How freight is calculated

01 / PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

Three modes. Three pricing bases.

A light shipment can occupy a lot of space. A compact shipment can be very heavy. Freight pricing accounts for both the capacity your goods use and the service needed to move them. Start with the packed dimensions and gross weight, including pallets, crates and protective packaging—not the dimensions of the product alone.

Air freight commonly compares actual weight with volumetric weight. LCL sea freight commonly compares volume with weight under a weight-or-measure convention. FCL freight is generally quoted for a specified container and route. Minimum charges, rounding, special handling and local charges can change the final amount.

02 / PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

Air freight: chargeable weight

Chargeable weight is commonly the greater of gross weight and volumetric weight. A frequently used air-cargo example is length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 6,000 for each package. The divisor must be confirmed for your service; express or other services may use a different factor.

Ask whether the rate has a minimum charge or weight break. Non-stackable freight, oversized pieces, dangerous goods or temperature requirements can require a different offer. The booked dimensions should match the cargo presented to the carrier.

03 / PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

LCL: the space and weight you share

LCL combines shipments from several shippers. Under a common W/M basis, one cubic metre is compared with one metric tonne and the greater number becomes the revenue-tonne basis. This is a quotation convention, not a rule for every trade lane: confirm the factor, minimum and rounding in writing.

For example, 2.4 m³ weighing 900 kg produces 2.4 W/M units under a 1 m³/1,000 kg convention. If the same volume weighs 3,100 kg, the basis becomes 3.1 units. A fictional USD 50/W/M base rate would produce USD 120 or USD 155 respectively, before other charges.

Origin and destination consolidation, terminal handling, documentation and delivery may be separate. Compare the total scope, not only the ocean-freight line. Final warehouse measurements may differ from a supplier’s initial estimate.

04 / PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

FCL: a container, with operating limits

An FCL quotation normally identifies the equipment, such as a 20-foot dry or 40-foot high-cube container, the route and the sailing period. The charge is not simply a price per kilogram. Equipment availability, service, season and special requirements affect the offer.

A container’s internal volume does not guarantee that your cargo will fit. Door openings, pallet layout, cargo distribution, securing and permitted payload matter. Inland road and axle limits may be more restrictive than the container rating. Share a packing plan for heavy or awkward cargo before booking.

Compare LCL and FCL using the complete shipment cost, including local handling, collection and delivery. There is no universal volume at which FCL always becomes cheaper.

05 / PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

Try your packed dimensions

This planning tool compares weight and volume for identical packages. It does not return a freight quotation. For mixed sizes, calculate each group separately and combine the volumes.

06 / PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

What to send for an accurate quote

• Packed dimensions and gross weight for every size group, including pallets.
• Collection and delivery addresses, ready date and required arrival date.
• Commodity, value, stackability and any battery, hazardous or temperature requirements.
• Required service scope: freight only, customs, pickup, delivery or insurance discussion.

If dimensions change after packing, update the quotation before cargo moves. A short recheck is better than an unexpected remeasurement charge.