How it is calculated
- Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ divisor (6000 or 5000)
- Chargeable weight = the larger of actual and volumetric weight (usually rounded up to 0.5 kg)
- CBM = length × width × height (cm) ÷ 1,000,000 · basis for LCL sea freight
- Sum of sides = length + width + height · basis for Korean courier size tiers
For example, a 40 × 30 × 25 cm box with a 6000 divisor has a volumetric weight of 5 kg. Even if it actually weighs 3.2 kg, you pay for 5 kg. With express (5000) it is 6 kg.
How to cut freight costs
- Fit the box to the product: cutting just 5 cm of height makes it 40 × 30 × 20 cm, 4 kg volumetric, 1 kg less.
- One box or several: sometimes one big box beats several small ones, sometimes the reverse. Change the number of boxes to compare.
- Heavy loads by sea: for large orders such as 1688 stock, sea freight (by CBM) can be far cheaper than air.
FAQ
Should I use 6000 or 5000?
Forwarders and regular air freight typically use 6000, while international express carriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS use 5000. The same box comes out 20% heavier at 5000, so check your carrier’s rate card.
Do Korean domestic couriers use volumetric weight?
Domestic couriers usually set size tiers (extra small, small, medium, large, etc.) by the sum of the sides and the weight. Tiers vary by courier and contract, so compare the sum shown here with your rate card.
What if volumetric weight is lower than actual weight?
Then you are charged on actual weight. Chargeable weight is always the larger of the two.
Related: Guide: 1688 import cost and customs clearance
For reference only. Minimum chargeable weight, rounding and fuel surcharges vary by carrier.