Is air freight by weight or volume?

Understanding Air Freight Pricing: Weight vs. Volume

When it comes to air freight, determining the cost of shipping is not as straightforward as simply weighing the goods being transported. Air cargo pricing relies on a critical concept known as chargeable weight.

Chargeable Weight: The Key to Fair Pricing

Chargeable weight is not merely the actual physical weight of the shipment. Instead, it is the greater of the actual weight and the calculated volumetric weight. This approach ensures fair pricing for both the shipper and the carrier.

Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight

Actual weight refers to the physical weight of the shipment, which is measured in kilograms or pounds. However, this alone does not accurately account for the space occupied by the shipment on the aircraft. To address this, volumetric weight is calculated using the formula:

Length x Width x Height in centimeters / 6000

This formula converts the shipment’s dimensions into an equivalent weight in kilograms.

Determining Chargeable Weight

The chargeable weight is then determined by comparing the actual weight and the volumetric weight. The greater of the two values becomes the chargeable weight used for pricing purposes.

Significance of Chargeable Weight

This unique approach to pricing ensures that both density and space occupied are taken into consideration. Dense shipments with a higher actual weight will be charged based on their physical weight. On the other hand, shipments with a lower density but occupying more volume will be charged based on their volumetric weight.

By utilizing chargeable weight, air freight companies can ensure that their pricing is fair and reflects the true cost of transporting the goods. This approach ensures that shippers are not paying excessive charges for light but bulky items, while also ensuring that carriers are compensated for the space occupied by heavy shipments.