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Back to the journalOperations · 3 min read

What goes into a shipping price?

Route, parcel size, service and label fees all play a part. Here is how to read the price with a little more confidence.

The route changes the quote

Shipping prices depend on where a parcel is collected and where it is going. A city-to-city journey can have a different price and delivery estimate from a shipment to an outlying address.

Compare quotes using the same full addresses. A postcode or suburb alone may not tell the whole story about delivery coverage or additional charges.

Size matters as well as weight

A light but bulky box still takes up space in a vehicle. Couriers may use a volumetric-weight calculation alongside actual weight to decide the chargeable weight. The formula and rounding rules depend on the provider.

Measure the parcel after it is packed. Packaging that protects the item without leaving unnecessary empty space can help you avoid paying to move an oversized box.

Know what the final booking price includes

CurShip adds a label fee to the courier price. The Free plan uses 8%, with a R5 minimum and R35 cap. Paid tiers use 3%, with a R2 minimum and R15 cap per label.

The pricing calculator shows how those label fees and the monthly subscription compare at different volumes. It is an illustration using your inputs, rather than a live courier quote. Payment fees and later weight adjustments are not included.

Look at the whole routine

The lowest quote is only one part of an operation. Compare service suitability, how much work each parcel takes and what happens if something needs attention.

Use your own shipment history to review packaging choices and delivery patterns. Check the price shown at booking and the courier's applicable terms before sending a real parcel.

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