Chargeable Weight Formula:
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Chargeable Weight is the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, used by airlines to determine shipping costs for air freight. This ensures fair pricing for both dense and lightweight cargo.
The calculator uses the standard air freight formula:
Where:
Explanation: Airlines charge based on which weight is greater - the actual physical weight or the volumetric weight, ensuring they are compensated appropriately for space utilization.
Details: Accurate chargeable weight calculation is essential for proper freight costing, avoiding billing discrepancies, and optimizing packaging to reduce shipping costs.
Tips: Enter actual weight in kilograms and package dimensions in centimeters. Ensure all measurements are accurate for precise calculation. The calculator will determine both volumetric and chargeable weights.
Q1: Why is volumetric weight important in air freight?
A: Volumetric weight accounts for the space a package occupies in the aircraft, as lightweight but bulky items take up valuable cargo space that could be used for heavier shipments.
Q2: Is the 6000 divisor standard for all airlines?
A: While 6000 is the most common divisor for air freight, some carriers may use 5000. Always check with your specific airline or freight forwarder.
Q3: How can I reduce my chargeable weight?
A: Use more compact packaging, reduce empty space within packages, and consider disassembling items when possible to minimize dimensional weight.
Q4: What's the difference between actual and volumetric weight?
A: Actual weight is the physical mass measured on a scale, while volumetric weight is calculated from package dimensions to represent density.
Q5: When is actual weight used vs volumetric weight?
A: Actual weight is used when it exceeds volumetric weight (dense items), while volumetric weight is used when it exceeds actual weight (lightweight, bulky items).