When shipping acrylic display cases or stands internationally, one major consideration is the cost. The shipping fees can seem high, especially for larger items like acrylic display stands and countertop display stands. But the reasons behind these high costs are rooted in the way shipping carriers calculate fees and the inherent properties of the products.
Size Matters: Large Dimensions Mean Higher Costs
One of the main factors influencing the shipping cost of acrylic display cases is their size. Acrylic displays, particularly table top displays or floor-standing acrylic display racks, tend to have large dimensions. For example, a countertop display that measures 35x40x50cm could increase in size when packed due to the addition of protective materials like cotton and outer boxes. After packaging, the size could increase to 44x49x59cm.
The Two Key Weights: Volumetric vs. Actual Weight
When calculating the shipping fee, two types of weight are considered: volumetric weight and actual weight. Shipping carriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS charge based on whichever weight is higher.
For instance, let's consider a sample acrylic display stand:
Actual weight: 8kg
Volumetric weight: 25.5kg
How is volumetric weight calculated? Shipping companies use a formula that divides the package's dimensions (length x width x height in centimeters) by a divisor. For DHL and other couriers, this divisor is typically 5000. In this case, the volumetric weight of the display stand would be 25.5kg, which is significantly higher than the actual weight. Therefore, the shipping cost will be based on the volumetric weight.
The Price of International Express Shipping
So why might a table top display cost as much as USD 165 or more to ship? It's because of the volumetric weight. Although the actual weight of the product is only 8kg, the shipping cost is calculated based on the volumetric weight, which is far higher at 25.5kg. International express shipping like DHL, FedEx, or UPS uses this method of calculating to accommodate the space the package takes up on the transport vehicle.
Sea Freight: A Cost-Effective Option
If you are not in a hurry, opting for sea freight is a viable and more economical alternative. Shipping via sea freight usually takes longer-approximately 25 working days to the West Coast of the U.S. and up to 40 working days to the East Coast-but it comes with a significantly reduced price.
In sea freight, the shipping cost is still determined by the volumetric weight and actual weight, just like in express shipping. However, for sea freight, the divisor used to calculate the volumetric weight is 6000 instead of 5000. This slight difference can lead to a lower volumetric weight and, thus, lower shipping costs.
Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
If you are purchasing acrylic display stands from China or another country and facing high shipping fees, there are a few ways you can reduce costs:
Consider Sea Freight: If time is not a critical factor, sea freight (DDP service) is a much cheaper alternative to express shipping.
Option for Disassembled Displays: You could also ask your supplier to manufacture the acrylic display case in a disassembled form. This reduces the volume of the package and can significantly reduce shipping fees.
Consolidate Orders: If possible, consolidate your order with other products to share shipping costs across multiple items.
When you purchase an acrylic display case or acrylic display stand from overseas, the high shipping cost is often due to the large dimensions of the packaging, especially if you are using international express services. Understanding how shipping companies calculate costs based on volumetric weight and actual weight can help you plan better for these charges. And by considering alternatives like sea freight or disassembled versions, you can keep your shipping fees in check.
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Shenzhen Tinya Acrylic Display Co., Ltd. has over 20 years of experience in custom display manufacturing and has been a leader in China's acrylic display industry since 2005. We have our own design and engineering team. We offer free design services and refundable sample fees for mass production. We are Victoria's Secret certified and hold SGS/ISO9001/ROHS certifications. We support OEM/ODM customization and offer a variety of payment options. We also have extensive experience in optimizing shipping costs and can offer competitive pricing by modifying the product's process or structure. If you would like more information, please contact us today!