In the world of logistics, the “chargeable weight” is an important criterion in determining transportation costs, and it is calculated by taking into account the space covered by the shipment and its actual weight. As Matros Logistics, we offer our customers calculations that reflect the costs in the most accurate way during the transportation process. Chargeable weight is a concept that is frequently used, especially in air transportation, but also in land and sea transportation, and is effective in optimizing costs. Here is what you need to know about chargeable weight calculation in air, land and sea transportation:
1. What is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight refers to the weight used when calculating the shipment's transportation fee in freight transportation. This weight is based on the higher of the actual weight and volumetric weight of the cargo. In other words, if your shipment is very light but large in volume, the cost is determined by this volumetric weight. For example, different calculations are applied when transporting light but bulky furniture or heavy but compact electronic devices. Therefore, the method by which the shipment will be transported is important in calculating the chargeable weight.
2. Chargeable Weight in Air Transportation
Carrying cargo in air transportation offers a fast and safe option, but it is more costly. In air transportation, volumetric weight is often the weight that determines the cost of the cargo. Volumetric weight is usually found by multiplying the volume obtained by multiplying the length, width and height of the cargo by a conversion factor.
Volumetric Weight Formula for Airline:
The conversion factor 6000 used in this formula is determined by international air freight standards. For example, if the dimensions of a shipment are 100 cm x 80 cm x 60 cm, the volumetric weight is calculated as follows:
If the actual weight of this shipment is 70 kg, the chargeable weight is 80 kg, because the higher value is taken into account. As Matros Logistics, we provide guidance on such calculations in air transportation in order to offer our customers the most accurate and cost-effective options.
3. Chargeable Weight in Road Transport
In land transportation, the chargeable weight calculation is made depending on the area used in transport vehicles such as trucks or TIRs. Volumetric weight is still important, but the conversion factor used in land transportation is different from air transportation. In land transportation, the conversion factor is usually used as 3000, meaning that 1 m³ of load is considered as 333 kg. This conversion factor makes a comparison between the volume and actual weight of the load and determines the higher value as the chargeable weight.
Volumetric Weight Formula for Road:
For example, for a shipment with dimensions of 120 cm x 100 cm x 90 cm, the volumetric weight is calculated as follows:
If the actual weight of this shipment is 400 kg, the chargeable weight is considered as 400 kg in land transportation. As Matros Logistics, we provide reliable cost calculations to our customers by making accurate calculations in land transportation.
4. Chargeable Weight in Sea Transportation
Maritime transport is the most economical method of transport, especially for transporting large volumes of cargo. In maritime transport, the chargeable weight is calculated based on the volume occupied by the container or other transport units. In maritime transport, the conversion factor is usually determined as 1000. In this case, the volume of the shipment is calculated in cubic meters and converted to tonnage.
Volumetric Weight Formula for Sea Freight:
For example, the volumetric weight of a shipment with dimensions of 200 cm x 150 cm x 120 cm is calculated as follows:
In sea freight, the charge is usually made based on volumetric weight rather than actual weight, because the space occupied is a more effective factor in determining the transportation cost. As Matros Logistics, we offer our customers comprehensive information to optimize costs in sea freight.