Accurately calculating the volume and weight of goods is the basis for ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective transportation. Whether it is sea, air or land transportation, these parameters directly affect the choice of transportation mode, the calculation of costs and the loading efficiency of goods. This article will introduce this in detail.
Importance of Volume and Weight in Logistics
The volume and weight of goods are one of the main factors determining freight. Accurate data can help companies accurately estimate logistics costs.
Knowing the weight of goods can avoid overloading, while volume information helps to reasonably plan loading space and prevent damage caused by displacement or squeezing of goods during transportation.
Different modes of transportation have strict restrictions on the size and weight of goods. Accurate measurement is a prerequisite for compliance with laws and regulations.
Actual Weight of Goods
- Net weight: refers to the weight of the goods themselves, excluding packaging materials. Use an accurate electronic scale to measure to ensure accurate data.
- Gross weight: includes the total weight of the goods and their packaging. Gross weight is crucial for calculating freight and evaluating loading capacity.
Gross weight is usually used to calculate logistics freight and tariffs, and is the more commonly used weight standard in transportation.
Gross weight = net weight + packaging weight
Volume Weight of Goods
Volume weight, also known as dimensional weight, is the weight calculated based on the volume of the goods according to a specific conversion factor or calculation formula.
In international cargo transportation, freight is calculated based on the actual weight of the goods and the larger volume weight.
Usually, lighter goods are charged according to volume weight, while heavier goods are charged according to actual weight.
Sea Freight Chargeable Weight Calculation
Ocean freight is usually charged by volume (CBM, cubic meters) or weight (tons), depending on which billing method is higher.
Calculation method
Use the outer packaging size of the goods (including cartons, pallets, etc.). If there are multiple packages, the volume of all packages needs to be added up.
Calculation formula: CBM = length (m) × width (m) × height (m)
Weight calculation
Chargeable weight: usually the volume weight or actual weight of the goods, whichever is higher.
Charging rules
Full container load (FCL)
Charged by full container, regardless of the volume or weight of the goods.
Common container standards:
- 20-foot container: 28 cubic meters, about 17.5 tons.
- 40-foot container: 58 cubic meters, about 22 tons.
Less than container load (LCL)
Charged by volume or weight of goods (1 CBM ≈ 1 ton)
Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculation
Air freight charges are calculated based on the actual weight and volumetric weight of the goods, whichever is higher.
Calculate Actual Weight (GW)
Use the total weight of the goods, including packaging, in kilograms (kg).
Actual Weight = Weighing Result of Goods
Calculate Volumetric Weight
The unit of air freight volumetric weight is kilograms (kg), and the calculation formula is:
Volumetric Weight = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000
6000 is the international air freight volumetric weight conversion factor (some airlines may use 5000).
Use the outer packaging size of the goods, in centimeters (cm).
Charging Rules
Take the larger value of the actual weight and volumetric weight as the chargeable weight (Chargeable Weight).
Standard Pallet Cargo
If the goods are palletized, the weight and volume of the entire pallet must be calculated.
Notes on Calculating Cargo Weight and Volume
Packaging and dimensions
Packaging should meet transportation requirements to avoid incorrect dimensions affecting billing.
The length, width and height measurements should take the maximum value.
For irregularly shaped cargo
Use the longest, widest and tallest dimensions instead of the actual shape measurement:
Volume = longest side × widest side × tallest side volume
Repack irregular cargo to make it closer to a regular shape, thereby reducing volumetric weight.
By accurately calculating the volume and weight of goods and rationally selecting logistics solutions based on transportation needs, companies can optimize logistics costs and improve operational efficiency.