Chargeable weight is the weight basis a carrier uses to price a shipment. For air and parcel freight, it is commonly the greater of actual weight and volumetric or dimensional weight, subject to carrier rules.
How is chargeable weight calculated?
First measure actual gross weight. Then calculate volumetric weight using the carrier’s divisor and compare the results.
Volumetric weight = length × width × height ÷ divisor
Illustrative chargeable-weight calculation
| Calculation step | Value | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 80 × 60 × 50 cm | 240,000 cm³ |
| Carrier divisor | 6,000 cm³/kg | 40 kg volumetric weight |
| Actual gross weight | 32 kg | Lower than volumetric weight |
| Chargeable weight | Greater of 40 kg and 32 kg | 40 kg |
This example excludes carrier rounding, minimum charges and multi-piece aggregation rules.
Why does package size matter?
Low-density cargo consumes transport capacity before reaching the vehicle’s weight limit. Dimensional pricing assigns a weight equivalent to that space.
How can errors be avoided?
Confirm units, outer dimensions after packing, divisor, rounding method and whether pieces are calculated separately or together. Carriers may remeasure cargo.
