Chargeable Weight

Chargeable weight is the quantified weight used to calculate the freight rate, appearing on your invoice identifying what the carrier will charge to move your cargo. It is determined by comparing actual weight (gross weight) with volumetric weight and selecting the higher value. IATA's standard formula calculates volumetric weight using a divisor of 6,000 cubic centimeters per kilogram, though some carriers may use different divisors. This system ensures carriers are compensated fairly for both the weight and space occupied by shipments on aircraft.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment AWB 020-12345678 from Frankfurt (FRA) to Los Angeles (LAX) contains 5 boxes measuring 60×40×30 cm each, weighing 20 kg per box. The volumetric weight is calculated as: (60×40×30) × 5 boxes ÷ 6,000 = 60 kg, while actual weight is 100 kg. Since actual weight (100 kg) exceeds volumetric weight (60 kg), the chargeable weight is 100 kg. Conversely, a FedEx Express shipment AWB 023-87654321 containing lightweight electronics in large protective packaging weighing 15 kg total but occupying 120×80×50 cm would have a volumetric weight of 80 kg (480,000 ÷ 6,000), making 80 kg the chargeable weight.

• billable weight
• rated weight
• applicable weight

How does IATA's standard chargeable weight calculation differ from express courier formulas?

IATA recommends a divisor of 6,000 cubic centimeters per kilogram for air freight calculations. Some carriers use a divisor of 5,000 instead of 6,000, while express couriers typically use 1:5,000 ratios which result in higher volumetric weights for bulky shipments. FedEx uses 6,000 for new international shipments but 5,000 for older Asian routes, while UPS varies between 6,000 and 5,000 depending on country criteria.

What is the exact chargeable weight formula used by most airlines following IATA standards?

The IATA standard formula is: Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6,000. Measurements are rounded to the nearest whole unit, with fractions of 0.5 or larger rounded up and smaller fractions rounded down. This calculation assumes 1 cubic meter equals 167 kg (1,000,000 cm³ ÷ 6,000 = 166.67 kg, rounded to 167 kg).