Understanding Air Freight Billing: Gross vs Volumetric Weight
In international air freight, airlines charge based on either the actual physical weight of the cargo or its volumetric (dimensional) size—whichever is greater. This billed quantity is called the Chargeable Weight.
The Standard Air Freight Formula
IATA standard air cargo volumetric weight is calculated using the standard 1:6000 ratio:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) / 6000
Step-by-Step Practical Example
- Package Dimensions: 100 cm × 80 cm × 60 cm (Volume = 480,000 cm³)
- Volumetric Weight: 480,000 / 6000 = 80 kg
- Actual Gross Scale Weight: 45 kg
- Billed Chargeable Weight: 80 kg (since volumetric exceeds actual weight)
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