Chargeable weight, with the arithmetic shown

Air freight is billed on the higher of actual gross weight and volumetric weight. If a quote does not show both, you cannot tell whether the packaging or the rate is the problem.

The calculation

Volumetric weight in kilograms is usually length x width x height in centimetres divided by 6000 for standard air cargo, though the divisor can vary by carrier and service. A carton of 60 x 50 x 40 cm gives 120000 / 6000 = 20 kg of volumetric weight. If the carton actually weighs 12 kg, the carrier charges 20 kg.

We print the dimensions, divisor and both totals on the quote.

Where the money goes

Void space inside a carton, oversized outer packaging and mixed carton sizes on one pallet all inflate the figure. Reducing the height of a carton by five centimetres across twenty cartons can change the chargeable weight more than a small rate negotiation.

• Right-size cartons before the cargo-ready date
• Keep one carton specification per SKU where possible
• Compare a consolidated air freight option against a deferred service for non-urgent lots

Check before you ship

Ask for the chargeable weight on the quotation, not only the rate per kilo. Confirm whether fuel and security surcharges apply to the chargeable figure, and whether screening adds a handling step at the Shenzhen terminal.