Investigate a parcel that fails the weight check

Instruction: Calculate the expected range and explain how you would investigate the result.

Context:

An order contains 3 identical items, each with an expected weight of 0.42 kg including its individual packaging but excluding the outer shipping carton and dunnage. The specified outer carton weighs 0.18 kg; all required dunnage together weighs 0.06 kg. The site’s check accepts gross weight within ±0.04 kg of the expected total, including either boundary. The scale reads 1.08 kg. The scale has a valid check status. Explain the calculation, what the result suggests, and your next steps.

Updated

Example answer

The parcel should weigh 1.50 kg, with an accepted range of 1.46 to 1.54 kg. At 1.08 kg, it fails the check. The difference from the expected weight equals one item's weight, so a missing item is worth checking, but the scale alone cannot prove the contents. I would keep the parcel pending, inspect the items and packaging through the normal process, and repeat the required checks after correcting whatever is actually wrong.

Reasoning

Items contribute 3 × 0.42 = 1.26 kg. Add the carton and dunnage: 1.26 + 0.18 + 0.06 = 1.50 kg. Applying the tolerance gives 1.50 − 0.04 = 1.46 kg through 1.50 + 0.04 = 1.54 kg, inclusive. The reading is 1.46 − 1.08 = 0.38 kg below the lower boundary, and 1.50 − 1.08 = 0.42 kg below the expected total.

Inspect the actual contents and specified materials using the exception procedure. Two correct items plus the specified packaging would weigh 2 × 0.42 + 0.18 + 0.06 = 1.08 kg, but different contents or packaging could produce the same reading. Never add weight solely to make a parcel pass.

Assessment criteria

  • Includes both carton and dunnage in the expected gross weight.
  • Calculates the inclusive range correctly and rejects 1.08 kg.
  • Uses weight as evidence for an inspection rather than proof of contents.

Stronger answer: Distinguishes the 0.42 kg difference from expected weight from the 0.38 kg failure below tolerance.

Acceptable alternatives: The candidate can calculate in grams or kilograms: 1,500 g expected and 1,460–1,540 g accepted are equivalent. Checking quantity first is sensible if it remains an investigation rather than a claim proved by weight alone.

Material mistakes: Omitting carton or dunnage weight, confusing the 0.42 kg expected-weight difference with the 0.38 kg tolerance failure, adding ballast to pass, or declaring contents correct solely from an in-range reading.

Follow-up question

After correction the parcel weighs exactly 1.46 kg. Can it pass?

It meets this scenario’s inclusive weight range. I would still require the normal item, quantity, packaging and label checks to be complete. Passing one control does not cancel an unresolved content discrepancy.

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