Chargeable weight is the weight used by a carrier to calculate shipping cost. It is based on whichever is greater: the shipment’s actual weight or its volumetric weight. This allows carriers to price freight fairly when a package is large but lightweight, or small but heavy. Actual weight is the physical weight of the shipment on a scale. Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight, is calculated from the shipment’s length, width, and height. Carriers compare both figures and charge based on the higher number. For example, a large box of lightweight goods may have a low actual weight but a high volumetric weight because it takes up valuable space in a truck, aircraft, or container.
Chargeable weight is the weight a carrier uses to calculate the freight charge, equal to the greater of the actual gross weight and the dimensional (volumetric) weight of the shipment.
How Chargeable Weight Is Calculated
- Calculate the actual gross weight of the packed shipment
- Calculate the dimensional weight: L x W x H (cm) / 6,000 for air freight
- The chargeable weight is whichever is higher
- For ocean LCL, compare actual weight in tons to CBM volume; carrier charges on the higher of the two
Why It Matters
- Light, bulky goods (furniture, pillows, plastic parts) typically bill on dimensional weight in air freight
- Dense, heavy goods (machinery, metal parts, stones) typically bill on actual weight
- Optimizing packaging reduces dimensional weight and freight cost for air shipments
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Dimensional Weight, Billable Weight, Volumetric Weight, and CBM.
