Understanding “Chargeable Weight”
“Have you ever shipped a large, light box and been surprised by the cost? That’s because of Volumetric Weight.”
Airlines and freight carriers charge based on whichever is greater:
- The Actual Weight: How heavy it is (Dead weight).
- The Volumetric Weight: How much space it takes up.
The Cotton vs. Iron Rule: Imagine shipping 1kg of cotton vs. 1kg of iron. The cotton takes up 100x more space, so the airline loses money if they only charge for 1kg. To fix this, they use a ‘Volumetric Factor’ to convert size into billable weight.
Standard Industry Formulas
- Air Courier: (L x W x H cm) / 5000
- Economy Air: (L x W x H cm) / 6000
- Road Freight: (L x W x H cm) / 4000
- Sea Freight: 1 CBM = 1000 KG
Volumetric Weight Calculator
Compare Actual vs. Volumetric weight to estimate your true shipping costs. Enter dimensions in CM.
Actual Weight
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Volumetric Weight
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Chargeable Weight
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Estimated Cost
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Start typing to see calculation logic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to your shipping concerns.
Why is Volumetric Weight higher than Actual Weight?
Carriers charge based on how much space a package occupies on the aircraft. If you ship a large box of pillows, it is light but takes up valuable space. You are always charged the greater of the two weights (Actual vs. Volumetric).
How should I measure my package correctly?
Always measure the outermost points. If your box has a bulge, handles, or wheels (for luggage), include those in the measurement. Carriers use laser scanners to verify dimensions, so under-declaring can result in audit fees or shipment delays.
What is the "Divisor" (5000 vs 6000)?
The divisor converts volume to weight based on the service type:
- 5000: Standard Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- 6000: Economy Air Freight
- 4000: Road/Trucking Routes
Can I reduce my shipping costs?
Yes! Our warehouse team offers Repacking Services. We can consolidate multiple small boxes into one optimized carton or vacuum-seal soft goods (like textiles) to reduce volume by up to 40%, significantly lowering your chargeable weight.