Understanding Cargo Weight and Volume

What determines the carrying capacity of ships, trucks, and aircraft?

Every ship, truck, and aircraft has a carrying capacity that is ultimately constrained by weight or space.

How does cargo weight affect shipping costs?

If you load a ship with substantial cargo, you risk exceeding its weight capacity before using up all of the available rooms. Light cargo can be loaded onto a ship to the maximum capacity without exceeding the weight restriction.

What is volumetric weight, and how does it impact shipping costs?

The carrier will take into account both the weight and the volume of your cargo when determining how much it will cost to move it, translating the volume into a "weight equivalent," often known as volumetric weight (or sometimes dimensional weight). The larger of the actual weight (also known as gross weight) or the volumetric weight will be charged per kilogram by the carrier. In other words, assuming that the boxes of feathers take up more space than the cartons of steel, shipping 1 kilogram of feathers costs more than shipping 1 kilogram of steel. This explains why you could occasionally see both real weight and chargeable weight in your shipment record, especially when sending by air.

How is the chargeable weight calculated?

When you submit your initial quote request, you must specify the actual weight. Gross weight equals actual weight. The chargeable weight listed on your invoice represents the cost the carrier incurred to transport your shipment. The heavier of the following is the charged weight:

• The gross weight, which takes into account the item's packaging, pallet, etc.
• The weight in volume

Is there a specific formula for volumetric weight?

Calculations of volumetric weight vary depending on the route of transit and occasionally the trade lane.

How can I determine the billable weight of my package more precisely?

The best course of action is to ensure that the data you supply in your initial quote request is as precise as possible. Once the shipment is picked up, we frequently discover that it is greater than anticipated. Palletization is a frequent cause of this. Are your products palletized by your supplier? Weight and volume will be impacted by this. Our estimate will be more precise if you are more knowledgeable about how your product is packaged and palletized.

Where can I find the chargeable weight information?

The chargeable weight is shown on both your Beeontrade invoice and the Airway Bill, which you may obtain under the Documents page for a specific shipment. Because the airline will carry a mixture of lighter and heavier items to guarantee a safe flight, your package may be divided.