Shipping furniture can be expensive due to various considerations, including the size and weight of the pieces, the distance they must travel, and the carrier utilized. Understanding these aspects can assist consumers in more accurately estimating shipping costs and selecting the most effective carrier for their needs.
One of the primary factors affecting shipping costs is the size and weight of items. Carriers often use volumetric weight to calculate shipping costs for larger items. This measurement is based on the amount of space an item takes up in the carrier's vehicle, rather than the actual weight of the item. To calculate volumetric weight, multiply the length, width, and height of the item in centimeters, then divide by the carrier's volumetric divisor (usually 5000 or 6000). The resulting number represents the item's volumetric weight in kilograms.
For example, let's consider shipping an acacia diamond coffee table. The actual weight of the coffee table is 60 pounds (27.22 kg). However, its box size is 36"x36"x18" (91.44 cm x 91.44 cm x 45.72 cm). To calculate the volumetric weight, we would multiply the dimensions (91.44 x 91.44 x 45.72) and then divide by the volumetric divisor (5000 or 6000). Using a divisor of 5000, the volumetric weight of the coffee table would be calculated as follows: (91.44 x 91.44 x 45.72) / 5000 = 74.26 kg.
Carriers typically charge based on the higher of the actual or volumetric weight, which is why it's important to consider both when estimating shipping costs. In the case of the coffee table, the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, so carriers would charge based on the 74.26 kg volumetric weight.
The distance that things must travel is another element that influences shipping prices. Long-distance or international shipping of furniture might be more expensive than local shipping due to the additional cost of fuel and other expenditures connected with long-distance transportation.
We understand that shipping costs for furniture can come as a surprise to many customers. However, by reading this blog, we hope to have shed some light on the factors that impact shipping costs, particularly the concept of volumetric weight. While actual weight is important, carriers also take into account the space an item takes up in their vehicle. This means that larger items may be charged based on their volumetric weight, which can often be higher than their actual weight.
We hope that this blog has provided you with valuable insights into the world of furniture shipping