Airlift Logistics sees chargeable weight as a packing decision, because air cargo is billed on the higher of actual and volumetric weight. If your cargo is lighter than 167 kg per cubic metre, reducing its size lowers the bill. Reducing its weight does not.
The one number to check first: 167 kg per cubic metre
Most carriers use a divisor of 6,000, which works out at about 167 kg per cubic metre. Divide your actual weight by your volume. Below 167, you are paying for space. Above it, you are paying for weight, and packing tighter will not change the invoice.
Worked example: same goods, three heights
- Height 100 cm
- 160 kg billedBilled on volume
- Height 80 cm
- 128 kg billedBilled on volume
- Height 60 cm
- 100 kg billedActual weight now decides
Length × width × height ÷ 6,000. Going from 100 cm to 60 cm cuts billed weight by 37.5% at the same rate per kg. Below 60 cm, there is no further saving, because the 100 kg actual weight now applies.
Where the extra centimetres come from
- The pallet. A 15 cm pallet on a 120 × 80 cm footprint adds 24 kg of volumetric weight on its own.
- Overhang. Carriers measure the widest points, so one carton sticking out sets the size of the whole piece.
- Do-not-stack cargo. Space above it cannot be used, which may be charged as if it were filled. Ask before booking.
- Product sheets. They show the item, not the packed carton. Measure after packing.
When not to shrink the carton
Saving weight should not cost you the cargo. Fragile goods, and have packing needs that come first. Thermal packaging or UN-rated boxes add size, and that is part of the real cost of moving them.
Before you book
- Measure the longest points of each packed piece.
- Try the chargeable weight calculator with your real sizes.
- Ask if suits the shipment.
- Ask for and surcharges as separate lines, as they usually follow chargeable weight too.
Quick answers
Does a pallet count towards chargeable weight?
Yes, a pallet counts because it adds to the shipped size. Airlines measure the whole piece as tendered, including the pallet and any overhang. A 15 cm pallet on a 120 × 80 cm footprint adds about 24 kg of volumetric weight. Check whether your cargo truly needs a pallet before you measure and book it.
- Pallets also add actual weight.
- Some cargo must be palletised for safe handling.
How is chargeable weight rounded by airlines?
Airlines usually round chargeable weight up to the next half kilogram. A calculated weight of 128.2 kg would generally be billed as 128.5 kg. Rounding makes little difference on large shipments, but can matter on small urgent ones. Your air waybill shows the final chargeable weight, so compare it with your quote when you receive it.
- Carriers can apply their own rules.
- Minimum charges can apply to very small shipments.
Sources: IATA air cargo, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. How we check our content.
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