How to calculate the chargeable weight of air freight?

1, The basic concept of chargeable weight
Billable weight, also known as billing unit weight, is a standard weight determined by airlines or freight forwarders based on the actual weight and volumetric weight of the cargo, whichever is greater, used to calculate shipping costs. Actual weight refers to the weight of the goods themselves, while volumetric weight is the weight converted based on the size of the goods. This is because airlines have strict restrictions on the transportation space of goods, and larger goods may occupy more space, so freight needs to be calculated based on their volume.
2, Method for calculating volumetric weight
The calculation of volumetric weight usually uses the product of length, width, and height dimensions divided by a fixed conversion factor. This conversion factor is usually 6000 (centimeters) ³/ Kilograms or 5000 centimeters ³/ The specific value may vary depending on the regulations of different airlines or freight forwarding companies. For example, if the length, width, and height of a cargo are 100 centimeters, 50 centimeters, and 40 centimeters respectively, then its volume is 200000 centimeters ³. Assuming a conversion factor of 6000, the volumetric weight of the goods is 200000/6000=33.33 kilograms.
3, Principles for determining chargeable weight
When calculating the chargeable weight of air freight, the following principles need to be followed:
Comparison of actual weight and volumetric weight: The shipper should first calculate the actual weight and volumetric weight of the goods, and then compare the two. If the actual weight is greater than the volumetric weight, the actual weight shall be used as the chargeable weight; If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight, the volumetric weight will be used as the chargeable weight.
Regulations of airlines or freight forwarding companies: Different airlines or freight forwarding companies may have different billing standards and regulations. When choosing transportation services, shippers should understand and comply with relevant company regulations to ensure the accuracy of freight charges.
4, Methods for optimizing billing weight
In order to reduce transportation costs, shippers can take the following measures to optimize billing weight:
Reasonable packaging: The shipper should choose appropriate packaging materials and methods based on the nature of the goods and transportation requirements, in order to reduce the volume of the goods and thus reduce the volume and weight.
Compressed goods: For certain compressible goods, shippers can try to compress them to reduce their volume and thus reduce their volume and weight.
Merge transportation: When multiple goods need to be transported to the same destination, the shipper can consider merging them into a larger package or container for transportation, in order to reduce the total volume weight and lower transportation costs.
5, Precautions
When calculating the chargeable weight of air freight, shippers need to pay attention to the following:
Accurate measurement: The shipper should use precise measuring tools and methods to measure the length, width, height, and actual weight of the goods to ensure the accuracy of the calculation results.
Compliance with regulations: The shipper shall comply with the regulations of the airline or freight forwarding company and shall not change the calculation method or standard of the chargeable weight without authorization.
Timely communication: If the shipper has any doubts or uncertainties when calculating the chargeable weight, they should communicate with the airline or freight forwarding company in a timely manner to ensure the accuracy and rationality of the freight charges.
In summary, calculating the chargeable weight of air freight is a process involving multiple factors. Shippers need to understand basic concepts, master calculation methods, follow relevant principles, and take optimization measures to reduce transportation costs. By correctly calculating and applying chargeable weight, shippers can better control transportation costs and optimize logistics costs.