How To Calculate Air Freight Chargeable Weight ?

Air freight is vital for timely and efficient global delivery in international trade. When we look at air cargo transportation, knowing how to calculate air freight chargeable weight is essential. By accurately calculating the chargeable weight, shippers and logistics professionals can make informed decisions, optimize costs, and ensure smooth operation throughout the air freight process.

 This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for calculating the chargeable weight of air freight.

 

 Understanding Weight in Shipping

The shipping company looks at two kinds of weight. The first is how heavy everything in your shipment is, including the boxes and any accessories included, usually measured in kilograms. The second weight is based on the size of your cargo, like its length, width, and height in centimeters, and it’s also measured in kilograms. Still, a unique formula used to figure it out. So, it’s essential to include packages when calculating this weight.

How To Calculate Air Freight Chargeable Weight?

Air freight chargeable weight is determined by taking either the actual weight (gross weight) or the volumetric weight (also known as volume or dimensional weight) of the shipment, whichever of the two is greater. The volumetric weight is an estimated weight calculated based on the dimensions of a package (usually expressed as length, width, and height, in that order). There is a specific equation to know how to calculate air freight volumetric weight since air shipment differs from other types of shipments (ocean freights, or rail freights).

 

Larger items with relatively light overall weight occupy more space on an aircraft than smaller, heavier items. Therefore, airlines base their charges on this to avoid lose.

 

The formula to calculate it is as follows:

(length x height x width) divided by a specific divisor equals the volume weight in kilograms.

 

Here are some notes to consider while calculating: 

• Centimeters (cm) is the measurement unit for length.
• The divisor equals 6000 (A fixed number for air freights).
• The result is in Kilograms (KG).

 

An example:

Suppose you have a shipment with the following dimensions: length 120 cm, height 40 cm, width 70 cm, and an actual weight of 18 kg. Using the formula for air freight with a divisor of 6000:

(120 x 40 x 70) / 6000 = 56 kg.

In this scenario, the chargeable weight or volume weight, which is 56 kg, exceeds the actual weight of 18 kg. Therefore, the air freight charges would be based on the higher value, the volume weight of 56 kg.

 

At Imoveit, we are here to help you connect with premier air freight companies, eliminating the need for you to manage the complexities of transportation cost calculations and logistics. Whether you are in search of effective shipping solutions and require air cargo services, Imoveit offers a curated selection of well-regarded air transport companies with a wealth of experience in this industry.