Compare Courier Rates IT - BRT, SDA, DHL, GLS, Poste | Federico Calò
Compare volumetric weight, taxable weight and estimated price for BRT, SDA, DHL, GLS and Poste Italiane in one go. Enter package weight and dimensions to get the courier ranking for your shipment.
Choosing the most convenient courier for a shipment is not trivial: each carrier applies a different divisor PVC to calculate the volumetric weight - the conventional weight used for voluminous but lightweight packages (formula: L×L×A cm / divisor). BRT, SDA, DHL and Poste use a divisor of 5000 cm³/kg; GLS uses 4000 cm³/kg, penalizing more heavily oversized packages.
The taxable weight (shipping weight) is the highest between actual weight and volumetric weight. Only by calculating both for each courier can you discover which one is truly more economical for your specific dimensions. This tool retrieves updated data from the backend and generates an immediate comparison table among the 5 main Italian couriers.
Prices shown are estimates based on the base tariff zone 1 (data Q2 2026) and serve as a starting point for negotiations. For e-commerce, PMIs with recurring shipments or import/export, comparing carriers by type can generate significant annual savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How are courier rates compared?
The tool calculates the volumetric weight for each courier (BRT, SDA, DHL, GLS, Poste Italiane) using the PVC divisor of the carrier and taxable weight (max between real and volumetric weight). The estimated tariff is taxable weight x base price kg zone 1 of the courier. Values are indicative [ASSUMED 2026-Q2] - the final price depends on zone, contract, and additional services.
What is PVC pipe and why does it vary among carriers?
Volume divider (PVC or volumetric factor) is the number by which you divide the package volume (L×L×A in cm³) to get the weight in kg. BRT, SDA, DHL and Poste use 5000 cm³/kg (standard road national); GLS uses 4000 cm³/kg, penalizing larger voluminous packages more. The difference can be significant for large and light packages.
When is it convenient to send with GLS compared to other carriers?
Use GLS with a divisor of 4000, which penalizes large and heavy packages with a higher volume-to-weight ratio. It's preferred for dense packages (real weight > volume) where the divisor doesn't apply, especially if the base price per kg is lower. For large and light packages, BRT, SDA, DHL, and Poste (divisor 5000) will have a lower volume-to-weight ratio and potentially lower prices.
Is this price final?
No. The price is an estimated value based on the base zone 1 tariff published (values [ASSUMED 2026-Q2], from Flyway V161 database). The actual price depends on: delivery zone, commercial agreements, additional services (insurance, pickup, notification), total cumulative weight of shipment and carrier tariff revisions. Always verify with your chosen courier.
How to reduce shipping cost?
Main strategies: (1) Optimize packaging by reducing empty space - use boxes that fit product dimensions. (2) Consolidate multiple packages into one shipment to take advantage of bulk rates. (3) Choose a courier with the most favorable PVC divider for your package type. (4) Negotiate volume contracts if you ship frequently. (5) For non-fragile items, consider stuffed envelopes or flexible packaging that reduces volume.
Which couriers are included in the comparison?
Comparison includes the top 5 Italian express carriers: BRT (Bartolini) - 5000 divider; SDA (Poste Express Courier) - 5000 divider; DHL Express Italy - 5000 divider; GLS Italy - 4000 divider; Poste Italiane (Paccocelere) - 5000 divider. Tariff data is updated to Q2 2026 and dynamically loaded from the backend database.
How is it used?
- Insert weight and dimensions
Enter the actual package weight in kg and external dimensions (length, width, height) in cm, measured on the packaging. Calculate each separate box for multiple shipments.
- Start comparison
Premi "Compare prices": the server calculates volume weight, taxable weight and estimated price for each courier (BRT, SDA, DHL, GLS, Poste Italiane) in a single request.
- Read the comparison table
Table shows for each courier: PVC divider, volume weight, taxable weight and estimated base price by zone 1. The most economical courier for your package is highlighted.
- Choose a courier and request a quote
Use the estimated price as a guideline. For a definitive quote, contact the courier or logistics broker directly: the final price depends on location, volume agreements, additional services, and contractual rates.
Practical example
Package 40×30×20 cm, actual weight 1 kg. Calculation for each courier:
- BRT (div. 5000): P. Vol. = 40×30×20/5000 = 4.8 kg → P. Tass. = max(1, 4.8) = 4.8 kg
- SDA (div. 5000): W. Vol. = 4.8 kg → W. Tax. = 4.8 kg
- DHL (div. 5000): W. Vol. = 4.8 kg → W. Tax. = 4.8 kg
- GLS (div. 4000): P. Vol. = 40×30×20/4000 = 6.0 kg → P. Tass. = 6.0 kg
- Postage (div. 5000): Wt. Vol. = 4.8 kg → Wt. Taxed = 4.8 kg
For this package, GLS has the highest taxable weight (6.0 kg vs 4.8 kg). If base prices per kg are similar, it's more convenient to choose BRT, SDA, DHL or Poste.
Vocabulary
- Plastic Divider (Conventional Volume Weight)
- Volume conversion coefficient (cm³/kg) to calculate equivalent weight. Road standard: 5000; GLS: 4000; IATA air standard: 6000.
- Volume Weight
- Conventional weight = (Length x Width x Height) / PVC Divider. Used by carriers for bulky and lightweight packages.
- Taxable Weight (Invoicing)
- Weight on which the rate is calculated: max(Actual Weight, Volume Weight. The courier always charges the heavier weight.
- Base Rate Zone 1
- Price per kg for the nearest delivery zone to the sender. The final price depends on destination, commercial agreement and additional services.
Do you need a custom analysis?
This tool is free and informative. For in-depth analysis with AI on-prem - private data, zero cloud - contact Federico.