Volumetric Weight FAQs
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) is a calculation used by shipping carriers to determine the cost of transporting a package based on its dimensions, rather than its actual weight. This ensures that large, lightweight packages don’t take up excessive space in vehicles or planes without contributing much to the load’s total weight.
Carriers use volumetric weight to optimize their space utilization and cover operational costs for large, lightweight items. It ensures fairness when packages with low density take up valuable cargo space.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) established the global standards for volumetric weight calculations. IATA is an international trade association that represents over 290 airlines, accounting for more than 80% of the world’s air traffic.
IATA’s Cargo Services Conference (CSC) is the body responsible for creating and maintaining the standards related to air cargo, including volumetric weight regulations. These guidelines were introduced to bring consistency and fairness in pricing for air freight, ensuring carriers can efficiently manage cargo space utilization.
IATA’s standards are regularly updated to align with changes in the industry. Most major carriers and logistics providers, including DHL, FedEx, and UPS, have adopted these standards for air cargo shipments.
The formula for volumetric weight typically involves multiplying the package’s dimensions and dividing by a dimensional factor (also called a divisor):
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ Dimensional Factor
For most international air shipments:
- Door-to-door shipments: Dimensional factor is 5000.
- Port-to-port shipments: Dimensional factor is 6000.
For example, if a door-to-door shipment package measures 55cm × 65cm × 35cm:
Volumetric weight = (55 × 65 × 35) ÷ 5000 = 25 kg.
Important Note:
The dimensional factor varies by carrier and shipping mode, so always confirm the applicable divisor with your provider.
- Actual Weight: The weight of the package as measured on a scale.
- Volumetric Weight: The weight based on the package’s dimensions.
Shipping charges are usually based on the higher of the two weights.
The dimensional factor (DIM factor) represents the amount of space allocated per kilogram. It is used to convert the package volume into weight.
For international air freight:
- 5000 is used for door-to-door shipments.
- 6000 is used for port-to-port shipments.
For ground transportation or domestic air freight, the DIM factor may vary (e.g., 4000 for some carriers). Always check with your provider for the correct divisor.
Shipping charges are based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Calculate both weights and compare them. The carrier will use the larger value to determine shipping costs.
For sea freight, volumetric weight is calculated differently because it relies on cubic meters (CBM), a measure of volume, rather than a dimensional factor. CBM determines how much physical space your cargo occupies in a shipping container.
The formula for CBM is:
CBM = (Length × Width × Height in meters)
Key considerations for sea freight volumetric weight:
- For full container load (FCL) shipments, you are charged for the entire container, regardless of the actual or volumetric weight.
- For less than container load (LCL) shipments, you are charged based on the greater of the volumetric weight (CBM) or the actual weight of the cargo.
Example for LCL:
A package measuring 2m × 1.5m × 1m will have:
- CBM = 2 × 1.5 × 1 = 3 CBM
If the cargo weighs 500 kg and the carrier’s threshold is 1 CBM = 1000 kg, the charge will be based on the 3 CBM volumetric weight, as it is higher.
Some carriers also apply a “weight-to-volume ratio” for certain goods. For example, 1 CBM might equate to 167 kg for lighter cargo.
For road and rail freight, volumetric weight uses a similar concept but with a different dimensional factor depending on the carrier and region.
Common dimensional factors include:
- 3000 to 4000 for bulk transport or large vehicles.
- 5000 to 6000 for express or priority services.
As with air and sea freight, carriers will charge based on the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. Some logistics providers offer customized calculations based on the type of goods or vehicle used.
If the declared weight is lower than the carrier’s calculated volumetric weight, you may face additional charges after the shipment is measured and re-evaluated by the carrier. Accurate weight and volume declaration helps avoid delays and unexpected costs.
International Couriers FAQs
Items like hazardous materials, explosives, and perishables are usually restricted. Check with your provider for a comprehensive list.
Delivery time depends on the service type and destination. Express options take 2-5 days, while standard options may take 7-10 days. Duty and destination charges, payable by the consignee, can affect delivery times.
Costs are based on weight, dimensions, destination, and shipping speed. Duty and destination charges are added separately, and the consignee is responsible for these upon delivery.
Yes, most services provide tracking options. Duty and destination charges may need to be paid by the consignee before final delivery.
Yes, insurance options are usually available to cover loss or damage. However, duty and destination charges remain the consignee’s responsibility.
Yes, restrictions vary by courier. Additional charges may apply for oversized items, along with duty and destination fees, which the consignee must covert.
Customs Clearance FAQs
Customs clearance is the process of gaining government approval to import or export goods. Duty and destination charges apply for imports, and the consignee must pay these.
Required documents include a commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and any import/export licenses. Duty and destination charges must be covered by the consignee.
It can take from a few hours to several days, depending on the shipment and documentation. Duty and destination charges are due upon clearance and must be paid by the consignee.
The consignee is responsible for paying any duty and destination charges imposed by the destination country’s customs authority.
Customs may hold shipments for additional inspection or missing documentation. The consignee is responsible for any associated fees and duty charges.
While not mandatory, a customs broker can help expedite clearance and manage duty and destination charges on behalf of the consignee.
Ensure documentation is complete and accurate. Declaring the correct value and descriptions can help avoid issues. Duty and destination charges, paid by the consignee, should be anticipated.
Duty and destination charges FAQs
Yes, customs duty may apply depending on the destination country’s import regulations. The duty amount depends on factors like the type and value of the goods. The consignee is responsible for paying any customs duty and related destination charges before the shipment is released by customs.
Customs duty may be required depending on the destination country and the type of goods being shipped. The duty amount is determined by local customs authorities based on the item’s value and category. The consignee is responsible for paying any customs duty and destination charges before the delivery can be completed.
Yes, customs duty may apply to sea freight shipments depending on the destination country’s regulations and the type of goods. The duty amount varies based on factors like the item’s value, category, and the country’s import tariffs. The consignee is responsible for paying all customs duties and destination charges before the shipment can be released from customs.
Air freight FAQs
Airfreight is generally used for larger shipments, while couriers are suited for smaller, time-sensitive packages. The consignee is responsible for duty and destination charges in both cases.
Documents typically include an Air Waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, and any licenses. Duty and destination charges must be paid by the consignee upon arrival.
Costs are based on weight, volume, route, and any special requirements. Duty and destination charges are additional costs for which the consignee is responsible.
Yes, airfreight shipments can be insured. Note that duty and destination charges are not covered by insurance and remain the consignee’s responsibility.
Yes, items like certain chemicals or electronics may have restrictions. Duty and destination charges apply for all cleared items, payable by the consignee.
Volumetric weight considers package size. The higher of volumetric or actual weight determines costs, with duty and destination charges payable by the consignee.
Sea freight FAQs
Transit times range from 15-45 days, depending on the route. Consignees should be aware of duty and destination charges due upon arrival.
FCL (Full Container Load) uses a full container for one consignee, while LCL (Less than Container Load) shares space with other shipments. Duty and destination charges apply in both cases and are the consignee’s responsibility.
Charges depend on container size, route, and cargo type. Duty and destination charges are additional fees for which the consignee is responsible.
Typical documents include a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. The consignee will need to settle duty and destination charges upon arrival.
Yes, insurance is available, often based on the cargo’s value. However, duty and destination charges are separate and the consignee’s responsibility.
Sea freight is ideal for bulky, heavy, or non-perishable items like machinery. Consignees should prepare for duty and destination charges upon import.