Los Angeles & 
Foshan
Glossary · Shipping
What is Chargeable weight?
The weight a carrier bills on: the greater of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight, so light but bulky cargo pays for the space it takes.
Carriers charge for space as well as weight. For air freight, volumetric weight is commonly calculated as length × width × height in centimeters divided by 6,000, giving kilograms (the IATA standard). Express couriers often use a smaller divisor such as 5,000, which makes the volumetric weight higher. You pay on whichever is greater, actual or volumetric weight.
LCL sea freight uses the same idea through the W/M rule: one cubic meter is treated as equal to 1,000 kg, and you pay on whichever is greater.
Bulky, light items such as chairs or plastic parts are almost always charged on volume. Flat-packing, nesting or smaller cartons can cut the bill more than switching carriers.
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