When sending packages, you might encounter the term: 'maximum package size'. This refers to the sum of the package's longest side and girth (total length). The total size affects the shipping method (package/freight) for some carriers and the shipping price along with the package weight.
Calculating total size:
Measure the longest side of the package (e.g., 120 cm) > measure all sides of the package to be sure and select the longest if it's not clearly visible
Calculate the girth by adding the width and height 2 (e.g., 230 cm + 2*50 cm = 160 cm > girth).
Add the longest side and girth together to get the total measurement > 120 + 160 = 280 cm.
There are also differences in calculating total size. Matkahuolto's maximum size for package deliveries is 300 cm, and the total size of a package e.g., 100x50x50 can be calculated by adding 100+50+50 = 200.
Calculating Package Volume Weight
For package shipments, volume weight is normally calculated using 250 kg/m3. Please note that carriers may have their own formulas for calculating volume weight, so the billable weight may vary by carrier.
For domestic package deliveries, you can calculate the volume weight using the following formula for Posti, Matkahuolto, and DB Schenker package services.
Package lengthwidthheight m * 250kg/m3.
For example, calculate the volume weight for a 20x20x20 cm package as follows:
0.2x0.2x0.2*250 = 2 kg
So assuming your package is 1 kg in actual weight, the carrier may charge for the shipment based on 2 kg if the service is based on chargeable weight.
Remember to check the carriers' calculation formulas for volume weight/chargeable weight charges well in advance before comparing prices between carriers.