What is volumetric weight and cargo?
Volumetric weight, sometimes referred to as dimensional weight, is a theoretical weight which is based on the dimensions of a shipment.
The volumetric weight of a shipment is important as it can impact on the chargeable weight of your shipment, which can ultimately lead to an increase in the shipping costs.
The comparison between the actual weight and the volumetric weight takes place for every air freight shipment.
The higher of these two figures is the chargeable weight. In simple terms, this allows for small and heavy cargo to be charged fairly against cargo that is relatively light in comparison but takes up more space on an aircraft.
Large items that are priced using volumetric weight are classed as volumetric cargo.
How can I calculate the volumetric weight of a package?
You can calculate the volumetric weight of a package by measuring its three dimensions (length, width, and height) in centimetres.
Once measured, multiply the total together and then divide by 6,000. (Divide by 5000 if sending door to door by courier)
The resulting figure will be the volumetric weight of the package.
Using an example, if you had a package weighing 32kg and measuring 130x30x90cms, you would get a value of 58.50kg — the volumetric weight of the package.
From the above example, the package would be charged by its volumetric weight, rather than its actual weight.
Check out our specially designed volumetric cargo calculator:
Fill in the measurements below to get a volumetric weight for your package.
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cm
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kg
For those who want to pack their own items, ensure to do so by using the smallest overall space (without increasing the weight or endangering the contents) if you want to avoid paying for volume rather than weight.
It’s important to remember that you will always be charged for the higher figure.
Sending multiple packages
If you happen to be sending multiple packages, then the combined actual weight should be compared to the combined volumetric weight.
By doing this, you’ll be able to determine if the entire shipment will be charged according to the actual or volumetric weight.