A large light box can cost more to transport than its scale weight suggests. Understanding the three weight terms helps you prepare a useful quote request.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Actual weight | The packed parcel’s weight on the scale, including the carton and protective material. |
| Volumetric weight | The packed parcel’s outer volume converted into a weight using the selected service’s divisor. |
| Chargeable weight | The weight used for pricing after the carrier applies its actual-versus-volumetric comparison and rounding rules. |
Further reading: FedEx: actual and dimensional weight
Volumetric weight (kg) = outer length (cm) × outer width (cm) × outer height (cm) ÷ service divisor.
Ask us which divisor applies to your quotation. The examples below use 5,000 only to explain the calculation; this is not a promise that every carrier or service uses that divisor.
| Packed dimensions | Actual weight | Volumetric result | Higher weight before carrier rounding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 × 30 × 25 cm | 8 kg | 6 kg | 8 kg |
| 50 × 40 × 30 cm | 8 kg | 12 kg | 12 kg |
| 60 × 40 × 40 cm | 15 kg | 19.2 kg | 19.2 kg |
Choose a sound carton that fits the contents with enough cushioning to prevent movement. Avoid unnecessary outer space, but do not remove essential protection simply to reduce size. An undersized or overfilled box can split, bulge or be remeasured.
Put your measurements in the quote form’s optional box-details section. For more than one box, add the remaining measurements in your note. Our team confirms the final chargeable weight after reviewing the service and packed parcels.
Official references reviewed 18 September 2026. Check the applicable requirements again when booking.
Clear information for every shipment, from the contents of your box to the paperwork at customs.
Documents, clean clothing, books and non-hazardous gifts are common parcel enquiries. Tell us exactly what is inside, including hidden batteries, liquids or food ingredients. Acceptance is confirmed for the destination and selected service before booking.
A mixed parcel is checked item by item. One restricted product can affect the entire box, so include every item in your list and keep product labels or invoices ready.
Never hide illegal goods, counterfeit products or undeclared hazardous materials in a parcel. Fireworks, fuel, gas cylinders, corrosive chemicals and similar dangerous goods do not belong in an ordinary personal parcel.
Medicines, food, seeds, wooden articles, batteries, perfumes and valuables need separate checks. A restricted item may need permits or specialist handling; it is not automatically accepted because another item in the box is allowed.
Shipping weight considers both the scale weight and the space occupied by the packed box. Measure its outer length, width and height in centimetres and send us all three measurements with the actual weight.
Volumetric weight = length × width × height ÷ the service’s divisor. For an illustrative divisor of 5,000, a 50 × 40 × 30 cm box gives 12 kg. Carrier measurement, rounding and the chosen service determine the final chargeable weight.
Further reading: FedEx: actual and dimensional weight
Give a clear item description, quantity, genuine value and reason for sending. Customs can inspect the parcel or request documents. A gift or personal parcel is still subject to destination import rules.
Ask which freight, tax, duty, remote-area and clearance charges your quote includes, and who pays any destination charges. Never use a false description or a deliberately reduced value to avoid customs checks.
Keep the sender’s recognised identity and address proof ready. Names and addresses should match the shipment paperwork. Business consignments and regulated items can require additional documents.
Complete verification through the office or the verified carrier process after the service is confirmed. Do not paste identity numbers, prescriptions, passwords or payment details into the public quote form.
Further reading: FedEx India: KYC and customs documents
Use a sound carton, protect items from movement and remove old labels. Keep food in suitable sealed packaging only after acceptance is confirmed. Add the receiver’s full address, postcode and reachable phone number.
Keep an item list and photos of the packed contents. Confirm pickup availability, the expected delivery window and any remote-area requirement before handing over the parcel.
Food, medicines, customs and delivery requirements differ by country. Choose the actual receiving country before preparing your parcel.
