Chargeable Weight
The weight actually used to price freight — the greater of actual and volumetric weight, rounded up.
Chargeable weight is the weight a carrier uses to charge freight: chargeable weight = max(actual gross weight, volumetric weight), then rounded up to the channel's increment (commonly 0.5 kg or 1 kg — not rounded to nearest).
Key points:
- The volumetric figure depends on the channel: ÷6000 for air, ÷5000 for courier. Compute it first, then compare with actual weight.
- Rounding is always upward — even 0.1 kg rounds up, which matters more when cartons are consolidated.
- Sea LCL does not use this rule; it uses revenue tons (1 CBM to 1000 kg) — see "Revenue Ton."
Common pitfall: rounding each carton separately and summing costs more than rounding the consolidated total once; the correct basis is usually the whole consignment, subject to the carrier's tariff. When comparing quotes, confirm whether the rate is per actual weight or per chargeable weight.
Volumetric / Chargeable Weight
Chargeable = max(actual, volumetric), rounded up.
Actual equals volumetric
Calculations follow common industry rules and are for reference only; actual billing/liability is governed by your carrier, forwarder and contract.
FAQ
- How is chargeable weight determined?
- Compute volumetric weight with the channel divisor (6000 air, 5000 courier), take the larger of it and actual gross weight, then round up. E.g. 18 kg actual vs 22.3 kg volumetric bills at 23 kg (rounded to 1 kg).
- Why was I quoted 20 kg but billed 21 kg?
- Usually the volumetric weight exceeded actual, or the consolidated total was rounded up. Ask the forwarder for the measured dimensions and divisor to reconcile line by line.
Related terms
Sources: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/ · https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/our-divisions/freight/customer-service/freight-glossary.html