Volumetric weight
Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, is a measure used in the logistics industry to calculate the amount of space a package occupies about its weight.
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight is the method shipping companies use to calculate the weight of a package based on its volume (size) rather than its actual weight. This is because shipping a package is often based on weight, and shipping larger but lighter packages can be more expensive than smaller packages.
How is volumetric weight calculated?
The volumetric weight of a package is calculated by multiplying the package's length, width, and height in centimeters and then dividing the result by a volume divisor determined by the carrier. The volumetric weight is then compared to the package's actual weight, and the higher weight is used to determine the shipping cost.
For example, if a package measures 50cm x 40cm x 30cm and weighs 5kg, the volumetric weight is calculated as (50x40x30) / 6000 = 30kg. In this case, the shipping cost will be based on the 30kg volumetric weight as it is more than the actual weight of 5kg.
It should be noted that different shipping companies use different volumetric dividers, so the volumetric weight of a package may vary depending on the carrier. It is essential to check the volumetric weight of a package with the shipping company before shipping.
Commercial shipping
Commercial shipping refers to transporting goods or cargo by sea using vessels such as ships, tankers, or barges. It is a vital component of international trade, facilitating the movement of goods between countries and continents. Commercial shipping involves the shipment of various types of cargo, including raw materials, finished products, automobiles, food, and other commodities.
Possible problems in commercial shipping
- Piracy: Threatens vessel safety, crew security, and cargo integrity.
- Environmental Concerns: Marine pollution, emissions, and oil spills.
- Congestion at Ports: Delays, inefficiencies, and increased costs.
- Trade Disruptions and Geopolitical Issues: Disruptions due to disputes, sanctions, or conflicts.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Vulnerabilities in digital systems and potential disruptions.
- Rising Fuel Costs: Fluctuating oil prices impacting profitability.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Restricted access to ports and shallow waterways.
- Dwell time: Amount of time that a shipment or container spends in a specific location or facility, such as a warehouse, terminal, or port.
What is dwell time?
In logistics and transportation, "dwell time" refers to cargo or containers staying at a particular location or facility (e.g., port, terminal, warehouse) before being moved or transported further. It is the duration between the arrival of cargo at a location and its subsequent departure.
Dwell time can vary depending on the specific logistics operation and the processes' efficiency. A shorter dwell time is generally desirable as it indicates faster cargo turnover and more efficient operations. Conversely, a longer dwell time can lead to delays, increased costs, and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
What affects the dwell time?
Customs and documentation processes: The time required for customs clearance, inspections, and completion of necessary documentation can contribute to dwell time.
Cargo handling: Efficiency in loading, unloading, and transferring cargo between different modes of transportation (e.g., ships, trucks, trains) can impact dwell time.
Infrastructure and equipment availability: Adequate infrastructure, equipment availability (such as cranes or forklifts), and operational capacity at the location play a role in minimizing dwell time.
Administrative procedures: Efficient administrative processes, including paperwork, data entry, and stakeholder coordination, can help reduce dwell time.
