Air Freight Chargeable Weight
Air freight is billed on chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight and a volumetric weight derived from the space your cargo takes. This guide walks through the assumed 6000 divisor, compares actual and volumetric weight, and works a full multi-carton example.
Reviewed by Onno C. P. Boots, publisher of UtilityPilot · Last reviewed: 4 September 2026
Why air freight uses chargeable weight
Aircraft hold space is scarce, so airlines charge on whichever is larger: the shipment’s actual weight or a volumetric weight that reflects the space it occupies. Light but bulky cargo therefore pays for the room it takes, not just its mass on a scale.
The air-freight formula
Volumetric weight (kg) =
length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 6000
Chargeable weight =
the greater of total actual weight and total volumetric weight
Sum the volumetric weight of every carton, sum the actual weight of every carton, then compare the two totals. The higher total is the chargeable weight for the whole shipment.
The assumed 6000 divisor
A divisor of 6000 (dimensions in centimetres) is the value commonly associated with standard air cargo, treating one cubic metre as about 167 kg. It is an assumption used here to show the method.
6000 is not universal. Express and courier services often use 5000, and individual contracts can differ. Always use the divisor stated on your own air waybill or quote.
Worked example: multiple cartons
Illustrative figures using an assumed divisor of 6000.
| Cartons | Dimensions (cm) | Volumetric | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 60 × 40 × 40 | 160 kg | 120 kg |
| 5 | 50 × 50 × 30 | 62.5 kg | 70 kg |
| Totals | — | 222.5 kg | 190 kg |
If the carrier compares shipment totals before rounding, the greater of 222.5 kg volumetric and 190 kg actual is 222.5 kg. If the carrier applies the comparison separately to these two carton groups, the result is 160 + 70 = 230 kg. Confirm the aggregation and rounding method on the quote.
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Before you calculate: checklist
- Outer dimensions of each carton type, in centimetres.
- Actual (gross) weight of each carton type.
- The number of cartons of each type.
- The divisor stated on your air waybill or quote.
Common mistakes
- Comparing per-carton volumetric weight against total actual weight.
- Using a courier divisor (5000) for standard air cargo, or vice versa.
- Assuming the carrier sums before comparing or rounding: the contractual method may apply by piece or by shipment.
- Measuring the product rather than the packed carton.
Assumptions and limitations
The 6000 divisor is an assumption for illustration. Actual divisors, rounding rules and minimum chargeable weights are set by the carrier. This guide shows the method; it does not quote rates or guarantee a specific chargeable weight for your booking.
What UtilityPilot can calculate
The air-freight chargeable weight calculator compares actual and volumetric weight for you. Pair it with the freight cost per kg calculator to price the shipment, and the landed-cost workflow to fold freight into total import cost.
What you must verify
Confirm the divisor, dimensions, actual weight and any minimum chargeable weight with your carrier. UtilityPilot estimates from the figures you enter; it does not supply carrier rates.
Official sources
UtilityPilot summarises these authorities in its own words. Always verify duty rates and classifications directly with the relevant authority before filing a customs entry.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Entry procedures, valuation, additional duties and rulings guidance. (United States)
- UK Trade Tariff — UK commodity codes, duty rates, VAT and preferential rates. (United Kingdom)
Source registry last updated: 4 September 2026
UtilityPilot helps you organise and estimate import costs. The tariff calculator has a UK beta lookup; US and EU duty rates must be supplied and verified. Built-in references are not live assessments. It does not issue binding customs classifications. Verify the final classification and duty rate with the official authority or a licensed customs broker before you file.
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