On e-commerce platforms like Ozon, freight calculation is an important factor that affects merchants’ costs and pricing strategies. It is crucial for sellers to understand how different logistics companies calculate the cost of shipping services. This article aims to explore in detail the two main methods used by logistics companies on the Ozon platform to calculate freight: actual weight and volumetric weight, and to illustrate how these calculation methods are applied to the determination of freight rates through specific examples.
First, it is necessary to understand the two concepts of actual weight and volumetric weight. Actual weight refers to the total weight of the product and its packaging. For example, if a seller needs to ship a mug weighing 500 grams, and the packaging (including protective materials) weighs 150 grams, the actual weight of the package is 650 grams. This method is intuitive and easy to understand, and is usually used for packages with lighter weight.
However, when dealing with larger but lighter products, logistics companies usually use the volumetric weight calculation method. Volumetric weight is calculated based on the length, width, and height of the product packaging, and these dimensions are usually determined at the product creation stage. Different logistics companies use different formulas to calculate volumetric weight. For example, GBS Standart calculates by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package (in centimeters or millimeters) and then dividing it by a fixed number (such as 6000 or 6000000).
Take GBS Standart as an example. Suppose the seller uses a box with a length of 13 cm, a width of 8 cm, and a height of 8 cm for packaging, and the total weight of the package is 0.2 kg. According to the rules of GBS Standart, if the sum of the three sides of the package (length + width + height) is less than or equal to 60 cm, the actual weight is used to calculate the shipping cost. In this example, 13 cm + 8 cm + 8 cm = 29 cm, so GBS Standart will use the actual weight of the package, 0.2 kg, to calculate the shipping cost.
When calculating shipping costs, logistics companies may combine actual weight and volumetric weight. They will compare the two weights and then charge according to the higher value. Or, they may also use one weight alone to calculate the shipping cost.
Take GBS Standart as an example, its rate is $3.15 per package plus $0.95 per 100 grams for shipping. If the total weight of the package is 0.2 kg, the shipping cost will be $3.15 plus $0.95 times 2 (because 200 grams equals two 100 grams), a total of $5.05.
In summary, logistics companies on the Ozon platform use two methods, actual weight and volumetric weight, to calculate freight costs, and each method has its applicable scenarios. For sellers, it is crucial to understand these calculation methods and their applications, because it directly affects transportation costs and the final pricing of goods. By accurately calculating shipping costs, merchants can more effectively control costs and optimize pricing strategies, thereby succeeding in the highly competitive e-commerce market.