EastMallBuySpreadsheet

Why a light parcel can still cost more.

Shipping can be charged for the space a parcel occupies as well as what it weighs.

Actual weight and volumetric weight

Actual weight comes from the scale. Volumetric weight is calculated from the packed length, width and height using the route’s divisor. Read that divisor and any minimum charge in the quote; different routes need not produce the same billed weight.

For practice, a 40 × 30 × 20 cm box has a volume of 24,000 cm³. Divide by the divisor on your actual quote. This example is arithmetic, not a shipping rate.

Measuring the final carton from one outside corner to the other
Measure all three outside dimensions of the packed parcel. The photograph shows the method, not a quoted size.

Decide what packaging is worth keeping

A rigid shoe box may add volume. A soft jacket may compress, but crushing a fragile item to save space can defeat the purpose of buying it. Ask about suitable protection and compare the packed quote after your instructions are applied.

Do not remove packaging until you have accepted the item and considered whether it is needed for a return.

Size limits are separate from price

A parcel may be too long for a route even if its weight is low. Check the longest side and the route’s current size and weight limits before submitting. The estimator is a starting point; the packed measurements determine the final request.

Recheck contents · Read the quote