Key Takeaways

• International shipping costs are not calculated solely from the scale weight of a shipment, because the space occupied by the cargo during transportation also has a cost.
• Actual Weight is the physical weight of a package, while Volumetric Weight is calculated from its dimensions: width × length × height.
• Chargeable Weight is the weight used by a service provider to calculate freight charges under that service's rules. It is often determined by comparing Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight.
• CBM stands for cubic meter, a unit of volume commonly used for Sea Freight, Road Freight, warehousing, and space planning.
• Divisors of 5,000 and 6,000 are not interchangeable across all services. Check the Carrier's or Freight Forwarder's rate rules before performing an actual calculation.

Why Does a Shipment Weighing Only 10 kg Cost the Same to Ship as One Weighing 20 kg?

This is one of the most common questions about shipping goods internationally.

For example, the actual shipment weighs only

10 kg

but when requesting an International Courier quote, the freight charge is calculated based on

18 kg

One possible reason is Volumetric Weight or Dimensional Weight.

This is because space on the following is limited:

• Aircraft
• Trucks
• Containers
• Warehouses

Therefore, before requesting a freight quote, shippers should have at least the following information:

• Actual Weight
• Dimensions
• Number of Packages
• Total Volume

What Factors Affect International Shipping Costs?

Actual Freight Cost depends on several factors, such as:

• Origin
• Destination
• Mode of Transport
• Actual Weight
• Volumetric Weight
• CBM
• Number of Packages
• Commodity
• Cargo Type
• Fuel Surcharge
• Season
• Capacity
• Pickup
• Delivery
• Customs Service
• Remote Area
• Dangerous Goods
• Special Handling

What Is Actual Weight?

Actual Weight is the physical weight obtained by weighing the package.

In freight operations, the weight after packing should be used.

Example:

Product = 8 kg
Box + Cushioning = 1 kg
Pallet = 3 kg

Shipment weight after packing =

12 kg

What Is Gross Weight?

Gross Weight is the combined weight of

the product + packaging

What Is Net Weight?

Net Weight is the weight of the product itself, excluding packaging.

Example:

Net Weight = 500 kg
Packaging = 50 kg

Gross Weight = 550 kg

What Is Tare Weight?

Tare Weight is the weight of a container or transport equipment when it is empty of cargo.

A clear example is the weight of an empty shipping container.

What Is Volumetric Weight?

Volumetric Weight, also called Dimensional Weight, converts the volume occupied by a package into a weight value used to calculate freight charges.

How Is Volumetric Weight Calculated?

The general formula is:

Width × Length × Height ÷ Divisor

when dimensions are measured in centimeters.

However, the divisor is not the same for every service.

Examples include:

• Some International Courier services use 5,000.
• Some Air Cargo tariffs use a volume factor equivalent to 6,000.

Check the actual Carrier's rate rules before calculating.

Example Calculation Using a Divisor of 5,000

Package dimensions:

50 × 40 × 30 cm

Calculation:

50 × 40 × 30 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg

If Actual Weight = 8 kg,

Volumetric Weight is higher.

How Does the Result Differ When Using a Divisor of 6,000?

Using the same package:

50 × 40 × 30 cm

Calculation:

50 × 40 × 30 ÷ 6,000 = 10 kg

Therefore, the divisor directly affects Chargeable Weight.

What Is Chargeable Weight?

Chargeable Weight is the weight used by a Carrier or service provider as the basis for calculating freight charges.

For services that compare Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight, the two values are compared and applied according to the pricing rules.

Example:

Actual Weight = 13 kg
Volumetric Weight = 12.8 kg

Chargeable Weight may be based on 13 kg.

But if:

Actual Weight = 8 kg
Volumetric Weight = 12 kg

Chargeable Weight may be based on 12 kg.

You should also check:

• Minimum Charge
• Weight Break
• Rounding
• Carrier Tariff

What Is CBM?

CBM stands for Cubic Meter.

When dimensions are measured in meters, the formula is:

Width × Length × Height = CBM

Example:

1.2 × 1 × 0.8 meters

=

0.96 CBM

For 10 packages:

=

9.6 CBM

How Do You Calculate CBM When Dimensions Are in Centimeters?

Use the formula:

Width × Length × Height ÷ 1,000,000

Example:

120 × 100 × 80 cm

=

0.96 CBM

Are CBM and Volumetric Weight the Same?

No.

CBM is a unit of volume.

Volumetric Weight is the conversion of volume into a weight value using a volume factor.

How Do Air Courier Services Calculate Shipping Charges?

International Courier services commonly use Chargeable Weight by comparing:

• Actual Weight
• Volumetric Weight

Example:

60 × 50 × 40 cm
Actual Weight = 15 kg

Using a divisor of 5,000:

Volumetric Weight =

24 kg

The shipment may be charged based on approximately 24 kg, according to the rate rules.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Air Courier? How Does It Differ from Air Cargo, and Which Types of Goods Are Suitable?

How Is Air Cargo Weight Calculated?

Air Cargo also places importance on Chargeable Weight.

Example:

120 × 100 × 100 cm
Actual Weight = 150 kg

If the tariff uses a volume factor of 6,000:

Volumetric Weight =

200 kg

Chargeable Weight may therefore be based on approximately 200 kg.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Air Cargo? Which Types of Goods Are Suitable for Air Freight?

Do Air Cargo and Air Courier Use the Same Formula?

You should not assume they do.

Some Courier services use 5,000.

Some Air Cargo tariffs use 6,000.

Always check the actual terms before booking.

How Are Sea Freight Charges Calculated?

Sea Freight has a different pricing structure from Air Freight.

Is Sea Freight LCL Charged Based on CBM Alone?

Not always.

LCL often uses the principle of Weight / Measurement (W/M).

For example, a tariff may use:

1 CBM equivalent to 1,000 kg

Cargo = 8 CBM
Gross Weight = 3,000 kg

Volume = 8 Revenue Tons
Weight = 3 Revenue Tons

Measurement is higher, so 8 Revenue Tons may be used as the chargeable basis.

However, check the actual tariff for the route.

Is Sea Freight FCL Charged Based on CBM?

FCL is commonly quoted according to:

• Container Type
• Route
• Port
• Equipment

For example:

• 20'
• 40'
• 40' High Cube

CBM is used for capacity planning, but this does not mean that FCL freight is always calculated as CBM × Rate.

Are Road Freight Charges Based on Weight or CBM?

It depends on the service and route.

Pricing may take the following into account:

• Weight
• Volume
• Pallet
• Loading Meter
• Truck Type
• Dedicated Vehicle
• Route

LTL

Pricing may consider the space or weight occupied by a shipment sharing a truck with other cargo.

FTL

Quotes are commonly based on Truck Type, Route, and Capacity.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is the Difference Between FTL and LTL? How to Choose the Right Road Freight Option for Your Cargo

Which Goods Have High Volumetric Weight?

These are often goods that are large but lightweight, such as:

• Pillows
• Stuffed Toys
• Baskets
• Plastic Products
• Foam
• Some Types of Furniture
• Decorative Goods

Which Goods Have Higher Actual Weight Than Volumetric Weight?

These are often high-density goods, such as:

• Metal Parts
• Machinery Components
• Stone
• Hardware
• Industrial Materials

Why Can Shipping Costs Increase Significantly When a Box Gets Only Slightly Larger?

Because volume increases across all three dimensions.

40 × 40 × 40 cm

= 64,000 cubic cm

But:

50 × 50 × 50 cm

= 125,000 cubic cm

Each side increases by a moderate amount, but the volume nearly doubles.

How Can Packing Help Reduce Shipping Costs?

The goal is to:

Protect the goods adequately + use space efficiently

Options include:

• Reduce Void Space
• Choose a Well-Fitting Box
• Disassemble Components
• Nesting
• Folding
• Adjust the Number of Items per Carton

Suggested Internal Link: How to Pack Goods Safely for International Shipping: 5 Ways to Reduce Transit Damage

Can Pallets Increase Shipping Costs?

Yes. Pallets can increase:

• Gross Weight
• Height
• Volume

Therefore, request quotes using the dimensions after palletizing.

Why Can Non-Stackable Cargo Cost More to Ship?

Because the space above the cargo cannot be used to stack other goods.

This may result in:

• Space Surcharge
• Non-stackable Charge
• Special Handling

depending on the Carrier.

How Do Wooden Crates Affect Freight?

They affect both Weight and Volume.

However, Wooden Crates may be necessary for machinery or high-value goods to reduce the risk of damage.

Should Freight Quotes Use Dimensions Before or After Packing?

Use dimensions after packing.

The information should include:

• Number of Packages
• Length
• Width
• Height
• Gross Weight per Package
• Total Gross Weight

How Do You Calculate Volumetric Weight for Multiple Boxes?

Calculate the dimensions of each package according to the Carrier's rules, then combine the results according to the pricing system.

Do not substitute the average dimensions of all boxes for each individual package.

Do Carriers Round Up Weight?

Rounding may apply, for example, in increments of:

• 0.5 kg
• 1 kg
• Weight Break
• Minimum Charge

This depends on the tariff.

What Is a Weight Break?

Air Freight rates may vary by weight bracket, such as:

• Minimum
• +45 kg
• +100 kg
• +300 kg
• +500 kg
• +1,000 kg

Actual rates depend on the route and Carrier.

What Is a Minimum Charge?

A Carrier may set a minimum charge even for a low-weight shipment.

Therefore, reducing shipment weight does not necessarily mean freight charges will decrease in the same proportion.

Freight Charges Include More Than the Freight Rate

Additional charges may include:

• Pickup
• Fuel Surcharge
• Security Charge
• Terminal Handling
• Documentation
• Customs Clearance
• Remote Area
• Oversize
• Dangerous Goods
• Delivery
• Destination Charge

Always ask:

What is included in this quote, and what is excluded?

Does a Remote Area Affect the Price?

It can, especially for Courier and Door Delivery services.

The Postal Code is therefore important when requesting a quote.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is a Remote Area? Understand Remote-Area Surcharges Before Shipping Internationally

Why Does Dangerous Goods Freight Cost More?

Additional requirements may include:

• Documentation
• Handling
• Special Packaging
• Carrier Acceptance
• Segregation

Are Freight Charges and Import Taxes the Same?

No.

Freight is a Transportation Cost.

Import Duty and Tax depend on:

• HS Code
• Customs Value
• Country of Origin
• FTA

What Is the Difference Between Freight Cost and Landed Cost?

Freight Cost is the cost of transportation.

Landed Cost may include:

• Product Cost
• Packing
• Freight
• Insurance
• Duty
• Tax
• Customs
• Local Charges
• Delivery

How Should You Compare Freight Quotes from Multiple Companies?

Check:

• Chargeable Weight
• Divisor
• Route
• Transit Time
• Direct / Transshipment
• Pickup
• Destination Charges
• Surcharge
• Customs
• Remote Area

Do not compare only the Rate/kg.

Examples of Chargeable Weight and CBM Calculations

Example 1: Heavy Goods in a Small Box

Actual Weight = 30 kg
Dimensions = 40 × 40 × 40 cm

Using a divisor of 5,000:

Volumetric Weight = 12.8 kg

Actual Weight is higher.

Example 2: Lightweight Goods in a Large Box

Actual Weight = 10 kg
Dimensions = 70 × 60 × 50 cm

Using a divisor of 5,000:

Volumetric Weight = 42 kg

Volumetric Weight is clearly higher.

Example 3: Sea Freight LCL at 5 CBM

Total Volume = 5 CBM
Gross Weight = 1,500 kg

Under a tariff using 1 CBM equivalent to 1,000 kg:

Volume = 5 Revenue Tons
Weight = 1.5 Revenue Tons

Measurement is higher.

Example 4: Small LCL Volume but High Weight

Volume = 2 CBM
Gross Weight = 4,500 kg

Volume = 2 Revenue Tons
Weight = 4.5 Revenue Tons

Weight is higher.

Example 5: Shipping 10 CBM — Should You Consider Only LCL?

No.

As volume increases, you should start comparing:

• LCL
• FCL

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Sea Freight LCL? When Is Less-than-Container Load Shipping Suitable?

How Can You Reduce Shipping Costs Without Compromising Cargo Safety?

1. Reduce Empty Space in Packaging

2. Adjust the Number of Items per Carton

3. Check Whether the Product Can Be Disassembled

4. Choose the Right Mode of Transport

5. Consolidate Shipments

6. Compare Total Cost

What Information Should You Give a Freight Forwarder to Get an Accurate Quote?

• Product Name
• Product Photo
• Commodity
• Number of Packages
• Dimensions of Each Package
• Gross Weight
• Total CBM
• Stackable / Non-stackable
• Origin
• Destination
• Postal Code, Where Applicable
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Delivery Date
• Incoterms
• Battery / Liquid / Powder / Chemical
• Dangerous Goods Status
• Temperature Requirement
• Pickup / Delivery Requirement

Can You Choose Air, Sea, or Road Freight Based on Weight Alone?

No.

Weight and Volume must be considered together with:

• Destination
• Required Delivery Date
• Commodity
• Freight Budget

Suggested Internal Link: What Is the Difference Between Air Freight, Sea Freight, and Road Freight? How to Choose the Right Mode for Your Cargo

Checklist Before Calculating International Shipping Costs

• Has the cargo been packed?
• What are the Actual / Gross Weight figures?
• What are the dimensions after packing?
• How many packages are there?
• What is the total CBM?
• Is the cargo stackable?
• Where is the origin?
• Where is the destination?
• What is the Postal Code?
• Is Air / Sea / Road required, or should options be compared?
• What is the deadline?
• What are the Incoterms?
• Does the cargo contain a battery?
• Is it a liquid / powder / chemical?
• Does it require temperature control?
• Are Pickup and Delivery included?

Frequently Asked Questions About Calculating Shipping Costs (FAQ)

What Is Actual Weight?

Actual Weight is the physical weight obtained by weighing a package. In freight operations, the weight after packing, or Gross Weight, should be used for estimation.

What Is Volumetric Weight?

It is a weight value calculated from the space occupied by a package, using its dimensions divided by a volume factor according to the Carrier's rules.

What Is Chargeable Weight?

It is the weight used by a service provider to calculate freight charges. For many services, it is determined by comparing Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight.

What Is CBM?

CBM, or Cubic Meter, is a unit of volume calculated as width × length × height when dimensions are measured in meters.

Do All Air Courier Companies Divide by 5,000?

Do not treat this as a universal rule. Check the Carrier's rate rules.

Does Air Cargo Always Divide by 6,000?

Do not treat this as a universal rule. Check the actual tariff of the Airline or Forwarder.

Is Sea Freight LCL Charged Based on CBM Alone?

Not always. Weight / Measurement principles may be applied according to the tariff.

Why Is Shipping Expensive for a Large but Lightweight Box?

Because Volumetric Weight may be higher than Actual Weight.

Does Packaging Really Affect Shipping Costs?

Yes. It directly affects both Weight and Volume.

International Freight Cost Assessment Services by CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international shipping services, including:

• Air Courier
• Air Cargo
• Sea Freight
• Road Freight

Additional services include Packing, Warehousing, Shipping Documents, and Customs Clearance, according to the service scope of each shipment.

To request a freight cost assessment, prepare the following information:

• Product name and photos
• Number of packages
• Width × length × height after packing
• Gross Weight
• Origin and destination
• Postal Code, where applicable
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Delivery Date
• Incoterms
• Any special cargo details

This will help the CPL INTER team calculate Chargeable Weight and CBM and compare suitable transport options for the shipment before booking.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international freight transportation and customs clearance, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.