Free tool
Work out the weight you will be charged
Enter the dimensions and weight of your packages and get the volume in cubic meters, the air and courier volumetric weight, and the chargeable weight for each mode. It runs in your browser: no sign-up and no data stored.
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Your packages
Outer dimensions of each box or pallet in centimeters, and its actual weight in kilograms.
Result
Fill in length, width, height, weight and quantity to see the result.
Reference based on the usual industry factors. Your carrier confirms the factor, minimums and rate. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
The rule in four lines
- Air: length times width times height in centimeters, divided by 6,000.
- Courier: the divisor is usually 5,000, so volumetric weight comes out higher.
- Consolidated ocean: you pay the greater of cubic meters and metric tons.
- You always pay the greater of actual and volumetric weight.
What is volumetric weight?
It is the weight a carrier assigns to cargo based on the space it takes up. An aircraft or a container fills up by volume before it does by weight, so large, light packages pay for their size. The carrier charges the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight: that is the chargeable weight.
How is it calculated for air cargo and courier?
For air cargo you multiply length, width and height in centimeters and divide by 6,000, which equals 166.67 kg per cubic meter. Courier companies usually divide by 5,000, that is, 200 kg per cubic meter. Confirm the factor with your carrier, because some use others.
How is consolidated ocean freight charged?
For consolidated cargo (LCL) the rate applies per freight unit: the greater of the cubic meters and the metric tons of the cargo, with a minimum set by the consolidator. A shipment of 2 m³ and 800 kg pays 2 units; one of 1 m³ and 1,500 kg pays 1.5.
When does a full container make sense?
When your volume gets close to the usable capacity of a container, a full container usually costs less per unit than several consolidated units, and the cargo travels without third-party handling. As a reference, a 20-foot container has about 33 m³ of internal capacity, a 40-foot about 67 m³ and a 40-foot high cube about 76 m³.
Real usable load is always lower than internal capacity because of package shapes, pallets and stowage. Your consolidator or carrier confirms how much of your goods will fit.
How do I lower the chargeable weight?
By working on the packaging before the cargo leaves: real master carton dimensions, less air inside each package and pallets only when the mode requires them. Then compare air and ocean using chargeable weight, not actual weight.
- Ask the supplier for the real master carton dimensions, not the product dimensions.
- Cut the air: snug packaging and nested or knocked-down products.
- Palletize only when the mode requires it: the pallet adds weight and volume.
- Compare air and ocean using chargeable weight, not actual weight.
What is volumetric weight and how is it calculated?
Volumetric weight is the weight a carrier charges based on the space the cargo takes up, and you pay the greater of that figure and the actual weight. For air freight the usual convention multiplies length, width and height in centimeters and divides by 6,000; courier companies usually divide by 5,000. Consolidated ocean freight is charged on the greater of cubic meters and metric tons.
When is air freight better than ocean freight?
Air freight suits urgent, light or high-value-per-kilo cargo; ocean freight suits volume and weight when the timeline allows. Air carriers charge the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, so bulky, light products get expensive fast. Compare the total landed cost rather than the freight alone, and work out your volumetric weight first.
Can I consolidate cargo with other importers to save money?
Yes: with consolidated cargo (LCL) you only pay for the volume or weight your goods take up in a shared container. It suits small volumes, but it adds waiting time at origin and deconsolidation charges at destination. As your volume grows, always compare the LCL cost with a full container before deciding.
With the chargeable weight, work out the total cost
Take the weight and volume to the import cost calculator to see freight, insurance, duties and delivery in your city, or ask the team for a freight quote.