In international express delivery, initial weight refers to the first billing unit weight of a shipment. Typically, the initial weight is charged at a higher rate. For example, some international express delivery companies may set the initial weight at 0.5 kg or 1 kg, which is the starting weight for billing.
Additional weight refers to the weight exceeding the initial weight. Additional weight is generally charged in units of 0.1 kg, 0.5 kg, or 1 kg, depending on the courier company’s regulations, and its unit price is lower than the initial weight. For example, if a courier’s initial weight is 1 kg and the additional weight is charged in units of 0.5 kg, after the package exceeds 1 kg, the additional weight rate will be applied for each additional 0.5 kg.
Charges vary significantly between different express delivery companies. Using express delivery from China to major countries in 2024 as an example, here’s a breakdown of the first and additional weight charges for commercial express delivery companies like DHL, UPS, and FedEx:
North America (taking the US as an example): DHL Global Express charges for the first weight (0.5kg) are 180-220 RMB, and additional weights (0.5kg) are 50-80 RMB; UPS Express expedited service charges for the first weight (0.5kg) are 190-230 RMB, and additional weights (0.5kg) are 55-85 RMB.
Europe (taking the UK, Germany, and France as examples): DHL Europe Express charges for the first weight (0.5kg) are 160-200 RMB, and additional weights (0.5kg) are 40-70 RMB; FedEx IE Economy service charges for the first weight (0.5kg) are 140-180 RMB, and additional weights (0.5kg) are 35-65 RMB.
East Asia (Japan and South Korea as an example): DHL East Asia Express service costs 120-150 RMB for the first weight (0.5kg), and 20-40 RMB for additional weights (0.5kg).
Oceania (Sydney, Australia as an example): UPS Standard service costs 170-200 RMB for the first weight (0.5kg), and 45-75 RMB for additional weights (0.5kg).
(Note: All fees listed above are for reference only. Please refer to your actual invoice for details. Thank you!)
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