TranslateActual Weight
Actual weight is the physical weight of your shipment as measured on a scale. It's the weight of the goods plus all packaging materials (carton, bubble wrap, tape, etc.). For dense, heavy items (metal parts, books, machinery), actual weight is typically the chargeable weight. Always weigh your packed shipment — not just the goods — because packaging adds weight.
Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) is a calculated weight based on the dimensions of your shipment. It accounts for the space your shipment occupies, not just its physical weight. For lightweight but bulky items (pillows, empty plastic containers, large boxes of clothing), volumetric weight is typically the chargeable weight. The formula is: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000 = volumetric weight in kg (for air cargo).
Chargeable Weight
Chargeable weight is the weight used to calculate your shipping cost. It's the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. If your shipment weighs 10kg but its volumetric weight is 15kg, you'll be charged for 15kg. If it weighs 20kg but volumetric weight is 12kg, you'll be charged for 20kg. This ensures fair pricing for both heavy and bulky shipments.
How to Calculate Volumetric Weight
Measure the length, width, and height of your packed carton in centimeters. Multiply the three dimensions: L × W × H. Divide by the volumetric divisor: 5000 for air cargo (international standard), 6000 for some express couriers (DHL, FedEx), or 1000 for sea freight (per cubic meter). The result is your volumetric weight in kg. Example: a 50cm × 40cm × 30cm carton = 60,000 cm³ ÷ 5000 = 12kg volumetric weight.
Sea Freight: CBM (Cubic Meters)
Sea freight LCL is charged per cubic meter (CBM) rather than per kg. To calculate CBM: (Length × Width × Height in meters) = CBM. Example: a 1m × 1m × 1m crate = 1 CBM. For LCL, there's typically a minimum charge of 1 CBM even if your shipment is smaller. For FCL, you pay per container regardless of how full it is: 20ft ≈ 33 CBM, 40ft ≈ 67 CBM, 40ft HC ≈ 76 CBM.
First KG and Additional KG Pricing
For air cargo and express courier, pricing is often structured as 'first kg rate + additional kg rate.' The first kilogram has a higher rate (covering fixed costs like handling and documentation), and each additional kilogram has a lower rate. Example: if the first kg is $8 and additional kg is $4, a 5kg shipment costs $8 + (4 × $4) = $24. This pricing structure means larger shipments are more economical per kg.
Weight Brackets
Some carriers use weight brackets — price breaks at certain weight thresholds. For example: 1-5kg at one rate, 6-10kg at a lower per-kg rate, 11-20kg at an even lower rate. This means it can sometimes be cheaper to ship at the bottom of a higher bracket than at the top of a lower one. Example: if 5kg costs $40 ($8/kg) and 6kg costs $42 ($7/kg), it's better to declare 6kg. We optimize your shipment to the best weight bracket.
Oversized and Overweight Shipments
Shipments exceeding standard size or weight limits incur surcharges. For air cargo: pieces over 70kg or exceeding 150cm in any dimension may incur oversized surcharges. For sea freight: very heavy or oversized items may require special equipment or flat-rack containers. We advise on the most cost-effective way to ship oversized items, including possible disassembly or alternative routing.
How to Reduce Your Shipping Weight
To minimize shipping costs: use the smallest possible carton (reduces volumetric weight), remove unnecessary packaging, vacuum-pack bulky items like clothing and bedding, consider sea freight for heavy shipments, and consolidate multiple small shipments into one larger shipment (better per-kg rate). We can advise on packaging strategies to minimize your chargeable weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I being charged for more than the actual weight?
If your shipment is lightweight but bulky, the volumetric (dimensional) weight may exceed the actual weight. Carriers charge based on the greater of the two. This is standard international shipping practice.
What is the volumetric divisor?
The standard divisor is 5000 for air cargo (IATA standard). Some express couriers use 5000 or 6000. Sea freight uses 1000 (converting cm³ to CBM). We use the correct divisor for your shipping method.
How accurate do my weight measurements need to be?
Provide accurate weight and dimensions when requesting a quote. Carriers re-weigh and re-measure shipments, and discrepancies result in additional charges or delays. Always weigh the packed shipment, not just the goods.
Is it cheaper to ship by actual weight or volumetric weight?
It depends on your shipment. Dense, heavy items are charged by actual weight. Light, bulky items are charged by volumetric weight. The carrier always uses the greater of the two as the chargeable weight.
Need help with your shipment?
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