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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:
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Here are a few sample calculations based on the rate table above. (These are examples that do not reflect actual shipping rates):
*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.
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.
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
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.
You sold a plastic water pail.
Therefore, your shipping costs should be charged as 16 kg instead of 1KG.
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.
Disclaimer: Different shipping couriers have different additional charges to look out for. Please speak to your courier for more information.
