
Moving overseas is an exciting experience, but it's natural to wonder what will happen to your belongings along the way. Your shipment will travel through different stages, from professional packing and transportation to customs clearance and final delivery before it reaches your new home
Moving overseas is an exciting experience, but it's natural to wonder what will happen to your belongings along the way. Your shipment will travel through different stages, from professional packing and transportation to customs clearance and final delivery before it reaches your new home
Why it matters
At My Global Delivery, we understand that you're not just moving boxes. You're moving the things that matter most to you, from family furniture and treasured keepsakes to everyday essentials. That's why we offer Marine Transit Insurance, giving you added protection against unexpected loss or damage while your belongings are in transit.
An international move involves much more than simply transporting your belongings from one country to another. Your shipment will be packed, loaded, transported, cleared through customs, and delivered to your new home, with temporary storage if required.
While every move is carefully managed, unexpected incidents can happen. Marine Transit Insurance gives you added peace of mind by helping protect your belongings throughout the moving process.
Why it matters
At My Global Delivery, we understand that you're not just moving boxes. You're moving the things that matter most to you, from family furniture and treasured keepsakes to everyday essentials. That's why we offer Marine Transit Insurance, giving you added protection against unexpected loss or damage while your belongings are in transit.
An international move involves much more than simply transporting your belongings from one country to another. Your shipment will be packed, loaded, transported, cleared through customs, and delivered to your new home, with temporary storage if required.
While every move is carefully managed, unexpected incidents can happen. Marine Transit Insurance gives you added peace of mind by helping protect your belongings throughout the moving process.
wherever you're moving
No matter where you're moving, whether it's the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, or another destination around the world, we're here to help you move with confidence. With the right insurance in place, you can focus on settling into your new home, knowing your belongings have an extra layer of protection throughout their journey.
COVER
Professional export packing
International sea freight
Inland transportation
Fire damage
Theft involving forced entry
Loading and unloading
International air freight
Temporary storage (up to 90 days in approved warehouses)
Water damage from insured events
Collision or impact damage
Claims are generally settled through repair or replacement, subject to policy terms.
What isn't covered
The most common exclusions are listed here. The full list is in the FAQs below.
Owner-packed cartons
Normal wear and tear
Delay or consequential financial loss
Fragile items not professionally packed
Mechanical failure unrelated to transit
Before you ship
Insurance protection relies on professional packing using export-grade materials by approved packers. Owner-packed cartons (PBO) or items listed as Condition Unknown (CU) may receive limited or no cover. Certain mechanical and electrical items may need to be tested before packing.
Standard cover does not automatically include internal mechanical or electrical failure unless caused by an insured transit event. Optional Mechanical & Electrical Cover may be available.
Without optional Pairs & Sets Cover, claims are generally settled only for the individual damaged item. Additional protection may be arranged before shipment.
Every item must appear on the inventory.
The full shipment should be insured.
High-value items must be individually declared.
Receipts or valuations may be required.
Insurance generally includes temporary storage for up to 90 days in approved warehouses as part of your international move.
Before you ship
Insurance protection relies on professional packing using export-grade materials by approved packers. Owner-packed cartons (PBO) or items listed as Condition Unknown (CU) may receive limited or no cover. Certain mechanical and electrical items may need to be tested before packing.
Standard cover does not automatically include internal mechanical or electrical failure unless caused by an insured transit event. Optional Mechanical & Electrical Cover may be available.
Without optional Pairs & Sets Cover, claims are generally settled only for the individual damaged item. Additional protection may be arranged before shipment.
Every item must appear on the inventory.
The full shipment should be insured.
High-value items must be individually declared.
Receipts or valuations may be required.
Insurance generally includes temporary storage for up to 90 days in approved warehouses as part of your international move.
ClaimS

01
Inspect your shipment.

02
Note damage on the delivery paperwork.

03
Keep damaged items and packaging.

04
Take photographs.

05
Notify the delivery agent immediately.

06
Submit your claim within 45 days of delivery.
ClaimS

01
Inspect your shipment.

02
Note damage on the delivery paperwork.

03
Keep damaged items and packaging.

04
Take photographs.

05
Notify the delivery agent immediately.

06
Submit your claim within 45 days of delivery.
CLAIMS SUPPORT
Making a claim can feel overwhelming, especially after an international move. If your shipment has been damaged during transit, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with clear advice and professional support
We'll explain what information is required, answer your questions, and work with you to help make the claims process as straightforward as possible.
Experienced support throughout the claims process
Clear guidance on the required documentation
Prompt and professional communication
Dedicated Move Managers ready to assist

One of the most common questions customers ask when sending items by air is:
"Why is my shipment being charged based on a weight that's heavier than what my scale shows?"
The answer usually comes down to understanding the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight.
Whether you're sending personal belongings, commercial goods, or urgent packages overseas, knowing how air freight charges are calculated can help you avoid surprises and better estimate shipping costs.
At My Global Delivery, we believe that understanding the basics of international shipping helps customers make smarter and more cost-effective decisions.
What Is Actual Weight?
Actual weight, sometimes referred to as gross weight, is the physical weight of your shipment when placed on a scale.
For example:
A box of clothes weighing 15kg has an actual weight of 15kg.
A carton containing books weighing 8kg has an actual weight of 8kg.
This measurement only considers how heavy the shipment is and does not take its size into account.
What Is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, measures how much space a shipment occupies inside an aircraft.
Even if an item is relatively light, it may still take up a significant amount of cargo space.
Examples include:
Pillows
Lightweight furniture
Stuffed toys
Large but lightly packed boxes
Because cargo space on aircraft is limited, airlines use volumetric weight calculations to ensure shipping charges fairly reflect both weight and space usage.
How Is Volumetric Weight Calculated?
For air freight, volumetric weight is typically calculated using the following formula:
Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000
For example:
A box measuring:
60cm × 50cm × 40cm
Calculation:
60 × 50 × 40 = 120,000
120,000 ÷ 6,000 = 20kg
Even if the actual weight of the shipment is only 12kg, the volumetric weight is 20kg.
In this case, the airfreight shipment would usually be charged based on 20kg.
Which Weight Is Used for Shipping Charges?
Air freight providers compare:
Actual weight
Volumetric weight
The higher of the two becomes the chargeable weight.
For example:
Example 1
Actual Weight: 15kg
Volumetric Weight: 20kg
Chargeable Weight: 20kg
Example 2
Actual Weight: 25kg
Volumetric Weight: 18kg
Chargeable Weight: 25kg
Example 3
Actual Weight: 10kg
Volumetric Weight: 10kg
Chargeable Weight: 10kg
Simple Rule: The higher value between the actual weight and volumetric weight becomes the chargeable weight used for air freight pricing. This is why a large but lightweight package can sometimes cost more to ship than a smaller, heavier one.
This system helps airlines allocate cargo space efficiently while maintaining fair pricing.
Why Volumetric Weight Matters
Many customers assume that shipping costs depend entirely on physical weight. However, oversized shipments often cost more because they occupy more cargo space.
Understanding volumetric weight helps:
Estimate shipping costs more accurately
Avoid oversized packaging
Optimise shipment sizes
Reduce unnecessary freight charges
For businesses shipping products regularly, this can lead to significant savings over time.
Need Help Understanding Shipping Costs?
Explore My Global Delivery Services
How to Reduce Volumetric Weight Charges
There are several ways to improve shipping efficiency and potentially reduce costs.
Use Appropriately Sized Boxes
Avoid packaging that is much larger than the contents inside. Empty space increases dimensions and can result in a higher volumetric weight.
Pack Efficiently
Consolidating items into fewer, properly sized cartons can help reduce overall shipment volume.
Avoid Excessive Packaging
Protective materials are important, but overpacking can increase dimensions unnecessarily.
Consult Shipping Experts
Experienced freight providers can help identify packaging strategies that balance protection and cost efficiency.
Why Air Freight Uses Volumetric Weight
Aircraft have limited cargo capacity, making space extremely valuable.
Unlike sea freight, which often accommodates larger volumes of cargo, air freight prioritises both weight and available cargo space.
This is why large but lightweight items can sometimes cost more to ship by air than expected.
In some situations, sea freight may be the more economical option for oversized shipments with flexible delivery timelines.
Making Smarter Shipping Decisions
Understanding the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight can help individuals and businesses make better shipping decisions.
Whether you're sending personal effects, business inventory, or urgent cargo, knowing how chargeable weight is calculated allows you to:
Budget more accurately
Compare shipping options effectively
Optimise packaging
Avoid unexpected freight costs
The more informed you are about freight calculations, the easier it becomes to choose the right shipping solution for your needs.
Take the Guesswork Out of International Shipping
International shipping doesn't have to be complicated. With the right guidance and a better understanding of how freight charges work, you can avoid surprises and plan shipments more confidently.
At My Global Delivery we help individuals and businesses navigate international shipping with practical advice, reliable support, and tailored freight solutions.
Ready to ship smarter and understand your freight costs better?
If you have any questions or need help submitting a claim, our team is ready to assist.
No, but it is strongly recommended.
Yes, when professionally packed and declared.
Yes, for insured transit damage. Optional Mechanical & Electrical Cover may be available.
Owner-packed cartons may have limited or no cover.
How long is storage covered?
Yes, high-value items should be individually declared.
- Owner-packed cartons
- Unknown condition items
- Normal wear and tear
- Gradual deterioration
- Mechanical failure unrelated to transit
- Fragile items not professionally packed
- Mould or mildew
- Insect or vermin damage
- Inherent defects
- Prohibited or undeclared goods
- Customs confiscation
- Government seizure
- Delay or consequential financial loss
GET STARTED
Moving What Matters Worldwide.
We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.
+63 (0)9458721868
M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines




Moving What Matters Worldwide.
We make it easy, clear, and manageable, from start to finish.
M1 Tower Big, 141 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1277, Metro Manila, Philippines