Why a lightweight parcel from China can cost more to ship
Actual versus volumetric weight: what to measure and how to compare delivery quotes.
Plan packing and shipping costsStep 5 of 5
Measure the finished parcel
Ask the warehouse for the external length, width, height and weight after packing. Product dimensions in a listing are not packed dimensions. Protrusions, protective inserts and outer packaging can change the result.
Confirm the formula for your service
Nova Poshta Global terms dated 8 August 2025 describe comparing actual and volumetric weight and different divisors for sender categories [1]. Ask for the divisor, rounding rules and minimum charge for your quoted service; do not assume a single formula applies to every route.
An illustration, not a tariff
Consider a 40 × 30 × 30 cm box weighing 4 kg. If the agreed divisor is 5000, its volumetric weight is 7.2 kg; with a divisor of 4000, it is 9 kg. This is an arithmetic illustration. Final chargeable weight also depends on the service rules.
| Divisor (cm³/kg) | Actual weight | Volume ÷ divisor | Volumetric weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 | 4 kg | 36,000 ÷ 5000 | 7.2 kg |
| 4000 | 4 kg | 36,000 ÷ 4000 | 9 kg |
Compare the same packing requirements
Request a before-and-after repacking quote with the repacking fee shown separately. A gift box may need to stay intact, and fragile goods need protection. Compare the total and damage risk instead of only the per-kilogram rate. Retain the agreed quote and measurement photos before dispatch.
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