The actual weight and dimensions of your parcels must be consistent with the information on the packing slip. This information does not only impact the price of the delivery but also its treatment by the carrier and the delivery times. 

Now the parcel shipping process is becoming more and more mechanized especially when it comes to express delivery. The barcode of the slip is scanned by machines and if the dimensions or the weight of the parcel do not correspond to what you declared, the parcel is not supported.

What are the consequences ?

• The carrier has the possibility to refuse the support at the time of the collection of the parcel;
• The carrier may request the adjustment of the fare difference as well as the administrative costs;
• The package remains in the warehouse without being shipped and it is your responsibility to recover it, the costs are not reimbursed;
• The delivery time may be extended even if the package is priority; 
• Reimbursement of costs is not covered by your insurance; 

To avoid all these risks, here are our tips for respecting and improving your parcel shipping process.

What solutions to weigh a package

Use a parcel scale

The most appropriate is to use a parcel scale to be sure of the weight of the parcel you are going to ship. On the internet or in supermarkets you will easily find them at all prices. 

Use a luggage scale hook

Hang your package using a luggage scale hook. Simply turn on the scale and then hang the bag to weigh. The weight is displayed on an LCD screen in kilograms or pounds. The maximum weight is 50 kg. 

Again, there are also digital scales for knowing precise weights in 0.02 kg or 20 g intervals. 

Use a traditional or electronic personal scale

The capacity of a classic or electronic personal scale is 300 kg so no problem weighing your parcels knowing that with MyFlyingBox we ship parcels with a maximum weight of 70 kg. 

Use a kitchen scale

If your package weighs less than 1kg, it is a very practical solution to use your kitchen scale. In addition, it can weigh your parcel very precisely. Now there are large capacity kitchen scales that can weigh items up to 5kg. 

Determine a reference weight 

If you do not have a scale to weigh your parcels, you can easily determine this if you take reference weights in grams or kg as a unit of measurement. For example objects or food products where the weight is already indicated.

For example: 

• 1 packet of sugar (1kg)
• 2 Bottles of water of 150 liters (3 kg)
• 4 Bottle of water (6 kg)
• 1 Pack of water (9 kg)  

Either take a hanger with notches at the shoulders. Put your package in one bag and the reference weight in another bag until you get a balance. This way you can have an estimate close to reality. Always round these reference weights up. 

What solutions to measure a package

The dimensions of the package are expressed in centimeters. Measure the length (L), width (w) and height (h) well. To measure his parcels, you will need a tape measure or a ruler. However, if you do not have these materials we will give you some tips. 

Estimate package size using reference object

You can use a pencil to estimate the length of your package. The length of a pencil is 17.5 cm and its width about one centimeter. Either, an A4 sheet (classic printer sheet) whose measures are 21 x 30 cm. You can also use banknotes or coins. 

Try rounding measurements to a larger size in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. If your package is cylinder-shaped, the diameter is equivalent to the height and the length.

Measure dimensional or volumetric weight

Dimensional weight = Length x Width x Height /5000 

Let's admit, if you want to send a package of 50cm(L) x 30cm(W) ​​x 10cm(H) 

If the package weighs 15 kg, the volumetric mass is 3 ((50 x 30 x 10)/5000=) and its gross weight is 15 kg. The gross weight being more important, it is the latter which is retained during the invoicing of the transport.

To determine the circumference, you must measure the total distance around the package at the widest point (2 times the height + 2 times the width).

• Colissimo delivers your parcels up to 30 kgs.
• Chronopost delivers your parcels up to 30 kgs.
• UPS delivers your parcels up to 70 kgs.
• FedEx delivers your parcels up to 68 kgs.
• Mondial Relay delivers your parcels up to 30 kgs 
• DHL Express delivers your parcels up to 70 kgs.
• Bpost delivers your parcels up to 30 kg

Reduce the weight and size of your package

To reduce the weight and size of your package, take care that the box is not too large for the products you are shipping or you risk being charged additional fees. 

Opt for less heavy packing material and for padding use air cushions to reduce weight. Not only is it more economical but it's more environmentally friendly too. See the article sur "Optimizing the customer experience through packaging" or our advice on " Properly prepare your shipments of fragile parcels» 

Finally, the success of the delivery does not depend only on the carrier but it is also your responsibility as well as the preparation of the packages and their packaging. 

 More than 70% of consumers consider that the packaging reflects the quality of the material purchased and therefore the image of the seller.