Packaging configuration and how billable weight works
In short
You pay for the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight (L × W × H in cm ÷ 6,000 for Teleship services; ÷ 5,000 for DHL). Configure real box sizes with real empty weights, assign a package to each product, and set a larger default for multi-item orders — otherwise checkout under-collects and the parcel is re-billed at the measured size.
How the app builds a parcel weight
- Product weights (from Shopify) are summed.
- The package's empty weight (Part 4 of settings) is added.
- The package dimensions give the volumetric weight. Billable weight = max(actual, volumetric).
Which package is used
- Single-item order: the package assigned to that product in Products; if none, your default package.
- Multi-item order: the app takes the larger of the biggest product-specific package in the order or your default package. It does not sum several boxes. So set a default package that is realistically sized for your typical multi-item order, and consider a handling fee (Part 6) to absorb the rest.
- You can change package and weight on every label before you buy it. What you declare there is what you're charged at purchase.
Worked example (Teleship service)
| Scale weight | Dimensions | Volumetric | Billable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Declared | 1.128 kg | 32 × 15 × 7.5 cm | 0.6 kg | 1.128 kg |
| Measured at hub | 1.08 kg | 31 × 21.5 × 16.5 cm | 1.83 kg | 1.83 kg |
The label was bought at 1.128 kg; the parcel is re-billed at 1.83 kg (see Billable-weight adjustments after dispatch).
Measure the box, not the item. Every parcel is measured at the hub and again by the carrier; the smallest reading is used. Outer dimensions of the shipping box (or the mailer, laid flat plus thickness) are what count.
Size and weight ceilings: parcels up to 61 × 46 × 46 cm are machinable. Larger parcels (up to 100 cm on the longest side) are accepted on Teleship services but carry a £13 non-machinable handling surcharge. Maximum weight: 20 kg per parcel on Teleship services, 30 kg on DHL services; the app won't quote heavier parcels.
Still stuck? Contact our support team.