Chargeable Weight

Chargeable weight is the weight an airline or forwarder uses to calculate the freight charge on an air shipment. It is whichever is greater: the actual gross weight, including packaging and pallets, or the volumetric (dimensional) weight, which converts the space the cargo takes up into kilos.

How to calculate it

1. Measure each piece at its extreme dimensions in centimeters, including the pallet and any overhang
2. Multiply length × width × height and divide by 6,000 to get the volumetric weight in kilos. IATA's rule is to divide the volume in cubic centimeters by 6,000
3. Compare with the actual gross weight; the higher figure is the chargeable weight

Example: a carton of 100 × 80 × 60 cm weighing 40 kg has a volume of 480,000 cm³ and a volumetric weight of 80 kg, so it is billed at 80 kg. With dimensions in inches, the equivalent is about 366 cubic inches per kilogram, or about 166 cubic inches per pound. The 6,000 divisor works out to about 167 kg per cubic meter: cargo lighter than that pays on volume, heavier cargo pays on weight.

Where it shows up

• The air waybill carries both the gross weight and the chargeable weight, with the rate class applied to the chargeable weight
• Rates are per kilo of chargeable weight, usually stepped by weight break, so the per-kilo rate falls as the consignment gets heavier
• On a consolidated air shipment, each house air waybill is rated on its own chargeable weight

Divisors other than 6,000

6,000 is the IATA standard for general air cargo, but some carriers and express or courier services use 5,000, which makes bulky cargo more expensive. The carrier's tariff governs, so check which divisor a quote uses.

Chargeable weight vs LCL revenue ton

Ocean LCL also charges the greater of weight and volume, but at a different ratio: the revenue ton treats 1 m³ as 1,000 kg. By air, 1 m³ is about 167 kg, so light, bulky cargo that pays on weight at sea usually pays on volume in the air.

How to reduce it

• Pack densely: vacuum-pack garments, remove hangers, ship goods knocked down rather than assembled
• Right-size cartons and avoid oversized pallets
• Send accurate dimensions with the booking, because the airline or handler re-measures at acceptance

Use the chargeable weight and CBM calculator to compare gross and volumetric weight before you book, and see air freight for how the rest of an air quote is built.