Understanding how to calculate chargeable weight is crucial for efficient shipping, whether by sea (LCL), air freight, or courier services. This guide breaks down the key steps for calculating chargeable weight and clarifies the differences between actual, volumetric, and chargeable weights.
Table of Contents:
What is chargeable weight?
The phrase “whichever is greater” perfectly sums up how to calculate chargeable weight for shipments via air, ocean, road, or rail. Carriers determine chargeable weight by comparing the actual weight and the volumetric weight, using the larger value for pricing.
It’s important to note that the weight charged doesn’t always reflect the physical weight of the goods. This discrepancy stems from logistical constraints—vessels and aircraft have weight and space limitations. For example, a large, lightweight package occupies more space than a small, dense one. Therefore, carriers calculate costs based on the more significant metric.
Actual weight vs. volumetric weight
The key difference between volumetric and actual weight lies in their basis for calculation.
Volumetric weight
Also known as dimensional weight. It is calculated based on the amount of space a shipment occupies. It helps carriers balance the size and weight of shipments in containers. This metric is handy for large but lightweight items, as they take up more space than their actual weight might suggest.
Actual weight
Also referred to as gross weight, actual weight is the physical measurement you get when you place the shipment on a scale. It includes not just the goods themselves but also any packaging materials, pallets, or other components.
How to calculate chargeable weight for air freight?
To calculate chargeable weight for air cargo, follow these steps:
- Measure the shipment’s length, width, and height in either inches or centimeters.
- Multiply these dimensions (L × W × H) for the total volume.
- Use the following formulas to determine the dimensional value:
- In cubic inches per pound: Divide the volume in cubic inches by 166.
- In cubic inches per kilogram: Divide the volume in cubic inches by 366.
- In cubic centimeters per kilogram: Divide the volume in cubic centimeters by 6000.
Example 1: When actual weight is higher
ASLG Company is shipping cargo from Shenzhen to Los Angeles. The shipment includes six boxes, each weighing 60 kg and measuring 50 × 40 × 40 cm (or 19.69 × 15.75 × 15.75 inches).
- Actual weight: 6×60=360kg
- Dimensional mass (cm): (50×40×40)×6/6000=80kg
- Dimensional mass (inches): (19.69×15.75×15.75)×6/366=80kg
Result: Since 360 kg exceeds 80 kg, the chargeable figure is 360 kg, which is the actual weight.
Example 2: When the volume-based value is higher
ASLG Company is shipping goods from Shenzhen to the United Kingdom. The shipment includes five boxes, each weighing 30 kg and measuring 55 × 60 × 60 cm (or 21.65 × 23.62 × 23.62 inches).
- Actual weight: 5×30=150kg
- Volumetric weight (cm): (55×60×60)×5/6000=165kg
- Volumetric weight (inches): (21.65×23.62×23.62)×5/366=165kg
Result: Since 165 kg is greater than 150 kg, the chargeable weight is 165 kg, which is the volumetric weight.
If you’re unsure about billing calculations, send your shipment details to our team. We can determine whether your shipment will be charged based on actual or chargeable weight.
How to calculate chargeable weight for LCL sea freight?
Sea freight operates on simpler guidelines compared to air transportation. In China’s sea cargo consolidation business, the standard rule is that one cubic meter (CBM) equals 1 ton (1000 kg).
Example 1: When volume is greater than actual weight
Consider a shipment from China to Australia with the following details:
- Total gross weight: 850 kg
- Dimensions: Length = 110 cm, Width = 110 cm, Height = 98 cm
Step 1: Calculate the volume
Volume = 110 cm × 110 cm × 98 cm = 1,185,800 cubic centimeters
Step 2: Convert cubic centimeters to cubic meters
1,185,800 cubic centimeters/1,000,000 = 1.19 CBM
Step 3: Calculate the weight-based volume
Weight-based volume = 850 kg ÷ 1000 = 0.85 CBM
Result: Since 1.19 CBM (volume) exceeds 0.85 CBM (weight-based), the chargeable volume is 1.19 CBM.
Example 2: When the actual weight is higher
Now, let’s look at a shipment from China to the UAE:
- Total gross weight: 5,500 kg
- Dimensions: Length = 110 cm, Width = 110 cm, Height = 98 cm (per box), with 3 boxes
Step 1: Calculate the volume
Volume = (110 cm × 110 cm × 98 cm) × 3 = 3,557,400 cubic centimeters = 3.56 CBM
Step 2: Calculate the weight-based volume
Weight-based volume = 5,500 kg ÷ 1000 = 5.5 CBM
Result: Since 5.5 CBM (weight-based) is higher than 3.19 CBM (volume), the chargeable volume is 5.5 CBM.
How to calculate chargeable weight for express shipments?
Different carriers have unique formulas for determining chargeable weight when sending express shipments.
Using centimeters and kilograms
DHL:
Volume = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000 or 4000 (depending on the import country’s criteria)
For international shipments: Volume = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000 (current standard) or ÷ 5000 (older method, still used in some Asian regions)
For domestic shipments: Volume = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 7000
Volume = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000 or 5000 (based on specific import rules)
Canada Post:
Volume = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000
Using inches and pounds
FedEx Express & UPS:
Volume = (Length × Width × Height in inches) ÷ 139
Canada Post:
(Length × Width × Height in inches) ÷ 166
How can costs be reduced by managing volumetric weight?
- Avoid over-packaging: Use minimal packaging to protect your goods without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Choose the right box size: Opt for the smallest carton that fits your items to avoid inflated dimensions and extra charges.
- Compress when possible: Reduce volume by compressing flexible products like textiles.
- Consolidate lightweight items: Combine lightweight goods into fewer boxes to minimize space and cut costs.
- Skip cartons for small air shipments: Use alternative packaging for small items to avoid oversized dimensions.
Final thoughts
By understanding the methods for calculating both volumetric and actual weight, you can effectively estimate shipping costs and make smarter decisions for your logistics needs.
Need help with your freight? Whether it’s air or sea shipping from China, we’re here to assist. Reach out today for a customized quote and expert guidance tailored to your cargo.
