What Is the Difference Between Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight?
When planning an international cargo shipment, understanding actual weight and volumetric weight is important because both can affect shipping costs. Sometimes, a package may be lightweight but take up more space. In other cases, it may be heavy but occupy less space.
So, what is the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight?
Actual weight is the physical weight of your cargo, measured using a weighing scale. Volumetric weight is calculated based on the space your cargo occupies during transportation. Freight charges may depend on either measurement, depending on the shipping method and carrier's rules.
What Is Actual Weight?
Actual weight is simply how much your cargo weighs. It is measured using a weighing scale and usually expressed in kilograms (kg).
For example, if your packed cargo weighs 100 kg, its actual weight is 100 kg.
This measurement helps determine the physical weight of your cargo for transportation and handling.
What Is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight, measures the space occupied by your cargo during transportation.
It is calculated using three measurements: length, width, and height.
Volumetric Weight Formula:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ Divisor
Example:
Length: 100 cm
Width: 80 cm
Height: 60 cm
Divisor: 6,000
Calculation: 100 × 80 × 60 ÷ 6,000
Volumetric Weight = 80 kg
The divisor of 6,000 is commonly used for certain air freight calculations. The actual divisor may vary depending on the carrier and shipping arrangement.
Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight: Key Differences
| Actual Weight | Volumetric Weight |
|---|---|
| Measures physical weight | Measures space occupied |
| Checked using a weighing scale | Calculated using dimensions |
| Expressed in kilograms | Converted into kilograms |
| Shows how heavy the cargo is | Shows how much space the cargo takes up |
What Is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight used to calculate freight charges. In many air freight arrangements, it is the higher value between actual weight and volumetric weight.
For example:
Actual weight: 100 kg
Volumetric weight: 80 kg
Chargeable weight: 100 kg
If the actual weight is 70 kg and the volumetric weight is 80 kg, the chargeable weight is generally 80 kg.
This is why checking both actual weight and volumetric weight before shipping is important.
How Can You Prepare Your Cargo for Shipping?
Before requesting a shipping quotation, make sure you have the correct cargo weight and package dimensions. Here are a few simple things to check:
Measure the length, width, and height of each packed package.
Check the actual weight using a weighing scale.
Keep the cargo description and package details ready.
Confirm the origin and destination.
Share your preferred shipping method.
Having these details ready makes it easier for a freight forwarder to understand your requirements and prepare a suitable quotation.
Plan Your Cargo Shipment with Sea Wings Logistics
Looking for reliable commercial cargo shipping arrangements from Dubai, UAE, or other international destinations? Sea Wings Logistics LLC, a Dubai-based freight forwarding company in business since 2009, helps businesses coordinate air freight, sea freight, FCL, LCL, import, and export arrangements.
Whether you need to move a small commercial shipment or larger cargo, our team can help you explore suitable shipping options based on your cargo weight, dimensions, destination, and requirements.
Contact Sea Wings Logistics to discuss your shipment and request a quotation. Share your cargo details, origin, destination, weight, dimensions, and preferred shipping method to get started.
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