Calculate shipping – see what your shipment costs before you book

How is the cost of shipping calculated?

There is no fixed shipping price that applies to every shipment. The carrier calculates the price based on the shipment's weight and dimensions, its destination, the number of packages and the shipping service you choose. Surcharges, such as fuel surcharges, may be added on top. To calculate shipping correctly, you therefore need to start from the actual shipment.

Actual weight and volumetric weight

Carriers charge for either the actual weight or the volumetric weight – whichever is higher. Volumetric weight is calculated from the shipment's length, width and height and a conversion factor that varies between carriers and services. A light but large parcel can therefore cost more than a small, heavy one. Measure the shipment carefully and avoid unnecessary empty space in the packaging.

Destination and distance

Where the shipment is collected and where it is going affects the price. Deliveries within Sweden, within the EU and outside the EU are priced differently, and international shipping may involve customs and shipping documents. The postcode can also matter, for example for deliveries to smaller towns.

Shipping service and delivery time

Express, business delivery, home delivery and delivery to a pickup point have different prices. The faster and more tailored the delivery, the higher the shipping cost usually is. Choose the service level the shipment actually needs.

Surcharges that affect the price

On top of the base price, surcharges can affect the total cost of shipping. Common examples are fuel surcharges, delivery notification, tail lift and dangerous goods. If you provide incorrect weight or dimensions, the carrier may also charge the difference afterwards.

Calculating shipping for parcels

For parcels, weight, dimensions and destination matter most. A small parcel within Sweden has a completely different shipping price than a heavy or bulky parcel to another country. That is why it is better to calculate from the actual shipment than from a general price per kilo.

Calculating shipping for pallets

For pallets and general cargo, the price depends on the pallet's dimensions and weight, the number of pallets and the destination. Whether the pallet can be stacked can also matter. For larger and heavier goods, pallet shipping can be cheaper than sending several parcels.

Compare shipping prices between carriers

Carriers have different networks, pricing models and strengths. The cheapest option for a small parcel within Sweden isn't necessarily the cheapest for a pallet to Germany. By comparing shipping prices from several carriers at once, you can see which option suits each shipment – in terms of both price and delivery time.

Shipping calculator or fixed price list?

A fixed price list gives a rough idea but rarely takes all the shipment details into account. In Shiplink, booking works like a shipping calculator: you enter the shipment details and see the price from several carriers right away, with our pre-negotiated shipping agreements. The account is free to create.