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.
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.
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:
| Weight | Rate ($) | |||||||
| KG | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 |
| 1 | 3.00 | 4.00 | 5.00 | 6.00 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 8.00 | 9.00 |
| 2 | 3.60 | 4.80 | 6.00 | 7.20 | 8.40 | 8.40 | 9.60 | 10.80 |
| 3 | 4.32 | 5.76 | 7.20 | 8.64 | 10.08 | 10.08 | 11.52 | 12.96 |
| 4 | 5.18 | 6.91 | 8.64 | 10.37 | 12.10 | 12.10 | 13.82 | 15.55 |
| 5 | 6.22 | 8.29 | 10.37 | 12.44 | 14.52 | 14.52 | 16.59 | 18.66 |
| 30 | 104.14 | 138.85 | 173.56 | 208.27 | 242.99 | 242.99 | 277.70 | 312.41 |
Country List
| Country | Zone | Country | Zone |
| USA (US) | 5 | Japan (JP) | 4 |
| Albania (AL) | 7 | Slovenia (SI) | 6 |
| Algeria (DZ) | 8 | Saudi Arabia (SA) | 7 |
| Germany (DE) | 6 | Senegal (SN) | 8 |
| Cambodia (KH) | 3 | Vietnam (VN) | 3 |
| Angola (AO) | 8 | Seychelles (SC) | 8 |
| United Kingdom (GB) | 6 | Sierra Leone (SL) | 8 |
| Antigua (AG) | 8 | Singapore (SG) | 1 |
| Argentina (AR) | 8 | Slovakia (SK) | 6 |
| Australia (AU) | 4 | Thailand (TH) | 2 |
Example 2:
| Destination | Singapore | Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines | Rest of Asia | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Rest of Oceania | Canada, USA | Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain | Middle East, Rest of Europe | Rest of World |
| Zone | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Weight (KG) | Rate ($) | |||||||
| 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 | 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 |
Here are a few sample calculations based on the rate table above. (These are examples that do not reflect actual shipping rates):
Scenario 1:
Package weight = 1kg
Shipping to = USA (Zone 5)
Rate charged = $7.00
Scenario 2:
Package weight = 2.5kg
Shipping to = UK (Zone 6)
Rate charged = $10.08*
*This amount will be rounded up to the higher weight rate. In this instance 3kg.
You may also be subjected to additional surcharges depending on the situation. You should always speak to your shipping partner to understand any additional costs incurred.
Another important thing to look out for is the Multiplier Rate. Shipping rates cards may only break down the costs up to a certain weight (e.g. 30kg). After that, the package is subject to a multiplier rate.
| From | To | Rate ($) | |||||||
| (KG) | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | |
| 30.1 | 70 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 6.00 | 7.00 | 8.00 |
These examples do not reflect actual shipping rates.
Scenario 1:
Package weight = 40kg
Shipping to = Zone 5
Zone 5 weight (up to 30kg) = $242.99
$242.99 + (10kg x $5) = $292.99
Scenario 2:
Package weight = 55kg
Shipping to = Australia (Zone 4)
Zone 4 weight (up to 30kg) = $208.27
$208.27 + (25kg x $5.00) = $333.27
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.
TIP: Make sure you pack your items in appropriately sized containers. E.g. Don’t pack a phone in a TV sized box.
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.
Scenario 1 (Oddly shaped):
You sold a plastic water pail.
Your package weight = 1KG.
Your package size (in cm) = 40x40x60
Based on the calculator above, the volumetric weight of your item = 16KG
Therefore, your shipping costs should be charged as 16KG instead of 1KG.
Scenario 2 (Normally shaped):
You sold a handphone.
Your package weight = 1kg.
Your package size (in cm) = 12x12x5
Based on the calculator above, the volumetric weight of your item = 0.5kg
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.
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.
