondering which category your specific item falls into? In our next post, we will highlight common items and the standard measurement methods used for them.

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Ready to get started?

Visit www.fezdelivery.co today to book your next shipment, and share this guide with a business owner that does regular shipping!