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Ever wondered why that surprisingly light package you ordered ended up costing more to ship than a heavier box of books? You’re not alone! The world of shipping can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Two key pieces of that puzzle are actual weight and volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight).
Think of it this way: imagine you’re trying to pack items in your car boot. You have a box of feathers and a box of gym weights, both the same size. The gym weights are obviously much heavier (actual weight), but the feathers take up just as much space in your car (volumetric weight).
Shipping companies face a similar challenge. They need to account for both how much something weighs and how much space it occupies in their trucks or planes.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into understanding these two concepts, how they’re calculated, and why they matter when shipping packages from abroad with Vitu Za Majuu.
Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
Actual weight and volumetric weight are two sides of the same shipping coin. For companies, getting this balance wrong means either overpaying for air freight or undercharging for space.
So, how do airlines decide which ‘weight’ to bill? Let’s break it down.
What Is Actual Weight?
Actual weight is the real weight of a package, measured on a scale. It’s expressed in kilograms (kg) and reflects how heavy the item physically is.
- Example: If you place a box on a scale and it reads 5 kg, that’s its actual weight.
What Is Volumetric Weight (Dimensional Weight)?
Volumetric weight is based on the size (volume) of the package, not just its physical weight. Shipping companies use this to account for large, lightweight packages that take up more space in a plane or truck.
For most international shipping, the volumetric weight is calculated using the formula:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height) / Divider
The divider (also known as a dimensional factor or volumetric divisor) is the number used in the formula to calculate volumetric weight. It represents how much space a certain weight is allowed to occupy in a shipment. The lower the divider, the higher the volumetric weight, and the more you could pay for lightweight but bulky items.
- Example: A big box full of pillows or a duvet might only weigh 3 kg (actual weight), but because it takes up a lot of space, its volumetric weight could be 10 kgs.
Why Does Volumetric Weight Matter?
Understanding both actual weight and volumetric weight is crucial for cost-effective shipping. Shipping companies calculate charges based on whichever weight is higher. So, if your package is large but light (like pillows), you might end up paying for the space it occupies rather than its actual weight. This can lead to unexpected costs if you’re not careful.
By knowing how to calculate both types of weight, you can:
- Avoid surprise shipping fees
- Pack more efficiently (e.g., compressing bulky items to reduce volumetric weight)
- Choose the best shipping method based on size and weight (air or sea)
- Compare services (some couriers charge differently depending on weight type)
Whether you’re an online shopper or a small business owner, understanding shipping weight helps you make smarter decisions and save money on every shipment.
How Does Vitu Za Majuu Handle Shipping Weight?
At Vitu Za Majuu, we aim to provide transparent and fair pricing when it comes to shipping your items from abroad. One of the key factors that determines your shipping cost is the weight of your package, which can be either actual or volumetric.
1. Actual Weight
This is the physical weight of the package as shown on a weighing scale, measured in kilograms.
2. Volumetric Weight
This measures how much space your package occupies. We calculate it using the formula:
Length × Width × Height (in inches) ÷ 305
This gives us the volumetric weight in kilograms.
So, Which Weight Do We Use?
To ensure fairness and consistency, we always compare the actual weight and volumetric weight as per airline standards. The higher value between the two is what we use for pricing.
- Example 1: If your package weighs 2 kg but has a volumetric weight of 5 kg, we will charge based on 5 kg.
- Example 2: If your package weighs 5 kg but the volumetric weight is only 2 kg, we will charge based on 5 kg.
This is a standard international shipping practice and helps us manage space and costs effectively.
How Can Vitu Za Majuu Help You Minimize Volumetric Weight and Save Money?
Here’s how we help you avoid paying extra charges on volumetric weight:
- We Consolidate Items: Combining multiple smaller purchases into one package reduces excess packaging and takes up less space overall.
- We Remove Unnecessary Packaging: Retailers often use oversized boxes or too much padding. If possible, remove extra boxes or request the seller to pack your items more compactly.
- We Recommend Choosing Compact Items: If you’re choosing between similar products, go for the one with more compact packaging.
- We Encourage Smart Shopping: Avoid large or bulky items that don’t weigh much unless necessary, as they often cost more to ship due to their size.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to international shipping, not all weight is equal. At Vitu Za Majuu, we believe in helping you understand how your shipping costs are calculated when you shop and ship from the USA and UK to Kenya.
We are committed to:
- Transparency: You’ll always know what you’re paying for and why.
- Fair Pricing: No hidden charges, just honest rates.
- Customer Support: We’re here to help you consolidate, repack, or clarify any questions you may have.
Shipping from the UK or US doesn’t have to be confusing. With Vitu Za Majuu, it’s smart, simple, and fair.
If this article was helpful, please share it with a friend or two. Additionally, feel free to share your experience with volumetric or actual weight in the comment section below.
Bonus Tip!
Before shipping anything, it’s recommended that you request a quote from us. This way, you can plan and budget ahead. Want a quote for something you’ve been eyeing abroad?
- Email us at shop@vituzamajuu.com or call us on 0759 46 40 47.
- Or simply fill out our quotation form here.
