How to use the Courier Shipping Cost Calculator
- Enter the actual weight and, if you have them, the box dimensions.
- Enter your rate card: first slab (e.g. 0.5 kg) and its price, then each additional slab and its price.
- Add the fuel surcharge %, any fixed charges (COD, docket) and GST.
Formula
Billed weight = max(actual, volumetric), rounded up to the slab
Freight = First slab rate + Additional slabs × Additional rate
Total = (Freight + Fuel surcharge + Other charges) × (1 + GST ÷ 100)
How courier rate cards work
Most Indian couriers price in weight slabs: a rate for the first 500 g, then a rate for each additional 500 g or 1 kg, varying by zone (within city, within state, metro to metro, rest of India, special zones). The billed weight is the higher of actual and volumetric weight, rounded up to the slab.
A fuel surcharge — a percentage that changes with fuel prices — is usually added to freight, and GST is charged on the total.
Worked example
1.8 kg parcel in a 30 × 25 × 20 cm box; ₹55 first 0.5 kg, ₹40 per additional 0.5 kg, 15% fuel, 18% GST
- Volumetric weight = 15,000 ÷ 5,000 = 3 kg → billed on 3 kg
- Freight = 55 + 5 × 40 = ₹255
- Fuel surcharge = ₹38.25 → subtotal ₹293.25
- GST 18% = ₹52.79
Estimated charge ₹346.04
Important notes
- Rates here are examples. Use your own contract or the courier's published rates for your zone and service.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the billed weight more than my parcel weighs?
Because volumetric weight — based on the box size — was higher. A smaller box can reduce the charge.
Is GST charged on courier services?
Courier services attract GST. Use the rate shown on your courier's invoice.