Air Chargeable Weight Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the chargeable weight for your air freight shipments. Airlines charge based on the greater of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight.
Common divisors are 6000 for general air freight and 5000 for express/courier services.
Calculation Results:
Total Actual Gross Weight: 0.00 kg
Total Volumetric Weight: 0.00 kg
Air Chargeable Weight: 0.00 kg
Understanding Air Chargeable Weight: Your Guide to Air Freight Costs
When shipping goods by air, understanding how freight costs are calculated is crucial for budgeting and efficient logistics. Unlike road or sea freight, air cargo pricing isn't solely based on the physical weight of your shipment. Airlines use a concept called Air Chargeable Weight, which can significantly impact your final bill.
What is Air Chargeable Weight?
Air Chargeable Weight (also known as Volumetric Weight or Dimensional Weight) is the weight that an airline uses to calculate the cost of transporting your goods. It is determined by comparing two values:
- Actual Gross Weight: This is the physical weight of your shipment, including packaging, measured in kilograms.
- Volumetric Weight: This is a calculated weight based on the dimensions (volume) of your shipment. It reflects the amount of space your cargo occupies on the aircraft.
The airline will charge you based on whichever of these two weights is higher. This ensures that they are compensated fairly for both heavy, dense cargo and light, bulky cargo that takes up a lot of space.
Why Do Airlines Use Chargeable Weight?
Aircraft have limited capacity, not just in terms of how much weight they can carry, but also how much volume they can hold. A plane might be able to carry 50,000 kg, but if that 50,000 kg is made up of extremely light, bulky items (like feathers), it might fill the entire cargo hold long before reaching its maximum weight capacity. Conversely, a shipment of lead ingots might be very heavy but take up minimal space.
By using chargeable weight, airlines optimize their cargo space and ensure profitability, preventing situations where they transport large volumes of light cargo at a loss.
How is Volumetric Weight Calculated?
The standard formula for calculating volumetric weight for air freight is:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) / Volumetric Divisor
The Volumetric Divisor is a key factor and can vary depending on the airline, the specific service (e.g., standard air freight vs. express courier), and sometimes even the origin/destination. Common volumetric divisors include:
- 6000 cm³/kg: This is a widely used standard for general air freight.
- 5000 cm³/kg: Often used by express courier services (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS) for faster, premium services.
It's crucial to confirm the exact volumetric divisor with your chosen carrier or freight forwarder before shipping.
Practical Example:
Let's consider a shipment of 5 cartons, each with the following specifications:
- Dimensions per carton: 60 cm (Length) x 40 cm (Width) x 50 cm (Height)
- Actual Weight per carton: 10 kg
- Volumetric Divisor: 6000 cm³/kg
Step-by-step Calculation:
- Calculate Total Actual Gross Weight:
- Weight per carton: 10 kg
- Number of cartons: 5
- Total Actual Gross Weight = 10 kg/carton × 5 cartons = 50 kg
- Calculate Volumetric Weight per Carton:
- Volume per carton = 60 cm × 40 cm × 50 cm = 120,000 cm³
- Volumetric Weight per carton = 120,000 cm³ / 6000 cm³/kg = 20 kg
- Calculate Total Volumetric Weight:
- Volumetric Weight per carton: 20 kg
- Number of cartons: 5
- Total Volumetric Weight = 20 kg/carton × 5 cartons = 100 kg
- Determine Air Chargeable Weight:
- Compare Total Actual Gross Weight (50 kg) with Total Volumetric Weight (100 kg).
- The higher value is 100 kg.
- Therefore, the Air Chargeable Weight for this shipment is 100 kg.
In this example, even though the physical weight of your goods is only 50 kg, you would be charged for 100 kg because of the space they occupy.
Tips for Reducing Chargeable Weight:
- Optimize Packaging: Use the smallest possible packaging that still adequately protects your goods. Eliminate unnecessary void fill.
- Consolidate Shipments: If possible, combine multiple smaller items into one larger, more efficiently packed carton.
- Compress Goods: For items like textiles or foam, consider vacuum-sealing or compressing them to reduce volume.
- Choose the Right Service: Be aware that express services often use a lower volumetric divisor (e.g., 5000), which can result in a higher volumetric weight compared to standard air freight (e.g., 6000).
- Consult Your Freight Forwarder: Experienced freight forwarders can offer advice on packaging optimization and help you choose the most cost-effective shipping method.
By understanding and calculating your air chargeable weight, you can make informed decisions to manage your shipping costs effectively and avoid unexpected charges.