Tools
Shipping rate calculator (India)
How courier freight is priced — zones, volumetric weight, fuel, COD and GST — and how to compare 13+ couriers live.
Indian courier shipping cost is calculated as: base rate (by zone) × chargeable-weight slab + fuel surcharge + COD fee + 18% GST. Chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (L×B×H ÷ 5000). Here's each part.
The formula
Freight = (Base rate for zone × number of weight slabs) + Fuel surcharge% + COD fee + GST 18%. For a 1 kg metro surface parcel at a ₹47 base with 20% fuel and ₹0 COD: ₹47 + ₹9.40 + GST ≈ ₹66.7.
1. Zone (distance band)
Local → Metro/Regional → Rest of India → Special (NE/J&K). Farther = higher rate.
2. Chargeable weight
Higher of actual and volumetric (L×B×H ÷ 5000). Right-size packaging to cut cost.
3. Fuel surcharge + COD
A fuel% is added on freight; COD orders add a per-order or %-of-value COD fee.
4. GST
18% GST applies on courier service; you get a GST-compliant tax invoice on Skyfleet.
Want exact numbers? Rates depend on your pickup pincode and card, so the live calculator is in-app. Create a free account to compare exact 13+ courier rates side by side before you ship.
Shipping rate calculator — FAQs
How is shipping cost calculated in India?
Courier freight = base rate for the zone (distance band) × chargeable weight slab, plus a fuel surcharge (%), plus any COD fee, plus 18% GST. Chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (L×B×H ÷ 5000).
What is chargeable / volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight (kg) = length × breadth × height (cm) ÷ 5000. Couriers bill the higher of actual and volumetric weight, so a light-but-bulky parcel is charged on its size.
What are shipping zones?
Couriers price by zone — typically Local, Regional/Metro, Rest of India (ROI), and Special/North-East. The farther the destination from your pickup, the higher the zone and rate.
Can I calculate exact rates without signing up?
Exact rates are merchant-specific (they depend on your negotiated/blended card and pickup pincode). Create a free Skyfleet account to compare exact live rates across 13+ couriers before you ship.
Does Skyfleet charge to calculate rates?
No — rate comparison is free. The Starter plan is pay-per-shipment with no monthly fee.