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How to Calculate Chargeable Weight: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of logistics, specifically understanding how to calculate chargeable weight, can be a bit daunting. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process by breaking down the concepts of actual weight, volumetric or dimensional weight, and chargeable weight in the context of air and sea freight.
Understanding the Basics
Before we delve into chargeable weight calculation, it’s important to understand the key terms involved.
Actual Weight
The actual weight, often referred to as gross weight, is the weight of the goods obtained by physically weighing them, including the packaging and any other materials used for transportation.
Volumetric Weight
Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, is a theoretical weight calculated from the dimensions of the cargo. It’s used to account for the space that a package occupies in relation to its actual weight.
Chargeable Weight
The chargeable weight is the weight used to calculate the freight charges. It is determined by comparing the actual weight and the volumetric weight of the shipment. Whichever is greater becomes the chargeable weight.
How to Calculate Chargeable Weight in Air Freight
In air freight, the chargeable weight is calculated using a specific formula. Let’s look at the steps involved in calculating the chargeable weight for air freight.
Step 1: Calculate the Actual Weight
The actual weight is the physical weight of the goods, including packaging, measured in kilograms (kg).
Step 2: Calculate the Volumetric Weight
The formula for calculating the volumetric weight for air freight is:
Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height) / 6000
The dimensions are measured in centimeters (cm), and the result is in kilograms (kg).
Step 3: Determine the Chargeable Weight
After calculating both the actual and volumetric weight, compare the two. The chargeable weight will be the greater value.
How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Sea Freight
When it comes to sea freight, the calculation differs slightly from air freight. Here’s how to calculate chargeable weight for sea freight:
Step 1: Calculate the Actual Weight
Just like in air freight, the actual weight of the goods is determined by physically weighing them, including the packaging.
Step 2: Calculate the Volumetric Weight
The formula for calculating the volumetric weight calculation for sea freight is:
Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height) / 1000
The dimensions are measured in meters (m), and the result is in cubic meters (CBM).
Step 3: Determine the Chargeable Weight
Compare the actual weight and the volumetric weight. The chargeable weight is the greater of the two.
Examples of Chargeable Weight Calculation
To better illustrate the process, let’s look at two examples:
Example: Air Freight
Let’s consider a shipment with the following specifications:
Length measures 80cm
Width measures 20cm
Height measures 45cm
The actual weight is 95kg
To calculate the volumetric weight, we use the formula:
Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 6000
Applying the given measurements, we get:
Volumetric Weight = (80 × 20 × 45) ÷ 6000 = 120kg
When comparing the volumetric weight of 120kg with the actual weight of 95kg, it’s evident that the volumetric weight is higher. Therefore, the chargeable weight for this shipment will be 120kg, as it’s the greater value.
Example: Sea Freight
Let’s consider a shipment with the following dimensions:
Length measures 2 meters
Width measures 1 meter
Height measures 1.5 meters
The actual weight of the shipment is 2000kg
To calculate the volumetric weight, we apply the formula:
Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 1000
Using the given measurements, we get:
Volumetric Weight = (2 × 1 × 1.5) ÷ 1000 = 3 Cubic Meters (CBM)
Now, since sea freight commonly measures weight in tonnes, where 1000kg equals 1 tonne, we need to convert the actual weight. Therefore, 2000kg corresponds to 2 tonnes.
Comparing the volumetric weight of 3 CBM with the actual weight of 2 tonnes, it’s evident that the volumetric weight is higher. Consequently, the chargeable weight for this shipment will be 3 CBM, as it’s the greater value.
Conclusion
Grasping the concept of calculating chargeable weight is paramount for anyone working in the logistics field. Whether dealing with air freight or sea freight, accurately determining the chargeable weight can greatly influence the overall transportation cost. It is always advisable to compute the chargeable weight prior to shipping to steer clear of any unexpected expenses.
Bear in mind that while this guide offers fundamental formulas and procedures, various factors might influence these calculations. Different transportation companies might adopt distinct conversion factors, so it is always advisable to verify with your chosen carrier.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that technology has simplified these calculations. Nowadays, numerous online tools and calculators can precisely determine the chargeable weight based on the shipment’s dimensions and weight. Some carriers even provide tools on their websites, further simplifying the process of calculating the chargeable weight for your specific shipment.