Australia Post Parcel Rate Calculator
body {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 20px;
}
.calculator-container {
background: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 30px;
margin-bottom: 40px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.calc-header {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
color: #dc1928; /* AusPost Red */
}
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display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
.form-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.form-group label {
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}
.form-group input, .form-group select {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
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border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
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}
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}
.checkbox-group {
display: flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 10px;
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.checkbox-group input {
width: auto;
}
.btn-calculate {
background-color: #dc1928;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px 30px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
width: 100%;
margin-top: 10px;
transition: background-color 0.2s;
}
.btn-calculate:hover {
background-color: #b01420;
}
#result {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #fff;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 4px;
display: none;
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
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margin-bottom: 10px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 5px;
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.result-total {
font-size: 1.4em;
font-weight: bold;
color: #dc1928;
border-top: 2px solid #333;
padding-top: 10px;
margin-top: 10px;
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.note {
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color: #666;
margin-top: 5px;
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margin-top: 50px;
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}
.article-content h3 {
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@media (max-width: 600px) {
.input-grid {
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Understanding Australia Post Parcel Rates
Calculating the cost of sending a parcel within Australia involves several variables. Unlike simple letter postage, parcel rates are determined by a combination of actual weight, cubic weight (dimensions), the distance between postcodes, and the speed of service selected.
1. Actual Weight vs. Cubic Weight
One of the most critical factors in postage calculation is the "Cubic Rule". If a parcel is large but light (like a pillow), you may be charged based on how much space it takes up in the delivery van rather than its scale weight.
- Actual Weight: The dead weight of the parcel in kilograms.
- Cubic Weight: Calculated as
Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) × 250.
Australia Post generally charges the greater of the two weights. For example, a 1kg box that is 50cm x 50cm x 50cm has a cubic weight of roughly 31kg, making it significantly more expensive to ship than a small 1kg brick.
2. Parcel Zones
Australia is divided into postage zones. The cost increases as the parcel moves across zones:
- Zone 1 (Same City/Local): Usually the cheapest rate.
- Zone 2 (Same State): Moderate pricing for intrastate deliveries.
- Zone 3 (Interstate/Metro): Standard rates for capital city to capital city.
- Zone 4 (Remote/Rural): Higher costs due to transport logistics.
3. Optional Extras
Standard postage includes tracking, but additional security features incur extra fees:
- Signature on Delivery: Provides proof of receipt, costing approximately $2.95.
- Extra Cover: Australia Post generally provides compensation up to $100 for loss or damage. For items valued over $100, you can purchase Extra Cover, usually calculated at a rate per $100 of value.
4. Express vs. Regular Post
Express Post offers next business day delivery between major metro areas. It is priced higher than Regular Parcel Post. When calculating your rate, always consider if the speed justifies the premium, which can often be 30-50% higher than the standard economy rate.
function toggleInsuranceInput() {
var checkbox = document.getElementById('extraCover');
var container = document.getElementById('insuranceContainer');
if (checkbox.checked) {
container.style.display = 'block';
} else {
container.style.display = 'none';
document.getElementById('itemValue').value = ";
}
}
function toggleTotal() {
// Placeholder if dynamic updates are needed before clicking calculate
}
function calculateRate() {
// 1. Get Inputs
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('parcelWeight').value);
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dimLength').value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dimWidth').value);
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dimHeight').value);
var fromPost = document.getElementById('fromPostcode').value;
var toPost = document.getElementById('toPostcode').value;
var service = document.getElementById('serviceType').value;
var hasSignature = document.getElementById('signature').checked;
var hasCover = document.getElementById('extraCover').checked;
var itemValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById('itemValue').value) || 0;
// 2. Validation
if (isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid weight.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height)) {
alert("Please enter valid dimensions.");
return;
}
if (fromPost.length < 3 || toPost.length 22) {
document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = "This parcel exceeds the 22kg standard limit. You may need a courier service.";
document.getElementById('result').style.display = 'block';
return;
}
// 4. Logic – Distance / Zone Approximation
// Since we don't have a database, we simulate zones based on Postcode delta
var zoneMultiplier = 1.0;
var zoneName = "Local";
var fromState = parseInt(fromPost.substring(0,1));
var toState = parseInt(toPost.substring(0,1));
if (fromPost === toPost) {
zoneMultiplier = 1.0; // Same area
zoneName = "Same Zone";
} else if (fromState === toState) {
zoneMultiplier = 1.2; // Intrastate
zoneName = "Within State";
} else {
zoneMultiplier = 1.6; // Interstate
zoneName = "Interstate";
// Check for remote areas (Approximation: 0xxx is NT, 6xxx/7xxx often further)
if (fromState === 0 || toState === 0 || fromState === 7 || toState === 7) {
zoneMultiplier = 1.9;
zoneName = "Remote / Interstate";
}
}
// 5. Base Rate Calculation (Simulation of 2024 pricing structures)
// Small (up to 500g): ~$10.60 base
// Medium/Large logic usually applies steps.
var baseRate = 0;
if (chargeableWeight <= 0.5) {
baseRate = 10.60;
} else if (chargeableWeight <= 1) {
baseRate = 14.50;
} else if (chargeableWeight <= 3) {
baseRate = 18.25;
} else if (chargeableWeight 100) {
// First $100 is usually free cover.
// Charge is roughly $2.50 per $100 thereafter.
var valueToInsure = itemValue – 100;
var units = Math.ceil(valueToInsure / 100);
insuranceFee = units * 2.50;
extrasCost += insuranceFee;
}
var totalCost = shippingCost + extrasCost;
// 8. Output
var outputHtml = '
Chargeable Weight:' + chargeableWeight.toFixed(2) + ' kg
';
if (cubicWeight > weight) {
outputHtml += '
(Cubic weight applied due to size)
';
}
outputHtml += '
Zone Type:' + zoneName + '
';
outputHtml += '
Base Postage (' + (service === 'express' ? 'Express' : 'Regular') + '):$' + shippingCost.toFixed(2) + '
';
if (hasSignature) {
outputHtml += '
Signature Fee:$' + signatureFee.toFixed(2) + '
';
}
if (insuranceFee > 0) {
outputHtml += '
Extra Cover Fee:$' + insuranceFee.toFixed(2) + '
';
}
outputHtml += '
Estimated Total:$' + totalCost.toFixed(2) + '
';
outputHtml += '
* This is an estimate based on standard public rates. Fuel surcharges may vary.
';
document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = outputHtml;
document.getElementById('result').style.display = 'block';
}