Understanding how to calculate chargeable weight is essential for any business involved in shipping goods, whether within the UK or internationally. Freight charges are not always based solely on the actual weight of the cargo. Instead, carriers often compare actual weight with volumetric (or dimensional) weight and apply whichever is greater. This can significantly affect costs, especially for lightweight but bulky shipments.
In this guide, we explain how chargeable weight is calculated, why it matters, and how it affects your shipping rates. We also include practical examples and insights from our team at Barrington Freight to help you make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
What Is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight used by carriers to calculate shipping costs. It can be:
- Actual weight: The real weight of the cargo measured in kilograms (kg).
- Volumetric weight: A calculated figure based on the dimensions of the shipment.
Why Do Carriers Use Volumetric Weight?
Transporting freight costs money not only due to weight but also due to the space it occupies. A large, lightweight package takes up valuable space in a container, truck or aircraft that could be used for heavier cargo. To account for this, carriers use volumetric weight to ensure fair pricing.
How to Calculate Volumetric Weight
- For Air Freight
Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 6000
- For Sea Freight
Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 5000
- For Road Freight
Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 3000
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Example Calculations
Example 1: Lightweight but Bulky Item
- Dimensions: 120 cm x 100 cm x 80 cm
- Actual weight: 90 kg
Volumetric weight for road freight:
(120 x 100 x 80) / 3000 = 320 kg
Chargeable weight: 320 kg
Example 2: Dense Item
- Dimensions: 80 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm
- Actual weight: 100 kg
Volumetric weight:
(80 x 60 x 40) / 3000 = 64 kg
Chargeable weight: 100 kg
Mode of Transport and Impact on Cost
It’s important to consider how the choice of transport affects volumetric weight calculation:
- Air freight tends to penalise bulky cargo more due to higher divisors (6000).
- Road freight uses a divisor of 3000, which still impacts costs for large but light shipments.
- Sea freight generally applies volumetric weight only to consolidated (LCL) shipments. For full container loads (FCL), pricing is based on container type and capacity, not individual package weight.
Tips for Managing Chargeable Weight
- Use compact packaging
- Stack efficiently
- Discuss routing options
- Consult your freight forwarder early
Common Misunderstandings
- “I’m only shipping 50 kg, so why is it priced as 120 kg?”: Packaging dimensions likely cause a higher volumetric charge.
- “Sea freight is always cheapest.”: Not always true, especially for small LCL consignments.
- “One size fits all.”: Best option depends on cargo, destination, and urgency.
Conclusion
Understanding chargeable weight, especially the difference between actual and volumetric weight, is essential for budgeting and planning your shipments. By knowing how it’s calculated and what factors influence it, businesses can avoid unexpected costs and choose the most efficient shipping method. Try our Cube Calculator now to work out your cargo’s volumetric weight in seconds.
At Barrington Freight, we work closely with our B2B clients across the UK to provide clear guidance on packaging, routing, and documentation. If you’re unsure how your cargo will be rated, our experienced team is here to help you calculate accurately and optimise your shipments.
Need help working out your chargeable weight?
Contact Barrington Freight for a personalised consultation. We offer fast, reliable freight forwarding for businesses across all industries – by road, air or sea.
