How much does it cost to ship a package? The short answer: it depends. The long answer: it depends on four very specific things, and one of them — the box you choose — is entirely up to you.
We have been selling shipping boxes to e-commerce and businesses in Spain and Portugal for over ten years, and this is the most frequently asked question. So, let's answer it thoroughly: what exactly do you pay for when you ship, and how can you pay less without compromising the package's arrival condition.
What determines the price of a shipment
Four factors, in order of importance:
- Package size and weight. And be careful, the scale doesn't always win: carriers charge for the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. We'll look at this now.
- Destination. Peninsula, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands (with customs), Portugal, the rest of Europe… each zone has its own rate.
- Delivery time. 24-hour, 48-72-hour, or economy delivery. Urgency comes at a cost.
- How you contract it. The same shipment can cost differently at a counter, on the operator's website, or through a comparison site. Booking online is usually cheaper.
In 2026, Correos parcel shipping also increased by 3% — the general trend in the sector is upward, so optimizing the package is increasingly worthwhile.
Volumetric weight, explained in a minute
This is where most people overpay without realizing it.
Carriers don't just weigh your package: they measure it. Because a van fills up with space faster than with weight. The usual formula is:
Volumetric weight = length × width × height (in cm) ÷ divisor
Each operator uses its own divisor, typically between 4,000 and 6,000. An example with a divisor of 5,000: a 40×30×20 cm box is 24,000 cm³ ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 volumetric kg. If your contents weigh 2 kg, you will pay as if they were 4.8 kg. The box is costing you money.
That's why accurate measurement is so important — we have a quick guide on how to measure a cardboard box and a volume calculator to avoid manual calculations.
Indicative prices (and where to find them)
Without committing to figures that change every January: a small domestic package usually costs between €4 and €10 depending on the service and delivery time, and increases from there with weight and urgency. Correos' Paq Estándar accepts up to 30 kg; private courier services (SEUR, GLS, MRW, NACEX…) operate in similar ranges with faster deliveries.
Three practical tips:
- Always check the current rate on the operator's website — they change every year.
- Shipping comparison sites group the volume of many customers and get prices that individuals don't see at the counter.
- Delivery to a pickup point is usually cheaper than home delivery.
How to pay less: start with the box
It's the most overlooked and most profitable lever:
- Box fitted to the product. Every centimeter of air is volumetric weight you pay for and void fill you buy. With more than 40 sizes of single-wall shipping boxes, there's almost always one that fits your product.
- Drop a tier. Rates are structured in weight and size tiers. Sometimes, going from a 40×30×30 box to a 40×30×20 box can drop you an entire tier. Our box size guide helps fine-tune.
- Are you sure you need a box? For textiles or flat, less fragile items, a padded envelope saves volume and money. We compare both in boxes vs. envelopes for online shipping — and here are the shipping envelopes.
- Lightweight void fill. Kraft paper or bubble wrap are light; adding useless weight "to prevent rattling" is expensive. More ideas in eco-friendly alternatives to bubble wrap.
If you ship frequently (e-commerce and B2B)
With more than 10-20 shipments per month, negotiate. All courier companies have volume rates, and comparison sites can serve as a reference to push for better deals. Standardizing 2-3 box sizes for your entire catalog simplifies negotiation, warehousing, and void fill — it's one of the first things we recommend to our B2B clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Correos or a private courier?
For unhurried individual shipments, Correos is usually competitive. For frequent or 24-48-hour shipments, private couriers and comparison sites often win. The good answer: compare your specific case, as it varies by zone and weight.
What is the volumetric weight of a package?
It is the theoretical weight resulting from multiplying length × width × height in cm and dividing by the carrier's divisor (usually between 4,000 and 6,000). If it exceeds the actual weight, that is what is billed.
How do I cheaply ship a large, light package?
Reduce volume: use the tightest possible box and, if the product allows, disassemble or fold it. For large, light packages, volumetric weight rules — every centimeter counts double.
Does the box really affect the shipping price?
Yes, in two ways: it defines the volumetric weight and the size tier. A well-chosen box can save more than switching carriers.
The right box, delivered to your door
At TeleCajas, we have over 200 packaging references with VAT included, 24-48 hour delivery to the peninsula, Balearic Islands, and Portugal, and free shipping from €50. If you tell us what you're shipping and where, we'll help you choose the size via WhatsApp: +34 665 53 23 58.
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