Know the Three Weight Terms
Actual Weight
The gross weight of the packed shipment measured on a calibrated scale.
Volumetric Weight
A calculated value that converts the space occupied by cargo into a kilogram equivalent.
Chargeable Weight
Generally the higher of actual and volumetric weight, subject to the carrier’s tariff and minimums.
How Is Volumetric Weight Calculated?
IATA’s air-cargo tariffs guide gives the general reference of dividing volume in cubic centimetres by 6000. For a multi-piece shipment, calculating each package separately before adding the results helps prevent dimensional differences from being missed.
Volumetric kg = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 60006000 is a widely used general reference. A different divisor or rounding method may apply under a specific contract, carrier, route or product.
IATA source ↗Two Worked Examples
10 Cartons · Each 60 × 40 × 40 cm
Volumetric weight per carton: 16 kg. Total volumetric weight: 160 kg. As actual weight is 200 kg, chargeable weight is 200 kg.
5 Cartons · Each 100 × 80 × 60 cm
Volumetric weight per carton: 80 kg. Total volumetric weight: 400 kg. As actual weight is 150 kg, chargeable weight is 400 kg.
Why Do Airlines Account for Volume?
Aircraft capacity is constrained by both weight and usable cargo space. A light but bulky shipment can occupy more space than a heavier compact shipment. Volumetric weight reflects that capacity use in pricing.
How Can Chargeable Weight Be Reduced?
01Use more compact outer packaging without compromising product protection.
02Remove unnecessary void space and filler, then remeasure packages before dispatch.
03Compare ocean, road or multimodal transport for bulky, non-urgent cargo.
04Consolidation reduces volumetric weight only when it genuinely improves packaging or the load plan; consolidation alone does not change mathematical volume.
What Is Needed for an Accurate Quote?
- ✓ Quantity and external dimensions of every package (L × W × H, cm)
- ✓ Gross weight per package and total weight
- ✓ Commodity description, origin and destination
- ✓ Details of non-stackable, dangerous or special-handling cargo
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chargeable weight and volumetric weight the same?+
No. Volumetric weight is calculated from dimensions. Chargeable weight is the figure used for pricing and is usually the higher of actual and volumetric weight.
Does the 6000 divisor apply to every shipment?+
6000 is a common general air-cargo reference, but carrier, commodity, route, contract, rounding and minimum-charge rules can change the result. Confirm the basis used in the quotation.
How do I calculate a multi-piece shipment?+
Packages with identical dimensions can be multiplied by quantity. Packages with different dimensions should be calculated separately and added, then compared with total actual weight.
Why are external package dimensions used?+
Aircraft space is occupied according to external dimensions. Bulges, pallets, protrusions and protective packaging should be included in the final booked measurements.
Source and Application Note
The method follows IATA’s general explanation of air-cargo pricing. Final chargeable weight is confirmed under the carrier’s tariff and acceptance rules in force at booking.