Air cargo chargeable weight calculation explained

Air freight plays a crucial role in supply chain success for many businesses worldwide. With widespread disruption plaguing global logistics in recent years, the importance of air cargo has become even more evident. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about calculating chargeable weight and using it to your advantage.

What is chargeable weight in air freight logistics?

Chargeable weight is the quantified weight used to calculate the freight rate. In short, it’s the number that appears on your invoice identifying what the carrier will charge to move your cargo.

How are air freight charges calculated?

The chargeable weight – and by extension freight charge – is based on the higher of two values: actual weight (gross weight) or volumetric weight (also known as dimensional or volume weight). The argument for comparing both types of weight and adjusting the price accordingly is that the cost of shipping cargo by air is influenced by both weight and space. For example, a small but heavy item affects capacity while a large but lightweight shipment takes up significant space. By calculating and pricing according to both types of weight, carriers are able to optimise aircraft capacity while also ensuring fair pricing and safe cargo operations.

Air cargo volumetric weight formula

Most commercial airlines and freight carriers use a standard formula to convert package dimensions into volumetric weight. The formula, using centimetres (cm) and kilograms (kg), is:

Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 6000

The divisor of 6,000 is an industry standard, set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure fairness.

To determine pricing, you need to compare the volumetric weight to the actual weight. The cost of shipping your cargo will be based on the higher value.

Example calculation

Suppose you have a 50kg package measuring 100cm in length, 60cm in width, and 30cm in height. The volumetric weight is calculated as:

(100 x 60 x 30) ÷ 6000 = 30kg

Since the volumetric weight (30kg) is lower than the actual weight (50kg), the freight charge will be based on 50kg. If the package weighed only 20kg, the price would be based on the volumetric weight of 30kg instead.

It’s worth noting that carriers may use different formulas depending on whether they apply the imperial or metric system, but the results remain similar. The imperial formula in pounds (lbs) and inches (in) is:

Volumetric Weight (lbs) = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 366

How different airlines apply chargeable weight rules

Although IATA provides a standard divisor, not all airlines apply the same calculation. Some carriers use a divisor of 5,000 instead of 6,000 to calculate volumetric weight, which results in bulkier shipments being charged at a higher rate. Others adjust charges based on demand, aircraft type, or industry-specific agreements. Express carriers also have their own formulas, particularly for small parcels. These formulas can vary based on origin and destination. To avoid unexpected costs, confirm the volumetric weight formula used by carriers in advance, especially if you are planning to send relatively light but bulky cargo. Understanding these variations helps you plan freight budgets and choose the best shipping option.

Key advantages of calculating chargeable weight

Calculating the volumetric weight of air cargo and comparing this to its actual weight to identify the applicable chargeable weight provides a range of advantages:

• Ensures aircraft safety and efficiency: Airlines have strict weight and space limitations for safety. Calculating volumetric weight ensures cargo is evenly distributed, preventing underloading (wasting space) or overloading (exceeding limits).
• Promotes fair pricing: Chargeable weight calculation ensures businesses pay based on the actual space their cargo occupies rather than just its physical weight.
• Improves cost predictability: Using a standard formula helps businesses anticipate shipping costs, reducing unexpected charges.
• Minimizes human error: Manual miscalculations can lead to incorrect pricing, causing businesses to overpay or underpay for shipments. Proper volumetric weight calculation prevents such issues.
• Optimises cargo space utilisation: Accurate calculation prevents wasted space, ensuring that aircraft capacity is used efficiently and keeping logistics costs manageable.
• Enhances supply chain transparency: Businesses that accurately calculate chargeable weight gain better cost visibility and can budget more effectively.
• Reduces processing time: Technology such as digital scales and dimensional scanners automates calculations, speeding up cargo check-in and reducing delays.
• Enables real-time adjustments: Advanced systems integrate with scanners to compare chargeable weights instantly, allowing for quick adjustments before finalising shipments.
• Supports seamless international shipping: As global supply chains grow more complex, precise weight measurement ensures cost-efficient and hassle-free freight movement.

Tips to optimise your air freight costs using chargeable weight

Here are some steps you can take to reduce air freight costs and maximise efficiency:

• Use efficient packaging: Avoid oversized boxes that increase volumetric weight. Custom-fit or collapsible packaging can help minimize charges.
• Consolidate shipments: Combining multiple small shipments into a single larger shipment reduces wasted space and lowers costs.
• Choose carrier using industry standard divisor: Avoid extra costs by checking that your carrier applies the divisor of 6,000 recommended by IATA.
• Leverage technology: Many logistics providers offer digital tools that automatically calculate and compare chargeable weights before booking.

Applying these strategies will help you control freight costs and avoid unnecessary charges.

Ready to explore air freight services?

As global supply chains become increasingly complex, accurately calculating the chargeable weight of air cargo remains crucial for cost optimisation, aircraft safety, and seamless international shipping. At Maersk, we can help you stay on top of your air cargo costs and eliminate any surprises. Our in-house cargo airline, high standards, and network connecting all the hubs and gateways across the globe enable us to ensure the fast and efficient deliveries your customers have come to expect. Keep your goods moving with Standard Air Freight, Air Charter and Sea-Air Services – either by leveraging our own-controlled air freight network or our strategic partners with Maersk Air Freight.