Air freight chargeable weight explained (with Pakistani examples)

Airlines do not bill by weight alone. They charge for the greater of your cargo's actual (gross) weight and its volumetric weight. That is why a light but bulky shipment can cost far more than you expected.

The formula

For each carton: length × width × height (in centimetres) ÷ 6,000 = volumetric weight in kg. Add up all pieces, compare the total with the actual gross weight, and the higher figure is the chargeable weight.

A worked example

Ten cartons, each 60 × 50 × 50 cm and weighing 18 kg. Actual weight: 180 kg. Each carton is 150,000 ÷ 6,000 = 25 kg volumetric, so the shipment is 250 kg volumetric. You are billed for 250 kg — about 39% more than the real weight.

How to bring the number down

• Remove empty space: right-size cartons to the product.
• Compress or vacuum-pack soft goods such as garments and sports apparel.
• Use standard box sizes that stack efficiently on a pallet within airline height limits.
• Have your forwarder check dimensions before you pack, not after.

What to check on an air freight quote

Confirm the divisor used (some express services use 5,000), the minimum charge, and any fuel, security and airport handling surcharges. Compare quotes on the same chargeable weight, otherwise the numbers are not comparable.

Tip: send us your carton sizes and weights before packing and we will calculate the chargeable weight for you.