Today we’re discussing air freight and the difference between the actual weight of the cargo versus the volumetric weight, along with chargeable weights.
Air freight works differently than sea freight. The weight that you are charged for freight and terminal fees is the chargeable weight – which is not necessarily the actual weight of the cargo.
Volumetric weight is how much space the cargo takes up. It is calculated by multiplying the length, width and height of the cargo and then multiplying that number by 167.
Let’s discuss an example. Cotton wool is air freighted from China to Perth. This cotton weighs 200kgs and the cubic is 120x120x125cm (1.80cbm), taking up a lot of space in the aircraft. The cotton’s volumetric weight is worked out as 1.80cbm x 167 = is 300.60kgs – this airfreight would be charged on the volumetric (chargeable) weight of 300.60kgs.
In another example, let’s say we have steel anvils moving from India to Sydney weigh 500kgs, yet they are only small in size at 117x117x110cm (1.505cbm) – their volumetric weight is approx 251kgs (1.505 x 167), therefore the actual weight is more than the volumetric weight. The weight that you would be charged (the chargeable weight) on would be 500kgs, as this is the greater amount.
Actual weight: Is the weight of your product including any packaging
Volumetric weight: Is the volume of your shipment (cubic metre) multiplied by 167
Chargeable weight: Is the actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. This is the weight that you will be charged upon.
EES are able to assist you with all your air freight needs. We can arrange both import or export air freight shipments, covering all corners of the globe. Contact us today for a competitive quotation.
