Understanding Chargeable Weight: Volumetric vs Actual

Chargeable weight is the single biggest driver of freight cost for LCL sea and all air shipments. Here is how carriers actually calculate it.

The formula

Volumetric weight (kg) = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ divisor

• Air freight divisor: 5,000
• Sea LCL divisor: 6,000 (or CBM-based)
• Road freight divisor: 3,000–6,000 depending on carrier

Why it matters

Carriers charge whichever is higher — actual weight or volumetric weight. A pallet of pillows might weigh 60 kg but occupy 1.5 m³ and be billed as 300 kg of air freight.

How to optimize

• Flat-pack where possible
• Use custom-fit cartons rather than oversized boxes
• Nest smaller cartons inside larger ones only if it does not exceed pallet dimensions