Understanding Chargeable Weight in Freight Shipping

When shipping goods internationally, you might notice that the weight used for calculating your freight costs doesn’t always match what your cargo actually weighs. This is where chargeable weight comes in—and understanding it can help you optimize your shipping costs.

What is Chargeable Weight?

Chargeable weight is the weight used by carriers to calculate your shipping rate. It’s determined by comparing two factors:

• Actual weight (gross weight of your shipment)
• Volumetric weight (calculated based on the space your cargo occupies)

The carrier will charge based on whichever is higher.

Why Does Chargeable Weight Apply?

Transportation costs aren’t just about how heavy something is—they’re also about how much space it takes up. A shipment of pillows might weigh very little, but it could fill an entire truck. Conversely, a small box of metal parts could be extremely heavy but take up minimal space.

Chargeable weight ensures that carriers are fairly compensated whether cargo is heavy and compact or light and bulky.

Formulas by Transportation Mode

Air Freight

Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / 6000

Dimensions in centimeters, result in kilograms

Example:

• Shipment: 100 cm × 80 cm × 60 cm = 480,000 cm³
• Volumetric weight: 480,000 / 6000 = 80 kg
• Actual weight: 50 kg
• Chargeable weight = 80 kg (volumetric is higher)

Sea Freight (LCL – Less than Container Load)

Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / 1,000,000

Dimensions in centimeters, result in cubic meters (CBM)

Example:

• Shipment: 120 cm × 100 cm × 100 cm = 1,200,000 cm³
• Volume: 1,200,000 / 1,000,000 = 1.2 CBM
• Actual weight: 800 kg
• If rate is per CBM and 1 CBM = 1000 kg (common ratio), volumetric would be 1,200 kg
• Chargeable weight = 1,200 kg (volumetric is higher)

Road Freight

Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / 3000

Dimensions in centimeters, result in kilograms

Example:

• Shipment: 150 cm × 100 cm × 120 cm = 1,800,000 cm³
• Volumetric weight: 1,800,000 / 3000 = 600 kg
• Actual weight: 700 kg
• Chargeable weight = 700 kg (actual weight is higher)

Quick Tips to Optimize Your Shipping Costs

✓ Pack efficiently – Minimize empty space in boxes

✓ Use appropriate packaging – Avoid oversized boxes for small items

✓ Consolidate shipments – Combine multiple small shipments when possible

✓ Consider packaging weight – Use lightweight but protective materials

Need Help Calculating Your Chargeable Weight?

Our team at A2 Cargo is always ready to help you understand your shipping costs and find the most cost-effective solutions for your freight needs. Contact us today for a quote!

Understanding chargeable weight is just one way we help our clients make smarter shipping decisions. Let’s work together to optimize your logistics.