Volumetric weight (dimensional weight) calculator

Why volumetric weight exists

The limit of a truck or an aircraft is not weight alone; space is limited too. A light but bulky shipment can take up all the available space while staying far below the weight the vehicle could carry. If the carrier charged by the kilogram alone in that case, it would lose money.

The solution is to convert the space occupied into a weight equivalent. The invoice is issued on whichever is greater: the actual weight or the volumetric weight. This value is called the chargeable weight.

Why the divisor changes by mode

The divisor sets how many kilograms one cubic metre is counted as in that mode of transport. In air cargo the divisor of 6000 is widespread and prices one cubic metre at roughly 167 kg. Express carriers usually apply 5000 — the same volume counts as heavier, which means it costs more.

The desi concept used in Turkish domestic parcel shipping is based on a divisor of 3000. In sea LCL the measure is the cubic metre itself, and one cubic metre is treated as one tonne.

These values are established in the industry but may vary by carrier. Which divisor is applied should be confirmed in writing in the quotation.

Care when measuring

• Measure as packed: pallet, crate, stretch film and lid are included.
• If cargo overhangs the pallet, the overhanging dimension applies.
• If there are cartons of different sizes, calculate each group separately and add them up.
• Cargo that turns out larger than declared is re-measured on arrival and the difference is invoiced.

The most effective way to cut cost

If volumetric weight is what determines the invoice, trying to reduce the actual weight is pointless. What works is reducing the box size. Determining the correct packaging size per product is a one-off task; the saving repeats on every shipment.