Your shipping rate with Forwardme is determined by many factors. Below is a breakdown of the main contributors and how they interact:
Key Factors in Shipping Rate Calculation
Chargeable Weight (Actual vs Volumetric / Dimensional Weight)
- Carriers charge based on either the actual weight or volumetric weight (whichever is greater).
- Volumetric weight is calculated from the dimensions of the package (length × width × height) divided by a divisor (which varies by carrier).
- This means a light but bulky box might be priced based on its size, not just its mass.
Destination & Distance
- The farther or more remote the destination, the higher the cost.
- Some countries or zip codes may have additional remote-area surcharges.
Chosen Carrier & Service Level (Speed / Priority)
- Express or premium services cost more.
- Economy or slower delivery options tend to be cheaper.
- Different carriers (FedEx, DHL, UPS, local courier partners) have different rate structures.
Package Dimensions and Size
- Very large packages, even if moderately heavy, can push the rate up due to space usage.
- The shape and how efficiently your items are packed also matter.
Customs, Duties & Taxes (if DDP) or Handling Fees
- If you choose DDP, some duties or clearance costs might be included in your rate.
- Handling fees, customs declarations, or brokerage fees may also add to the cost.
Insurance, Packing / Handling Services, Repacking, Special Requests
- Additional services like insurance, repacking, or special packing preferences may increase the total.
- Fragile item handling or extra padding can contribute extra charges.
Consolidation & Optimization Effects
- Consolidating multiple packages into one can lower cost per package by reducing redundant packaging and overhead.
- Efficient consolidation and repacking can reduce volumetric weight and yield savings.