Why You Might be Paying More for these Types of Items - Volumetric Weight Measurement

Have you ever wondered why shipping a large box of light pillows sometimes costs more than shipping a compact, small, and heavy box of books? If you’ve ever looked at your shipping invoice and seen a weight that doesn't match what you see on your bathroom scale, you’ve encountered Volumetric Weight Measurement.

At Fez Delivery, we believe in transparency. Understanding how your items are measured isn't just about the cost - it’s about understanding the care given to your shipment and "room” or “space" your package will occupy while in transit to its destination.

While most people only think about how heavy an item is (Actual Weight), volume takes a 3D (three-dimensional) look at your package. It considers the Height, Breadth (Width), and Length. In some cases, for irregularly shaped items, we even look at the circumference to ensure we rightly determine the full space the item will occupy in our delivery vans or cargo planes.

Why Volumetric Weight is Actually Good for Your Package

It’s easy to see volumetric weight as just an extra fee, but it’s actually a safety-first approach. When we measure an item volumetrically, we are essentially booking a seat for that item that fits its exact shape.

Here is why this benefits you:

1. Optimal Placement: By knowing the volume, our loaders can arrange the van perfectly. This ensures that your unique or large items aren't squeezed into a corner.
2. Protection from Crushing: Volumetric measurement gives notice to our team that an item takes up space but might be light. This ensures we don't accidentally stack heavy, dense crates on top of your lighter, high-volume and sometimes delicate goods.
3. Stability in Transit: It helps us balance the weight distribution in our vehicles, leading to a smoother, safer ride for your packages.

Items That Are Mostly Measured Volumetrically

Some items are "space-hungry." In simpler terms, these items don't weigh much but take up a lot of space. Here are a few examples of items that usually fall under this category:

• Luxury Pillows and Bedding: These are incredibly light but take up massive amounts of space. Volumetric measuring ensures they aren't compressed so much that they lose their shape.
• Large Electronics (like TVs): A 55-inch TV isn't necessarily heavy, but its box is wide and tall. It needs specific breathing space to ensure the screen doesn't face any pressure.
• Automotive Parts (Bumpers or Fenders): These are often awkwardly shaped and averagely light objects. Think about parts of a vehicle or machine. Volumetric measurement ensures they get the specific floor space they need so they don't get bent or compressed.
• Acoustic Guitars: Just like acoustic guitars, some instruments are delicate and need to be packaged in large protective cases. Measuring them by volume ensures they are placed in a no-stack zone for safety.

Several other items fall in this category, but these few examples are enough to help you understand the volumetric measurement method. You can read more on the difference between volumetric and actual measurement in shipping. 

The General Rule of Measurement

In the shipping industry, there is one golden rule: The billable weight will always be whichever is greater - the Actual Weight or the Volumetric Weight.

We calculate the Volumetric Weight using a standard formula:

(Length x Width x Height) / 5000 = Volumetric Weight (in kg)

If your 2kg box of feathers has a volumetric weight of 5kg, the 5kg rate is applied because that is the required amount of space and protection we will allocate to it in the cargo or van.

Choose Safety for Your Next Shipment

The next time you are shipping items that are large, light, or uniquely shaped, we encourage you to use the volumetric weight method. It is the best way to ensure your items are well-placed, arranged with care, and given the priority space they deserve.

At Fez Delivery, we are not just moving boxes; we are moving your valuable items. By respecting the volume, we ensure they reach you or the receiver exactly the way they were handed to us.

Ready to ship? Click here to get an instant quote for your item and see how we can help you move your goods safely across the world!