Does Australia Post go on weight or size?

Decoding Australia Post Pricing: Weight vs. Size – Which One Matters More?

Sending a parcel with Australia Post? Understanding how postage is calculated can save you money and frustration. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not simply a matter of weight. Australia Post employs a sophisticated system that considers both weight and size, using whichever yields the higher cost.

Let’s break it down:

Scenario 1: Using Pre-Paid Packaging (Satchels, Boxes etc.)

If you utilise Australia Post’s pre-designed satchels or boxes, the postage is determined solely by the size category of the packaging. Each size has a pre-defined price. This simplifies the process, as you simply select the appropriate packaging for your item. However, it might not always be the most cost-effective option if your item is significantly lighter than what the packaging suggests.

Scenario 2: Using Your Own Packaging

This is where things get slightly more complex. Australia Post calculates postage based on the greater of two measurements: actual weight and calculated cubic weight.

• Actual Weight: This is straightforward – simply weigh your parcel on a scale.

• Calculated Cubic Weight: This considers the dimensions of your parcel. Australia Post uses a formula (length x width x height / 5000) to determine the cubic weight in kilograms. This accounts for bulky, lightweight items that might occupy more space in transit than heavier, smaller items.

The crucial point: Australia Post charges based on the higher of these two weights. If your parcel’s calculated cubic weight exceeds its actual weight, you’ll pay the postage rate corresponding to the cubic weight.

Example:

Imagine you have a parcel with the following dimensions:

• Length: 60cm
• Width: 40cm
• Height: 20cm

Its calculated cubic weight is (60 x 40 x 20) / 5000 = 9.6kg.

If the actual weight of the parcel is only 5kg, Australia Post will charge you based on the 9.6kg cubic weight, as it’s the higher value.

In Summary:

To minimize postage costs, consider these factors:

• Optimal Packaging: Choose packaging that closely fits your item to reduce cubic weight. Avoid oversized boxes.
• Weight vs. Size: If sending lightweight but bulky items, carefully calculate the cubic weight beforehand.
• Pre-Paid Packaging: Evaluate whether using pre-paid options is more cost-effective than using your own packaging.

By understanding how Australia Post balances weight and size in its pricing structure, you can make informed decisions and potentially save money on your next postage. Remember to always check the Australia Post website for the most up-to-date pricing and dimensional guidelines.

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