Weight vs Volume Pricing Explained: How Courier Costs Are Really Calculated
If you’ve ever sent a parcel and thought, “Why am I being charged more than it weighs?”, you’re not alone.
Courier pricing isn’t just about weight. In fact, most delivery companies use a combination of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight to calculate costs.
This guide explains exactly how it works, why the industry uses it, and how our team here at TaurFlex calculate your shipping price…
What Is Weight vs Volume Pricing?
In simple terms:
Actual weight = what your parcel physically weighs on a scale
Volumetric weight = how much space your parcel takes up in a van or network
Couriers will charge you based on whichever is higher. This is known as chargeable weight.
Why Couriers Use Volumetric Weight
Delivery networks are limited by space, not just weight.
Imagine two parcels:
A small, dense box weighing 20kg
A huge, lightweight box weighing 5kg
The large box takes up far more room in a van, even though it weighs less. If pricing was based on weight alone, bulky parcels would be underpriced and inefficient for the courier to carry.
That’s why the industry uses volumetric pricing. It keeps things fair and ensures:
Vans and depots are used efficiently
Pricing reflects real transport costs
Smaller parcels aren’t subsidising oversized ones
How Volumetric Weight Is Calculated
At TaurFlex, volumetric weight is calculated using this formula: Volumetric weight (kg) = (Width × Depth × Height in cm) ÷ 4000
Example
Let’s say your parcel is:
50cm × 40cm × 30cm
Actual weight: 5kg
Calculation:
50 × 40 × 30 = 60,000
60,000 ÷ 4000 = 15kg volumetric weight
Even though the parcel weighs 5kg, it is charged as 15kg because of its size.
What Is Chargeable Weight?
The chargeable weight is simply the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight
So in the example above:
Actual weight = 5kg
Volumetric weight = 15kg
Chargeable weight = 15kg
This is the figure used to determine pricing.
How TaurFlex Uses Weight Bands
Once the chargeable weight is calculated, your parcel is placed into a pricing band:
0–5kg
5–30kg
Over 30kg
Each band has its own pricing structure.
Important detail most people miss
If you send multiple parcels, pricing is applied within each weight band, not across the entire shipment.
This means:
The first parcel in a band uses the First Box rate
Additional parcels in that same band use the Extra Box rate
This avoids pricing changing based on the order parcels are entered into our system.
What Else Affects the Price?
Weight is just one part of the calculation. TaurFlex also considers:
1. Delivery Zone
Your postcode determines your pricing zone (A, B, C, or D), which affects base rates.
2. Parcel Surcharges
Additional charges may apply for:
Very heavy parcels
Long items
Oversized (out-of-gauge) parcels
3. Delivery Speed
Optional services like:
Next Working Day
By Noon
Saturday delivery
These are added once per shipment.
Why Your Price Might Be Higher Than Expected
Here are the most common reasons:
Your parcel is large but lightweight
It falls into a higher weight band due to volumetric weight
It exceeds standard size limits
It’s going to a higher-cost delivery zone
How to Reduce Shipping Costs
A few simple tips can make a big difference:
Use smaller packaging where possible
Avoid unnecessary empty space in boxes
Break large shipments into multiple compact parcels
Check dimensions carefully before booking
Getting a Price for Your Delivery
Weight vs volume pricing isn’t designed to catch you out. It’s a standard system used across the courier industry to ensure pricing reflects real-world delivery constraints.
At TaurFlex, we keep things transparent by:
Clearly calculating chargeable weight
Using consistent pricing bands
Applying surcharges only where necessary
If you’re ever unsure, our team are here to explain our delivery costs! To get a quote for next day delivery for your business, talk to our team today.
