What does the carrier example establish?
DHL's published weight help explains that dimensional weight is calculated from package dimensions and a divisor, then compared with actual weight for its described charging basis. It lists a metric divisor of 5000 for centimetres and kilograms. That source is an example of a particular carrier basis, not a rule for every freight mode or electrical equipment delivery.
RFQ Templates is independent and is not affiliated with DHL. Ask for the quoted service's actual divisor, rounding, package limits and multi-piece rule. Do not apply an express parcel basis automatically to oversized switchgear, a truck movement or sea freight.
Sources: DHL: Volumetric weight help and unit-specific divisor
What changes when packages are rated separately?
Illustrative example. Two fictional packaged electrical accessories use an expressly assumed piece-level rule: dimensions in cm divided by 5000, with the higher of actual and dimensional weight selected for each piece. Rounding and all surcharges are excluded.
| Piece | Packed size and dimensional weight | Actual and selected weight |
|---|---|---|
| A | 60 x 50 x 40 / 5000 = 24 kg | Actual 12 kg; selected 24 kg |
| B | 40 x 30 x 20 / 5000 = 4.8 kg | Actual 10 kg; selected 10 kg |
| Total | Dimensional total 28.8 kg | Actual total 22 kg; selected piece total 34 kg |
Why not compare the two aggregate totals instead?
Under the expressly assumed piece-level rule, adding the selected weights produces 24 + 10 = 34 kg. Taking only the larger aggregate, 28.8 versus 22, would produce 28.8 kg and implement a different rule. Confirm the real carrier's method instead of deciding it from this worksheet.
These synthetic values establish no delivery price, suitability or available service. The net equipment weight may also differ from packed actual weight because packaging has mass. Retain the packed dimensions and actual measured weight, not a convenient brochure value.
Which fields make supplier freight responses comparable?
Record package count, each packed dimension with units, each packed actual weight, selected service, divisor with units, aggregation rule, rounding, surcharges, route and delivery boundary. Ask each supplier whether freight is included in its equipment price or separately allowed. Keep quoted and buyer-calculated values distinguishable.
If one quote uses pallet transport and another uses an express service, do not normalise them with an unexplained per-kilogram adjustment. Record the service and packaging difference for the authorized procurement review. This worksheet neither selects a carrier nor guarantees a delivery cost.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Is equipment net weight the chargeable weight?
Not necessarily. Obtain packed actual weight and the applicable rating basis.
Is 5000 a universal freight divisor?
No. Confirm the actual carrier, service, units and terms.
Should piece-level weights always be added?
Apply that method only when the actual quoted rating rule requires it.