How express carriers determine weight

• XB Ship shipping price charged to the customer is based on the higher of the volumetric weight or actual weight (or weight as shown on a typical scale).
• We advise to avoid buying things like pillows which require a large box but don’t weigh much. Shipping companies do charge a minimum amount for each cubic inch of a box because it takes up space on the plane.
• For items like pillows and fluffy comforters which require a large box for a light item, it is probably not worth it to ship them internationally. For example, while the actual weight of a pillow may be half a pound, the minimum charge by the express carriers for the box big enough to hold the pillow may be 10 pounds (volumetric weight of a box that large). In the above calculator, if you enter the actual weight and your estimate of the dimensions of the box you can see the weight that will be charged and the shipping fee.