Where the money goes: rates, volumetric weight, storage
Total shipping cost isn't just the per-kg rate on the table. Add the billing method (actual vs volumetric weight) and storage/handling fees to see what you'll really pay.
- Rate transparency: are handling, packing and fees separate, or quoted as one final total?
- Volumetric weight policy: billed on the greater of actual vs volumetric (L×W×H / divisor) — is the divisor (e.g. 6000/8000) stated?
- Free storage period: how many days free after arrival, and the daily fee once it's exceeded
A smaller volumetric divisor (e.g. 6000) makes volumetric weight larger and the bill higher. Check the divisor before comparing rates.
Less hassle: consolidation, inspection, prohibited items
- Consolidation (묶음배송): does it repack multiple sellers into one box to cut volume, and is there a repack fee?
- Inspection scope: exterior and count only, or optional unboxing, function test and size measurement — with photos?
- Prohibited/restricted items: pre-screening of banned goods and guidance on conditional items (lithium batteries, liquids, food)
For consolidation and inspection, “how far it goes” matters more than “yes/no.” Repacking that shrinks volumetric weight often saves more than a better per-kg rate.
How to actually compare
Get the fee structure
Don't just ask the per-kg rate — request a total example including volumetric divisor, handling fee and storage.
Check storage & consolidation
Confirm free-storage days plus whether repacked consolidation is offered and any repack fee.
Check inspection & banned items
Look at the default inspection scope, add-on options and whether prohibited items are flagged upfront.
Check customs & tracking
Confirm the customs-code registration flow, duty/VAT guidance and real-time waybill tracking.
Compare by total
Line up each candidate's final total for the same cart (weight, volume, items) side by side.
Customs support and tracking only show their value when something goes wrong. Pick a forwarder that handles the customs code and offers live tracking by default, and delays are far easier to manage.