How volumetric weight is calculated for air freight and parcels
Light but bulky goods are charged by space, not weight. Volumetric weight explains why.
The formula
Volumetric weight = length × width × height (cm) ÷ a factor. Express services commonly use 5000; air freight often uses 6000, equivalent to about 167 kg per cubic metre. You pay on the greater of actual and volumetric weight.
Example
A 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton weighing 8 kg: 96,000 ÷ 6000 = 16 kg volumetric, so it is charged as 16 kg.
How to reduce it
- Use cartons sized to the product.
- Remove unnecessary inner packing if protection allows.
- Consolidate small items into fewer, fuller cartons.
- Ship foldable products folded.
Factors differ between services, so do not compare two quotes without knowing the factor each uses.
FAQ
Do you repack to reduce volume?
Yes when needed and agreed, without weakening protection.
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