Ever wondered why shipping a lighter lamp costs way more than a heavy iron safe? It’s due to “volumetric weight”- a sneaky pricing trap freight companies use to bill you for box shape and not the actual weight.
When you book with a removal company in Singapore to ship your goods, be sure to do the math properly. Because missing this calculation means getting slapped with a massive, unexpected shipping price that can completely bust your budget.
But don’t fret. This quick guide exposes exactly how the math works so you can outsmart global freight systems. The next time you seek some of the cheapest movers in Singapore for a low shipping cost, these simple packing hacks will help save on international cargo bills.
What Is Volumetric Weight And How Is It Calculated?
The volumetric weight calculates how much physical box volume an item takes up inside cargo holds. It is calculated by multiplying length x width x height (in centimetres); the total result is divided by five thousand.
Thus, if a light box takes up massive space, you pay the higher volumetric rate rather than the actual weight. It heavily applies to air freight shipment because air cargo lines enforce strict volume rules. After all, aeroplane cabin space stands at a premium.
Ocean container shipping measures total volume using CBM blocks rather than kilogram weights. Hence, the shipping charges for the same item may vary for different shipping options.
Why Do Light Designer Items Cost So Much To Ship?
An oversized box shape can trigger a volumetric trap for high shipping charges. Say, a massive designer lampshade requires a huge box, scaling up the bill despite weighing nothing. However, fragile glass items need thick layers of bubble wrap that balloon total box dimensions.
Since nothing can be stacked upon fragile items, logistics firms may charge premium rates. Moreover, you are also paying for the wasted empty spaces in the box. Shipping a hollow lampshade means paying for the empty air trapped inside the cardboard carton.
Additionally, irregularly shaped items face volumetric penalties. A star-shaped decor or a curved lamp are billed based on the widest outer points of their boxes. Therefore, when you hire a removal company in Singapore, ask the right questions.
Why Is A Heavy Iron Safe Cheaper To Ship Than A Lamp?
Any high-density item that weighs more and has a regular shape will take up minimal cargo space. For instance, an iron safe packs intense weight into a compact cube, maximising truck floor space efficiently.
The heavier items allow other boxes to be stacked on top of it. The flat, solid top of a steel safe serves as a perfect base for stacking lighter cargo cartons. Also, it’ll be billed strictly by its actual physical weight. Since its volume is small, it bypasses volumetric pricing traps on sea freight runs entirely.
Also, non-fragile bulky items require zero shock-absorbing wraps. Solid steel doesn’t crack from bumps, eliminating the need for space-wasting foam padding. Symmetric items fit perfectly into standard container corners/ cargo walls, creating zero wasted gaps in the vessel.
How Do I Avoid Volumetric Weight Pricing Traps?
Lastly, the easiest way to cut down shipping costs is to hire some of the cheapest movers in Singapore for an international move. Dismantling the bigger furniture is another way. Take apart table legs and chair frames to shrink their height profiles before box packing.
You can also use specialised vacuum compression bags. Squeeze bulky winter jackets and pillows down to flat sheets to slash your box volume by 80%. Avoid leaving empty spaces. Fill hollow gaps inside pots or plastic bins with socks and towels to maximise density.
Nest smaller items inside larger ones. Slide small boxes inside larger hollow drawers to get two items shipped for the price of one. Cut down carton corners to match item heights perfectly, eliminating costly empty air gaps.
FAQs
Should I ship my furniture or buy new items in SG?
It is more cost-effective to buy than ship your furniture. You can seek local sellers for a good bargain on the best quality furniture.
How much do movers cost in Singapore?
A short-distance move costs a minimum of SGD 900 and up to SGD 2000. It depends on your move volume and the size of your home.
What day is the cheapest for removals?
Midweek removals are cheaper, especially on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. You get high service availability and low prices.
What is the cheapest way to move things?
Hiring a rental move truck and packing by yourself would save you a lot of money and is the best way to move with minimal investment.
What is the cheapest long-distance moving option?
A “van-only” rental through on-demand apps is the cheapest for moving within the island. For an international move, it’s sea freight LCL (Less than Container Load).
To Summarise
Now you know how to shrink the dimensions of your shipping boxes the next time you hire a removal company in Singapore. You can also opt for partial shipping or an LCL (Less than Container Load) freight option for a more cost-effective option.
Knowing these hacks will come in handy the next time you ship your goods internationally. Besides, it’s better to sell all of your furniture and only move the most necessary items before the move to avoid high shipping charges.
