Volumetric weight

Volumetric weight (also called "dimensional weight") reflects the parcel density. In other terms, it corresponds to the space occupied by a parcel in relation to its actual weight. 

I - Applicability

Some shipping rates are based on the volumetric weight (mainly Express and air shipments).

II - Calculation

The volumetric weight is calculated as follows:

The volumetric coefficient differs by carrier (check part III to have the volumetric coefficient for each carrier).

⚠️ Carriers apply the price corresponding to the volumetric weight  if it is greater than the gross weight of the package. 

Example 1:

• You want to ship a product measuring 45 x 20 x 15 cm and weighing 3 kg
• Your package measures 50 x 30 x 20 cm
• You are shipping with Colissimo International so the volumetric coefficient is 5000

Volumetric weight is calculated:

50*30*20=30 000
30 000/5000 = 6  → the volumetric weight is 6kg

6 is bigger than 3, so  you will be charged for a 6kg shipment (and not 3kg).
 

Example 2:

• Your package measures 20 x 20 x 15 cm and weighs 2kg
•  The volumetric coefficient is 5000

The volumetric weight is 20*20*15/5000 = 1.2 kg < 2 kg (gross weight) so you will be charged for a 2kg shipment

III - Volumetric coefficient

The volumetric coefficients that apply are listed below.

Chronopost (all services)

• Road Shipment Coefficient: application of the volumetric weight if the Volumetric weight ≥ 2*Gross Weight with a coefficient of 5000
• Air Shipment Coefficient: 5000
• Destinations subject to air shipment: Finland, Greece, Bulgaria, Liechtenstein, Norway
  

KN Road International

• Coefficient: 5000

La Poste (Colissimo Access, Expert, Colissimo International)

• Air Shipment Coefficient: 5000
• Destinations subject to air shipment: all overseas (Outre-Mer) and international destinations, except
  Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

UPS

• Road Shipment Coefficient: 5000
• Air Shipment Coefficient: 5000

Volumetric weight does not apply for the following characters: 

• Colis Privé
• DPD
• Geodis
• Iberia Standard, Iberia Express
• KN Road Domestic
• Maersk-B2C Europe
• Mondial Relay
• UK Standard, UK Express