| Whether you run an import or export business, or | | | | weight is of utmost importance. For shippers who are |
| even if you just have a substantial shipment to send | | | | exporting bulk items such as home furnishings or |
| overseas, you may be considering using an air freight | | | | building materials, the volume of the cargo will be more |
| company. An air freight company simply refers to an | | | | relevant to the 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, shipping | | | | This is the easiest to determine because it is |
| times are almost always shorter. | | | | straightforward. The actual weight as indicated on the |
| There is a huge market for cargo transport by air, not | | | | cargo scale represents the weight that will be the |
| only for commercial purposes, but for personal ones | | | | chargeable weight provided the weight is greater than |
| as well. Before you start comparing air freight | | | | the volume. |
| companies and shopping around for a cargo airline that | | | | Volume Weight |
| will suit your needs, you must understand how these | | | | To calculate the weight, a bit of simple geometry is |
| 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 are | | | | inches or centimeters depending on where the |
| included in the shipment. When rates are quoted for air | | | | shipment is originating. Then, the following formula is |
| cargo shipments, they are typically quoted on an | | | | applied: |
| airport to airport basis. The three most common ways | | | | If measurements are taken in inches: |
| that air freight companies break down their charges | | | | Length x Width x Height / 165 = Volume Weight (in |
| are as follows: | | | | pounds) |
| " Weight | | | | If measurements are taken in centimeters: |
| " Volume | | | | Length x Width x Height / 6,000 = Volume Weight (in |
| Chargeable Weight | | | | 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 internationally | | | | 60 x 40 x 70 = (168,000) / 165 = 1018 lbs |
| by air freight will be based on either the weight or | | | | Say the volume for this shipment is 1018 pounds. If the |
| weight. Which measurement is used to determine the | | | | weight is more than 1018 pounds, then the freight rate |
| cost depends on which is better. Because of this, for | | | | will be applied to the weight. If the weight is less than |
| exporters of dense goods, such as food products, | | | | 1018 pounds, then the rate will be applied to the weight. |
| toiletries, bottled drinks, clothing, etcetera, the shipment's | | | | |