Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator

Straight talk on volumetric divisors (1:6000 vs 1:5000), density pivot points, and why airlines charge for air space.

Ramp Dispatch Law: Airlines charge whichever is higher: Actual Gross Weight or Volumetric Weight.
Standard IATA airline rule: 1 CBM = 166.67 kg (Divisor `6,000` in cm). Commercial express courier rule (FedEx/DHL): 1 CBM = 200.0 kg (Divisor `5,000` in cm).
Actual Gross Weight
120.0 kg
Volumetric (Dimensional)
200.0 kg
Chargeable Weight (CW)
200.0 kg
Billed on Volume (Light Cargo)
Cargo density is under 167 kg/m³. You are paying for airline belly volume.
VOLUMETRIC CARGO
INCHEON AIR CARGO TERMINAL • 23:30 PM

The Bubble Wrap Disaster on Flight KE024

A fashion brand booked 50 cartons of winter down jackets. Actual scale weight was just 210 kg. The shipper budgeted $1,800 based on weight.

When the pallets rolled onto the airline roller deck, cargo scanners measured the over-stuffed fluffy cartons at 3.2 CBM. At 1:6000 ratio, chargeable weight skyrocketed to 533 kg. The airline re-invoiced at $4,600 before departure. Never ship fluffy air: shrink-wrap compression pallets save thousands in tarmac surcharges.

IATA Standard Aircraft ULD Pallet Specs

ULD Type IATA Code Max Gross Weight Internal Volume Common Aircraft
LD-3 Container AKE 1,588 kg 4.3 CBM B777, B787, A330, A350
Standard Maindeck Pallet PAG / P1P 6,800 kg 10.5 CBM B747-400F, B777F Freighter
Heavy Freight Pallet PMC / P6P 6,800 kg 11.5 CBM Widebody Lower & Main Deck