Pricing & Surcharges
Volumetric Weight
A notional weight derived from a shipment's dimensions using a carrier's conversion factor, used when cargo occupies more space than its actual weight justifies.
In depth
Volumetric weight — also called dimensional weight — converts space into a weight figure so that light, bulky cargo pays for the room it takes up. Each mode and carrier applies its own divisor, and air freight conventionally uses 6,000 cubic centimetres per kilogram, meaning one cubic metre equals roughly 167 kilograms. The volumetric figure is compared against actual gross weight and the higher of the two becomes the chargeable weight. Measuring the packed dimensions, including pallets and any overhang, is essential because carriers re-measure and re-rate.
Key points
- Converts occupied space into a chargeable weight figure
- Air freight commonly divides cubic centimetres by 6,000
- Compared against actual weight — the higher figure is charged
- Always measure packed dimensions including the pallet