Chargeable weight calculator
Carriers charge whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight. Find the chargeable weight for air freight, courier and sea LCL.
Your package
Air freight chargeable weight
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Divisors used: 6000 for air cargo (IATA standard), 5000 for most express couriers, and 1 CBM = 1,000 kg for sea LCL. Some carriers use different divisors.
Volumetric weight explained
Light but bulky cargo takes space on a plane or in a container. Carriers therefore calculate a volumetric weight and charge the higher of that and the actual weight.
- Air cargo: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000
- Courier and express: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000
- Sea LCL: charged per revenue tonne, the higher of CBM or tonnes
Questions
Why is my air freight charged on more than the actual weight?
Because the volumetric weight (based on size) is higher than the actual weight. Smaller, tighter packing reduces it.
What divisor do couriers use?
Most express couriers use 5000 for centimetres and kilograms, while air cargo commonly uses 6000.
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