If you sell online, you already know that courier charges eat into your margin. One cause is easy to overlook: the size of the box. Couriers do not only charge for how heavy a parcel is. They also charge for the space it takes up.
Volumetric weight in simple terms
Many couriers calculate volumetric weight as length × width × height (in cm) divided by a fixed number, often 5000. The courier then bills you for whichever is higher: the real weight or the volumetric weight. Check the exact divisor with your courier, because it can differ.
An example
| Box | Size (cm) | Volume (cm³) | Volumetric weight (÷ 5000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard box that is too big | 30 × 20 × 15 | 9,000 | 1.8 kg |
| Box made to fit the product | 25 × 18 × 12 | 5,400 | 1.08 kg |
If the product itself weighs less than a kilogram, the first box is billed at 1.8 kg and the second at about 1.1 kg. On thousands of parcels, that gap adds up.
Other savings from a better fit
- Less filler: a snug box needs less paper, bubble wrap or foam.
- Less damage: the product moves less in transit, so fewer returns and replacements.
- Less paper per box: a smaller box uses less board, which lowers the cost of the box itself.
- Better storage: boxes of the same size stack neatly in your warehouse.
When a custom size is worth it
A custom size makes sense when you ship the same product regularly in volume. Because custom boxes start at a minimum quantity, they work best for products you sell steadily. For one-off items, a standard size may still be the better choice.
How to get started
Read our guide on how to choose the right box size, then try the box size calculator. Our e-commerce shipping boxes page has the details of what we make.
To get a price, call 9059501177 or email sales@nextinpack.in with your box size and quantity. The minimum order is 1,000 pieces per size, and we deliver in 7 working days from approval.
No comment