Shipping goods internationally involves several key concepts that determine the cost of transporting your items. Among the most critical are actual weight, shipping weight, and chargeable weight.

Misunderstanding these terms can lead to miscalculated shipping fees or even misunderstandings between clients and logistics providers.

Let’s break these concepts down, explore why they matter, and see how a repacking service or a reliable repacking agent can help optimize your shipping process.

Actual Weight: This is the physical weight of your package measured on a scale. It includes the product and any initial packaging but does not account for dimensional considerations.

Shipping Weight: This weight includes the total package weight, factoring in additional packaging materials used to protect your items during transit.

Chargeable Weight: Shipping companies calculate this based on the higher value between the actual weight and the dimensional weight (also known as volumetric weight).

Dimensional weight is calculated using the formula:
Dimensional Weight (kg)
=Length (cm)×Width (cm)×Height (cm)/5000

​The divisor (e.g., 5000) varies slightly depending on the carrier, such as UPS or FedEx.

Accurately understanding these weight definitions is essential for avoiding surprises in shipping costs. Many customers mistakenly assume their costs are based solely on actual weight, but when dimensional weight exceeds this, shipping companies charge based on the chargeable weight.

This can lead to situations where customers feel their logistics providers are overcharging or misleading them. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can make informed decisions about shipping, reduce unnecessary costs, and better communicate with your sourcing agent or repacking agent.

Most major logistics providers, including UPS, FedEx, and DHL, use standardized formulas to determine the dimensional weight of a package. The goal is to account for packages that occupy significant space but are relatively lightweight.

For example:

Actual Weight: A package weighs 10 kg on a scale.

Dimensions: 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm.

Dimensional Weight Calculation:

Dimensional Weight
=50×50×50/5000
=50kg

In this case, the chargeable weight is 50 kg because it is greater than the actual weight of 10 kg.

A professional repacking service plays a crucial role in optimizing your shipping costs. When you use a repacking agent, they analyze your products and packaging to ensure efficient use of space, reducing the overall dimensions of the package. This directly impacts the chargeable weight, often making it closer to the actual weight.

By consolidating packages, removing unnecessary materials, and using tailored packaging, a repacking service helps you save money on shipping fees while maintaining the safety and quality of your goods.

Let’s illustrate the impact of understanding these weights with an example:

Scenario 1: Without Repacking Service

Actual Weight: 10 kg

Dimensions: 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm

Dimensional Weight:
Dimensional Weight
=50×50×50/5000
=50kg

Chargeable Weight: 50 kg

Shipping Cost: $10 per kg

Total Cost: 50×10=500$

Scenario 2: With Repacking Service

After repacking, dimensions are reduced to 40 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm.

Dimensional Weight:
Dimensional Weight
=40×40×40/5000
=25.6kg

Chargeable Weight: 26 kg (rounded up)

Shipping Cost:
26×10=260$

In this example, the repacking agent saved $240 in shipping costs by reducing the dimensional weight.

Understanding these concepts helps you plan better during the product sourcing stage. By working with a professional sourcing agent and repacking agent, you can reduce shipping costs, ensure product quality, and focus on growing your business.

Our repacking service is designed to help you optimize costs, enhance packaging efficiency, and navigate the complexities of international shipping. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on running your business.