The Chargeable Weight of Air Freight shipments are calculated as the Actual Weight (Gross Weight) or the Volumetric (also called Volume or Dimensional) Weight of the shipment, whichever is the greater. This uses an estimated weight that is calculated based on the dimensions (length, width and height) of a package (shipments are always shown in the order of L x W x H). Typically, large items with a light overall weight take up more space on an aircraft than a small, heavy item. That’s why the Airlines charge according to Chargeable Weight.
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‌Click here to use our volume calculator

Chargeable weight is commonly used by air freight forwarders, domestic motor carriers and brokers to calculate their air freight and/or domestic trucking charges. They use a dimensional factor to determine the “volume” or “volumetric” or “dimensional” weight of the cargo. The domestic air cartage motor carriers in the USA use a different dimensional factor than airlines which is listed below as well. 

For those of you who simply want the formulas without a detailed explanation, here you go:

The formula for calculating the volume/dimensional weight for all commodities is 366 cubic inches per kilogram, 166 cubic inches per pound or 6000 cubic centimeters per kilogram.

For calculating the volume weight using inches, multiply the length by the width by the height (L x W x H) in inches to obtain the cubic inches, then:

To obtain the dimensional weight in pounds using inches, divide the cubic inch result by 166

To obtain the dimensional weight in kilograms using inches, divide the cubic inch result by 366

Some definitions and formulas to start:
‌Chargeable Weight: the greater of actual weight vs. volume weight of a shipment. Chargeable weight is an equilibrium point where the actual weight and volume weight of cargo balance out for the airline, BUT, keep in mind that if the actual weight of the cargo is higher than the “equilibrium point”, the air freight charges are billed on that actual weight.

Volume/Volumetric/Dimensional Weight: Cargo weight based on dimensions of the cargo

Actual Weight: Actual weight of the cargo weighed on a scale

Lb or lbs:   pounds

Kg or kgs: kilograms

Cft or ft3: cubic feet

Cbm or m3: cubic meters

Tonne or mt: metric ton 1,000 kgs / 2,204.6 lbs

Basic Conversions:

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters (cms) / 1 cms = 0.393701

1 lbs = 0.453592 kgs / 1 kgs = 2.20462 lbs

Note: all dimensions and weights are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Combining dimensions in inches and weight in kgs: (L x W x H)/366 (this is commonly done in U.S. exports since dimensions are provided in inches but charges for air freight are always in kgs)

If you have any Air Freight shipments to import or export, please Contact us today at (469) 422 4603 or Request a quote.