| Whether you run an import or export business, or | | | | importance. For shippers who are exporting bulk |
| even if you just have a substantial shipment to send | | | | items such as home furnishings or building materials, |
| overseas, you may be considering using an air freight | | | | the volume of the cargo will be more relevant to the |
| company. An air freight company simply refers to an | | | | final cost. |
| organization dedicated to transporting goods (cargo) | | | | How is Chargeable Weight Calculated? |
| by aircraft. While the cost of shipping goods via air is | | | | Gross Weight |
| generally more expensive than other methods, | | | | This is the easiest to determine because it is |
| shipping times are almost always shorter. | | | | straightforward. The actual weight as indicated on |
| There is a huge market for cargo transport by air, | | | | the cargo scale represents the weight that will be |
| not only for commercial purposes, but for personal | | | | the chargeable weight provided the weight is greater |
| ones as well. Before you start comparing air freight | | | | than the volume. |
| companies and shopping around for a cargo airline | | | | Volume Weight |
| that will suit your needs, you must understand how | | | | To calculate the weight, a bit of simple geometry is |
| these companies expect to be paid. | | | | required. The dimensions of the shipment must be |
| One Rate | | | | measured - specifically, the length, the width and the |
| Air freight is typically charged at the same rate no | | | | height. The measurements should be taken in either |
| matter what class of merchandise or other goods | | | | inches or centimeters depending on where the |
| are included in the shipment. When rates are quoted | | | | shipment is originating. Then, the following formula is |
| for air cargo shipments, they are typically quoted on | | | | applied: |
| an airport to airport basis. The three most common | | | | If measurements are taken in inches: |
| ways that air freight companies break down their | | | | Length x Width x Height / 165 = Volume Weight (in |
| charges are as follows: | | | | pounds) |
| " Weight | | | | If measurements are taken in centimeters: |
| " Volume | | | | Length x Width x Height / 6,000 = Volume Weight |
| Chargeable Weight | | | | (in kilograms) |
| In the cargo shipment industry, chargeable weight | | | | For example, if you shipment is 60 inches long by 40 |
| refers to the actual gross or actual volume of any | | | | inches wide and 70 inches tall, the equation would be: |
| given shipment. The cost to send goods | | | | 60 x 40 x 70 = (168,000) / 165 = 1018 lbs |
| internationally by air freight will be based on either | | | | Say the volume for this shipment is 1018 pounds. If |
| the weight or weight. Which measurement is used to | | | | the weight is more than 1018 pounds, then the |
| determine the cost depends on which is better. | | | | freight rate will be applied to the weight. If the |
| Because of this, for exporters of dense goods, such | | | | weight is less than 1018 pounds, then the rate will be |
| as food products, toiletries, bottled drinks, clothing, | | | | applied to the weight. |
| etcetera, the shipment's weight is of utmost | | | | |