The volumetric weight of a shipment is a calculation that reflects the density of a package. A less dense item generally occupies more volume of space, in comparison to its actual weight. The volumetric or dimensional weight is calculated and compared with the actual weight of the shipment to ascertain which is greater; the higher weight is used to calculate the shipment cost.

In line with today's advanced aircraft design and technology, it is necessarry for DHL Express to adapt a new computation in order to make efficient use of cargo space and to avoid over-bulking. By doing so, we can better streamline our operations and in the process, deliver the benefits of space saving back to our customers. This initiative will also encourage shippers to improve packaging efficiency by using more compact and environmental-friendly packaging, thus reducing shipment volume and resulting in reduced shipping costs.

Effective 1st November 2008, DHL Express will progressively update the volumetric calculation for its shipments in response to efforts to standardize the volumetric weight calculation for low-density packages. The volumetric divisor will be changed to 5000 and will apply to DHL Express' Same Day, Time Definite and Day Definite products as per the below formula:

length*width*height/5000

You can also use the quick calculator to determine the volumetric weight of DHL Express Shipments.