How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Air Freight

Air freight shipping costs are calculated based on 'chargeable weight'. This is the larger value between the shipment's physical gross weight and its volumetric (dimensional) weight.

The IATA Volumetric Ratio

Airlines use the volumetric ratio to charge fairly for lightweight, bulky items that occupy significant space in the aircraft cargo hold. The standard IATA volumetric ratio for air cargo is 1:6000 cubic centimeters per gram (or 166 cubic inches per pound).

The formulas for calculating volumetric weight are:

• Metric: (Length in cm × Width in cm × Height in cm) / 6000 = Volumetric Weight in Kilograms
• Imperial: (Length in inches × Width in inches × Height in inches) / 166 = Volumetric Weight in Pounds

Chargeable Weight Example

Consider a pallet shipped on Cargolux with the following details:

• Actual Gross Weight: 150 kg
• Dimensions: 120 cm × 80 cm × 160 cm
• Volume: 1,536,000 cubic centimeters
• Volumetric Weight: 1,536,000 / 6000 = 256 kg

Since the volumetric weight (256 kg) is greater than the gross weight (150 kg), the airline will bill the shipment at the chargeable weight of 256 kg.