Why Shipping a Watch Could Costs More Than a Bale of Shein Clothes: Mastering Volumetric Weight
Jan 24, 2025
Did you know that shipping a watch could cost more to ship than a bale of Shein clothes? It sounds odd, but there is a hidden factor at play called volumetric weight. This crucial shipping concept can significantly impact your costs, especially when you are dealing with shipping from the USA, UK or arranging sea shipping from China to Africa.
Let’s break it down and explore how understanding volumetric weight can save you money when shipping to Africa.
What is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric weight, sometimes called dimensional weight, measures how much space your package takes up. It’s a key consideration for shipping companies because large, lightweight packages can take up significant room, reducing the space available for other shipments.
The formula for calculating volumetric weight is simple:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 6000
Here’s how it works:
- Dimensions (Length, Width, Height) are measured in centimeters.
- The divisor (6000) is standard for air freight.
Shipping companies like us, which specialize in sea and air shipping from China to Africa, air shipping from the USA, UK, Dubai and Canada use this formula to ensure fair pricing for all customers.
Why Do Shipping Companies Use Volumetric Weight?
When shipping carriers calculate charges, they consider both the actual weight (the weight on a scale) and the volumetric weight. The higher value is used for billing.
Why? Because space on planes and ships is limited. A lightweight, bulky package like a box of cotton can take up far more room than a dense, heavy package like a rock.
Examples to Illustrate the Concept
- Cotton Box
- Dimensions: 100 × 50 × 30 cm
- Volumetric Weight = (100 × 50 × 30) ÷ 6000 = 90.4 kg
- Actual Weight = 30 kg
- Billed for: 90.4 kg
- Rock Box
- Dimensions: 150 × 150 × 20 cm
- Volumetric Weight = (150 × 150 × 20) ÷ 6000 = 271.1 kg
- Actual Weight = 1 kg
- Billed for: 271.1 kg
How Aquantuo Calculates Shipping Costs
We, experts in air and sea freight services to Africa, ensure transparency in shipping costs. Here’s how the process works:
- Actual Weight: The package is weighed on a scale.
- Volumetric Weight: The dimensions are used in the formula to calculate volumetric weight.
- Comparison: The higher value between actual and volumetric weight is selected for billing.
This system ensures that both space and weight are fairly accounted for, maintaining balance in shipping operations and costs.
Check out the volumetric weight calculator
Top Countries for Shipping and Services Offered
We specialize in logistics solutions for customers in various African countries, including:
- Shipping from the USA to Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda and DRC: Popular for e-commerce goods for individuals and businesses.
- Sea and air shipping from China to Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Zambia: Ideal for individuals, bulk shipments, and commercial shipments.
- Shipping services from the UK to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and Rwanda: Streamlined solutions for e-commerce goods for both individuals and businesses.
Whether you are shipping bulky goods or small parcels, Aquantuo’s expertise ensures your items reach their destination safely and on time.
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Tips to Save on Shipping Costs
Understanding volumetric weight can help you make smarter decisions when shipping internationally. Here are some practical tips:
- Choose Compact Packaging
Large boxes with empty space can inflate volumetric weight. Ask sellers to use smaller boxes that fit your items snugly. - Plan Ahead with Price Estimators
Use tools like Aquantuo’s Price Estimator to calculate shipping costs before you send packages. - Opt for Sea Freight for Bulk Shipments
If you’re shipping larger volumes, especially from China, sea freight can be more cost-effective than air freight.
Why Choose Aquantuo for Your Shipping Needs?
We stand out when it comes to transparency, efficiency, and tailored services. Whether it’s shipping from the USA to African destinations or managing sea freight from China, we prioritize fair pricing and customer satisfaction. Plus, our experience in handling diverse shipments makes us a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.
Conclusion: Ship Smarter with Aquantuo
Volumetric weight might seem like a complicated concept, but it’s a game-changer for anyone involved in international shipping. It is important to understand how it works, you can avoid surprises and make informed choices about packaging and shipping methods.
Now that you know the secrets of shipping costs, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. If you are shipping goods to Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda or any other African country, Aquantuo is here to help.
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