How is shipping cost calculated?

Shipping cost is calculated based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric (dimensional) weight, the shipping distance (zone), and the service type (air, sea, road, express). Volumetric weight is calculated as (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 5000 for air freight. Carriers charge whichever weight is higher.

What affects shipping rates the most?

The main factors affecting shipping rates are: weight and volume of the shipment, origin and destination distance, shipping mode (air is fastest but most expensive, sea is cheapest but slowest), fuel surcharges, customs duties, insurance, and any special handling requirements like temperature control or hazmat.

How can I reduce shipping costs?

To reduce shipping costs: optimize packaging to reduce dimensional weight, ship in bulk when possible, compare rates across carriers, use sea freight for non-urgent shipments, negotiate volume discounts, and ensure accurate weight measurements to avoid reclassification fees.

Shipping Cost Estimate — Calculate Freight Rates by Weight & Zone

Shipping Cost Estimator

Estimate shipping costs for your package. Enter dimensions, weight, origin and destination to see estimated rates across different shipping modes.

Package Details

Dimensions in

Weight in

Currency

Length

Width

Height

Actual Weight

No. of Packages

Origin & Destination

Origin Zone

Destination Zone

How Shipping Costs Are Calculated

Shipping costs depend on several factors working together. The carrier first determines the billable weight — whichever is greater between actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight. Then the rate is applied based on the shipping zone (distance between origin and destination) and the service level chosen.

Volumetric Weight vs Actual Weight

Carriers use volumetric weight to account for space occupied by lightweight, bulky packages. The formula is (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000 for air freight and ÷ 1000 for sea freight. If the volumetric weight exceeds actual weight, the carrier charges based on volumetric weight.

Shipping Modes Comparison

Air Freight: 3–7 days transit. Best for time-sensitive, high-value goods. Most expensive per kg.
Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS): 1–5 days. Door-to-door with tracking. Premium pricing.
Road / LTL: 5–14 days. Good for domestic and regional. Mid-range cost.
Sea Freight (FCL/LCL): 15–45 days. Cheapest for large/heavy shipments. Slowest transit.

Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs

Use right-sized packaging to minimize dimensional weight
Ship in bulk to qualify for volume discounts
Compare rates across multiple carriers
Use sea freight for non-urgent shipments
Negotiate contracts with carriers for regular shipments