Search
Search
Close this search box.
How to read Shipping Rate Cards

Reading shipping rate cards provided by your courier can seem confusing. Here we will provide you samples and tips on better understanding them.

What you should look out for

Every shipping courier may design their rate cards a little differently. But the basic information is usually the same. The most important sections to look out for are:

  • Zone/Country
  • Weight – this will be based on the weight and dimensions of the final package including internal paddings/protections and external packing box.

Note: Never be frugal with your packing materials to lessen the weight cost. You should always ensure the item arrives safely to avoid an INR or INAD dispute.

Comparisons of different shipping rate cards

The 2 examples below are 2 rate cards with the same information but displayed differently. (These are examples that do not reflect actual shipping rates)

Example 1: Separated rates and country list

Rate card

Weight
Rate ($)

KG

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

1

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

2

3.60

4.80

6.00

7.20

8.40

8.40

9.60

10.80

3

4.32

5.76

7.20

8.64

10.08

10.08

11.52

12.96

4

5.18

6.91

8.64

10.37

12.10

12.10

13.82

15.55

5

6.22

8.29

10.37

12.44

14.52

14.52

16.59

18.66

30

104.14

138.85

173.56

208.27

242.99

242.99

277.70

312.41

Country list

Country
Zone
Country
Zone

USA(US)

5

Japan(JP)

4

Albania (AL)

7

Slovenia (SI)

6

Algeria (DZ)

8

Saudi Arabia (SA)

7

Germany (DE)

6

Senegal (SN)

8

Cambodia (KH)

3

Vietnam (VN)

3

Angola (AO)

8

Seychelles (SC)

8

United Kingdom (GB)

6

Sierra Leone (SL)

8

Antigua (AG)

8

Singapore (SG)

1

Argentina (AR)

8

Slovakia (SK)

6

Australia (AU)

4

Thailand (TH)

2

Example 2: Combined rates and country list

Destination
Dest
ination
SG
BRN, ID, TH, VI, PHL
Rest of Asia
AUS, NZL, JP, Rest of Oceania
CAN, USA
AUT, BEL, FRA,DEU, IRL, ITA, UK, SWE, CHE, ESP
Middle East, Rest of EUR
Rest of World

KG

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Weight(KG)
Rate ($)

1

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

2

3.60

4.80

6.00

7.20

8.40

8.40

9.60

10.80

3

4.32

5.76

7.20

8.64

10.08

10.08

11.52

12.96

4

5.18

6.91

8.64

10.37

12.10

12.10

12.82

15.55

5

6.22

8.29

10.37

12.44

14.52

14.52

16.59

18.66

30

104.14

138.85

173.56

208.27

242.99

242.99

277.70

312.41

Sample calculation scenarios

Here are a few sample calculations based on the rate table above. (These are examples that do not reflect actual shipping rates):

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

*This amount will be rounded up to the higher weight rate. In this instance 3kg.

You may also be subjected to additional surcharges depending on the situation. You should always speak to your shipping partner to understand any additional costs incurred.

How to calculate multiplier rates

Another important thing to look out for is the Multiplier Rate. Shipping rates cards may only break down the costs up to a certain weight (e.g. 30kg). After that, the package is subject to a multiplier rate.

From
To
To
Rate ($)

KG

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

30.1

70

70

4.00

4.00

4.00

5.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

How to weigh oddly shaped packages

Your shipping rate may not always apply based on weight alone. If you are selling oddly shaped or bulky items, your rate would usually be calculated based on volume instead. 

The most common calculation used to determine the volume is:

Length x Width x Height [(in cm)] / 6000 = volume (kg)

It is recommended to always check your package against the volumetric calculator as your shipping cost will be determined by the higher value.

TIP: Make sure you pack your items in appropriately sized containers. E.g. Don’t pack a phone in a TV sized box.

Scenario 1
(Oddly shaped)

You sold a plastic water pail.

Therefore, your shipping costs should be charged as 16 kg instead of 1KG.

Scenario 2
(Normally shaped)

You sold a handphone.

Your shipping costs should be charged as 1kg instead of 0.5kg because that is the higher value.

You can refer to your shipping partner’s website for their respective volumetric weight calculator. Rates are subject to change. So make it a habit to check often.

Additional charges to look out for

Disclaimer: Different shipping couriers have different additional charges to look out for. Please speak to your courier for more information.

These are examples of common additional charges:

  • Optional Services and Surcharges – Additional Charges related to Optional Services and Surcharges are billed in accordance with the standards in effect at the time the shipment booking was made.
  • Governmental and Regulatory Increases – Any additional governmental or regulatory practices, procedures or regulations which result in increased costs will be passed on to the Customer.
  • Emergency Situations – In the situation of an unforeseen event, you may be charged a surcharge to recover costs associated with temporary emergency situations beyond control which could not be reasonably anticipated.
  • Fuel Surcharge – A fuel surcharge may be calculated and could be revised accordingly. Duties & Taxes – Rates are usually exclusive of duties & taxes and may be charged in accordance with respective government regulations.
Next Steps
Copy-of-Ebay-6-8-181924-scaled-1-2048x1366-1-1.jpg
Late shipment best practices

Learn the best ways to deal with late shipments.

Copy-of-Ebay-6-8-180857-scaled-1.jpg
The benefits of accepting returns

Accepting returns can help attract buyers. Know the benefits.

man-spinning-globe-scaled-1.jpg
Item descriptions

Describe your item clearly, flaws and all.