What is chargeable weight?
Carriers calculate freight on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. This figure is the chargeable weight.
Factors by transport mode
| Mode | Factor |
|---|---|
| Air (IATA) | 1 m³ = 167 kg (divisor 6000) |
| Express courier | 1 m³ = 200 kg (divisor 5000) |
| Road (LTL) | 1 m³ = 333 kg (divisor 3000) |
| Sea LCL | 1 m³ = 1,000 kg (W/M) |
Sea LCL uses the "revenue ton": the higher of tonnes or m³ applies. Factors can vary by carrier.
Example (air)
- Cargo: 120 × 80 × 100 cm = 960,000 cm³, actual weight 140 kg
- Volumetric: 960,000 / 6000 = 160 kg
- Chargeable: 160 kg (160 > 140)
Practical tip
Packing cargo more tightly lowers its volumetric weight and your freight cost.
In road freight, the same 0.96 m³ cargo is treated as 0.96 × 333 ≈ 320 kg. In sea LCL it is charged as 0.96 revenue ton. The same cargo therefore produces different chargeable weights depending on the mode, which is worth remembering when you compare quotes.
