While it may be straightforward to the regular exporter, the Chargeable weight is an important term which often requires clarifying between shipping agents and customers.
To highlight its significance, we must identify that some items will weigh less than others in relation to the space they occupy. Take for instance – 500 kg of sponges as compared to 500 kg of steel; although they weigh the same, sponges will require more space to transport, and the carrier charges accordingly.
You can use our Chargeable Weight Calculator online tool to quickly find out your chargeable weight before speaking with your agent.
What is Chargeable Weight?
In general terms, the chargeable weight is the unit of measurement applied to costing of freight upon consideration of both Gross Weight and Volumetric Weight (also known as volume weight, or dimensional weight). The standard calculation practice consistent globally among Freight Forwarders and Carriers is; as charges are calculated based on cargo weight, the rule of thumb is to apply the higher of the two (Gross Weight or Volume Weight) as the Chargeable Weight.
We have prepared this quick guide to understanding how we (forwarders) establish your shipment’s chargeable weight as they reflect in our quotes and shipping documents.
Air Freight
· Unit of Weight Measurement – Kilogram (kg)
· Unit of Dimensions Measurement – Centimetre (cm)
· Chargeable weight (kg) is the higher figure between Gross Weight and Volumetric Weight
· Gross Weight is the total physical weight as recorded on the weighing scale (kg) including all packing materials and pallet weight.
· Volumetric Weight is calculated by multiplying dimensions in cm (length x width x height) and dividing the total by 6,000.
Example
1 pallet of 275 kg Gross Weight, With Dimensions 120 cm(l) X 80 cm(w) X 185 cm(h) Computes Volumetric Weight at 296 kg.
Therefore, as Volumetric Weight of 296kg exceeds Gross Weight of 275kg,
Chargeable Weight for this pallet is 296kg
Sea Freight (LCL)
· Unit of Weight Measurement – W/M
· Unit of Dimensions Measurement – Centimetre (cm)
· Chargeable weight (W/M) is the higher figure between Gross Weight (t) and Volume Weight (cbm)
· Gross Weight is measured in Tonne (t). This is the total physical weight as recorded on the weighing scale, including all packing materials and pallet weight. One tonne is equal to 1000 kilograms or 1 megagram for conversion.
· Volume Weight (Cubic Meter), is calculated by multiplying dimensions in cm (length x width x height) and dividing the total by 1,000,000.
Example
2 identical boxes at 20 kg Gross Weight each, i.e. 0.02 t each (combined 0.04 t). With dimensions 30 cm(l) X 30 cm(w) X 20 cm(h) Computes Volume Weight at 0.036 cbm
As the Gross Weight of 0.04 t exceeds Volume Weight 0.036 cbm, we must consider Chargeable Weight for these boxes as 0.04 t.
You can use our Chargeable Weight Calculator online tool to quickly find out your chargeable weight before speaking with your agent.