How International Freight Forwarders Reasonably Reduce Freight Costs Tips for Calculating Volumetric Weight vs Actual Weight

How Can International Freight Forwarders Save Shipping Costs? Tips for Calculating Volumetric Weight and Actual Weight

With the growing prosperity of international trade, the international freight forwarding industry is also experiencing rapid development. However, shipping costs often account for a significant portion of the cost of goods, making it a focal point for many cargo owners to effectively reduce shipping expenses. Here, we will explore how international freight forwarders can save on shipping costs by mastering the techniques of calculating volumetric weight and actual weight.

I. Choosing an Appropriate Packaging Method

In the transportation process, the choice of packaging method has a significant impact on volumetric weight. Generally speaking, using packaging methods such as cardboard boxes or wooden crates can effectively reduce volumetric weight, thereby lowering shipping costs. When selecting a packaging method, factors such as the nature, size, and weight of the goods should be considered to choose an appropriate packaging method.

II. Reasonably Arranging the Order of Goods

When loading goods, reasonably arranging their order can effectively reduce volumetric weight. For example, placing heavy items at the bottom and lighter ones on top can effectively reduce gaps, thus lowering shipping costs. Grouping similar or identical goods together can reduce the use of packaging materials, further reducing shipping costs.

III. Mastering the Calculation Techniques for Volumetric Weight and Actual Weight

Volumetric weight and actual weight are important indicators for measuring shipping costs. Volumetric weight is calculated based on the dimensions and density of the goods, while actual weight refers to the actual weight of the goods. During transportation, volumetric weight is often overestimated; therefore, mastering calculation techniques can effectively reduce shipping costs.

1. Understanding the Density of Common Packaging Materials

The densities of common packaging materials include cardboard 600-800 gsm, foam EPS 15-35 kg/m³, wooden frame 60-70 kg/m³, woven bags 0.3-0.6 kg/m³, etc. Understanding these densities helps in more accurately calculating the volumetric weight of goods.

2. Flexibly Applying Volume Formulas

When calculating the volumetric weight of goods, it is necessary to flexibly apply volume formulas, combining them with the dimensions and shapes of the goods for calculation. For example, the volume of rectangular goods = length × width × height; the volume of cylindrical goods = base area × height. Through precise calculations, one can avoid increases in shipping costs due to excessively high volumetric weights.

IV. Choosing an Appropriate International Freight Forwarder

Selecting a reputable and professional international freight forwarder is one of the key factors in reducing shipping costs. When working with a freight forwarder, attention should be paid to the following

1. Understanding the Composition of the Freight Forwarder's Quotation In addition to basic freight charges, other additional fees such as fuel surcharges and transfer fees should also be understood to make price comparisons more targeted.

2. Paying Attention to Transportation Timeliness For goods with high timeliness requirements, freight forwarders with efficient transportation networks and experienced operational teams should be chosen to ensure that goods arrive at their destination on time.

V. Case Analysis

Recently, a customer shipped a batch of furniture to Europe, with a total weight of 5 tons. By flexibly applying the calculation techniques for volumetric weight and actual weight when choosing packaging methods and loading orders, the customer first chose suitable packaging material cardboard boxes and reasonably arranged the order of the goods, placing heavier items at the bottom. Secondly, through precise calculations, the customer found that the volumetric weight of this batch of furniture might be higher than the actual weight usually, the volumetric weight of furniture is 20%-30% higher than the actual weight. Therefore, the customer communicated with the selected international freight forwarder, suggesting appropriate adjustments to the packaging method and order to reduce shipping costs. Ultimately, under the assistance of the freight forwarder, the shipping costs for this batch of furniture were effectively reduced.

In conclusion, international freight forwarders can effectively reduce shipping costs through strategies such as mastering packaging methods, loading sequences, calculation techniques for volumetric weight and actual weight, and choosing appropriate international freight forwarders. In practical operations, flexibly applying these techniques and adjusting them according to specific circumstances will help improve shipping efficiency and reduce costs.