Best practices for shipments
If you configure shipments from sales generated with Checkout Pro, you should consider the best practices for package sizing listed below.
1. Consider the maximum allowed dimensions
The maximum allowed dimensions for a package to be shipped are:
- Each side must have a maximum of 150 cm.
- The total dimension limit must not exceed 330 cm.
- Total dimension = 2 x height + 2 x width + length.
- The length must be the side with the largest measurement.
- The maximum weight is 30 kg (actual or volumetric) considering that volumetric weight = (height x width x length) / 5000.
When a package contains more than one item, its size must be calculated considering the sum of the dimensions of all items, always ensuring that the maximum allowed dimensions are not exceeded.
This value must be informed in the dimensions parameter of the shipments object and will be used to define the shipping cost.
2. Record the dimensions of each item
Record the length, width and height of each item and add +1 cm per side as a margin for protection or packaging material. Name these adjusted measurements as L' (adjusted length), W' (adjusted width) and H' (adjusted height).
Also note the individual weight of each item.
3. Perform layout simulations inside the box
Test how items should be stored in the box and select the option that generates the smallest total volume (the most efficient).
- Aligned by length:
- Length = sum of L',
- Width = maximum value of W',
- Height = maximum value of H'.
- Aligned by width:
- Length = maximum value of L',
- Width = sum of W',
- Height = maximum value of H'.
- Stacked by height:
- Length = maximum value of L',
- Width = maximum value of W',
- Height = sum of H'.
4. Consider the thickness of the box material and clearance
Add +1 cm per side again to account for the thickness of the box material and clearance space. You will get the external dimensions: L_ext, W_ext and H_ext.
5. Calculate the weights
-
Actual weight (kg): sum of the weights of all items + estimated box weight (approx. 0.2–0.7 kg depending on size).
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Volumetric weight (kg): (height x width x length) / 5000
6. Calculate what you will pay
To calculate the shipping cost, you must consider the billable weight, which is the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight.
