How to reduce the cost of shipping dimensional or volumetric weight
When you want to get your shipment from A to B as quickly and easily as possible, the last thing you want to do is pay a shipping charge that ruins your day. While we pride ourselves on getting you the best price you’ll find, there are also a few things you need to know to make it possible. Top of the list is reducing your volumetric weight, so let’s dive right in and take a look…
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric, or dimensional weight, is a metric that considers the size of your shipment and the weight. It’s essentially a measure of the density so that shipping companies can factor in how much space your package will take up in the hold.
Imagine you’re sending something large but relatively lightweight like a canoe for example. It may only weigh as much as a small box of books, but it takes up significantly more space. While this may not matter to you, it does matter to the shipping company. Why? Because now they have less space to fit in other packages which means they’ll make less money. Volumetric weight is their way of correcting for this.
Is it fair to be charged volumetric weight?
It’s standard practice in the industry and something that we can help you navigate with ease. To make sure you never pay a penny more than you have to, keep reading and we’ll guide you through a whole host of tips that will save you time, money, and effort every time you ship.
Can you reduce volumetric weight?
Absolutely! While the absolute weight that you’d see when weighing your package on the scales is fixed (provided you don’t decide to leave something behind) the volumetric weight can be reduced. This is because you can reduce the space your package takes up with a series of clever packing hacks that will increase the density of your shipment. The greater the density, the less space it takes up, and the less you’ll be charged to get it from A to B. Here are our top 3 tips to make sure you get it as low as you can and pay as little as possible.
Tip 1: Get your packaging right
If you want to compact your package then it’s your packaging that’s the secret. By putting a little extra thought into how you can fit the various components of your package around one another you can save a whole lot of space in your box. Here are a few common examples:
- Shipping clothes and shoes: Fold your clothes neatly before sealing in a vacuum bag to shrink them right down. You can also roll up smaller pieces like socks and underwear and store them inside any shoes you’re shipping. Before you know it your package has halved in size
- Shipping breakables and valuables: If you’re shipping a family heirloom or something fragile like a vase or painting it’s natural to reach for the bubble wrap. The problem is that you’re paying for the space the packing materials take up, not just the space and weight of your items. Opt for rigid walled packaged with high-density foam for shock absorption whenever possible and you’ll save plenty of space
- Shipping bicycles and unusual shaped items: If you have the option to disassemble the item, you’re shipping then it’s certainly worth doing. Taking the front wheel, seat, and handlebars off a bike will reduce the volume it takes up and allow you to ship it for a fraction of the price
Tip 2: Pick your shipping method carefully
You want your packages to get to their destination safely and securely, but do you really need to pay for the fastest delivery at peak time? Sometimes you’ll have to and there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you don’t have to, why not think about saving yourself a little extra money?
The precise amount you would save will depend on what you’re shipping, where it’s going, the company you choose, and the times you’re choosing between. If you have the freedom to be flexible with when your shipment arrives, shop around to see how low you can push the volumetric weight down.
Here are a few things you’ll want to consider:
- Will your new longer shipping time still give you plenty of room for error if things are delayed for any reason?
- Is there a more direct route to your destination that your package could be sent on, and would the reduced travel time lead to a drop in the price?
- Can you make use of any bulk discounts or seasonal pricing to get your package moved for less?
Tip 3: Find the perfect shipping company
As with everything in life you can save yourself a whole host of stress by connecting with the right people from day one. Finding the right shipping company will connect you with fair prices, flexible options, and a simple approach to calculating volumetric weight.
Here are the key things you’ll want to look for when you’re searching for a shipping company:
- Do they have a track record and some online reviews you can take a look at?
- Are they well regarded in the industry for getting packages to their destinations on time and without errors along the way?
- Are they easy to deal with and willing to talk you through how to reduce the volumetric weight?
Anything else you need to know?
The final top tip for you today is to make sure you remove any empty packaging. Having a box that is only half full is a great way to make sure you pay more to ship your items, and it’s also a problem that’s easily fixed. Measure your items before ordering your packaging, or cut your box down to eliminate any empty space once you’ve packed everything and the prices will come right down.
Got a question on how to reduce your shipping cost further?
If you’re unsure about anything to do with volumetric shipping charges, or on any aspect of your shipping needs? Why not speak to us at Cargonaija?
Your comment and suggestions are important to us, why not leave us a comment in the comment section below?
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