Freight charge under air shipment is calculated on the basis of weight of cargo. Commonly a question arises here, whether actual weight or chargeable weight?
In an air shipment, airfreight charge is calculated on the basis of actual weight or volume weight, which ever is higher. Then what is Volume weight? How to find volume weight?
Chargeable weight is an equilibrium point where in actual weight and volume of cargo balance.
Why chargeable weight in airfreight?
Let me explain the importance of volume weight in airfreight. Why do air carrier balance weight and volume of cargo?
Let me explain the importance of chargeable weight in simple terms. If a shipper exports cotton, the actual weight of cotton is very low but occupies a good amount of space as a volume. In this case, if airfreight is charges on the basis of actual weight of cargo, the said shipper needs to pay a very nominal airfreight compared to a shipper who exports iron plates. Am I right? Here is the importance of volume weight by considering volume of cargo and actual weight of cargo at an equilibrium point.
Calculation of chargeable weight in airfreight.
In order to find volume weight of cargo you need to have measurement of package of goods.If the cargo measurement are in centimeters, the total volume of cm3 to be divided with 6000. In other words, if the volume is in cubic meter (CBM), the said volume in M3 to be divided with 0.006. Air carriers charge airfreight on the basis of volume weight or actual gross weight which ever is higher.
So the chargeable weight is calculated on the basis of volume weight or gross weight, whichever is highter.
Let me explain to calculate volume weight weight in simple language to make understand easily. I am going to explain with 3 examples, the method of calculation of chargeable airfreight for export shipments.
You have three shipments to be exported separately. Measurement of cargo length, width and height
Shipment 1:
Gross weight =750kgs
Measurement of cargo = 102cm X 98cm X 106cm = 1 box
80cm X 65cm X 103cm = 3 boxes
Total volume = 1059576 +(535600X3) = 2666376 cubic centimeter
Total volume weight = 2666376 / 6000 = 444.396kgs
Here in shipment No: 1, the gross weight is 750kgs and volume weight is 444.396kgs. Hence, Chargeable weight is 750 kgs which is also gross weight, 750kgs (which is greater)
Shipment 2:
Gross weight = 850kgs
Measurement of cargo = 120cm X 160cm X 115cm = 2 boxes
75cm X 130cm X 125cm = 2 boxes
Total volume = 4416000 + 2437500 =6853500 cubic centimeter
Total volume weight = 6853500 / 6000 = 1142.25kgs
Here in shipment No:2, the gross weight is 850kgs and volume weight is 1142.25kgs. Hence, airfreight is charged on the basis of volume weight, 1142.25kgs. Here, the chargeable weight is 1142.25kgs.
Shipment 3:
Gross weight : 950kgs.
Measurement of cargo = 1 meter X 1.05 meter X 0.85 meter = 2 boxes
0.7 meter X 1.50 meter X 0.60 meter= 3 boxes
Total volume = (0.8925 X 2) + ( 0.63 X 3)
1.785 + 1.89 = 3.675 cubic meter
Total volume weight = 3.675 / .006 = 612.50kgs
Although almost all airlines calculate volume weight on the basis of above calculation (6000), FEDEX calculate volume weight on the basis of 5000.
Here in shipment No:3, the gross weight is 950kgs and volume weight is 612.50kgs. Hence, airfreight is charged on the basis of actual gross weight of 950kgs which is greater than volume weight. So chargeable weight under this shipment no.3 is 950kgs. Also note, the measurement in shipment 3 is in meter and volume calculation also may be noted.
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