Glossary of Terms

Barcode

A machine-readable code in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on and identifying a product.

DIMS

An abbreviation of the word "Dimensions".

Downstream Access provider (DSA)

Any of a number of mail providers who collect, pre-sort and deliver mail to a Royal Mail Centre for final delivery.

Out of Area (ODA)

Out of Delivery Area. So called remote areas . Eg. In the UK, Northern Ireland, Scottish Highlands, Scottish Isles Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly

Restricted Goods

Items that may not be carried or carried under special conditions. Eg. Food Items, Hazardous Goods inc. Aerosols, Asbestos, Detergents, Explosives, Fire Extinguishers, Fireworks, Gas, Alcohol, Flammable and/or Explosive Substances. Each Carrier will have an exhaustive Exclusion List.

Volumetrics

Volumetric weight refers to the overall size of a parcel and is measured in volumetric kilograms. Volumetric weight can be calculated by multiplying the centimetre length, width and height of an item and dividing that figure by 5000 (some carriers use a divisor of 4000). Please Note: You are billed the higher of the Actual weight & the Volumetric weight. Eg. An item weight of 10kgs and measurments of 60cm x 40cm x 30cm is billed at the Volumetric weight of 14.4kgs