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If you are shipping goods by air freight from China, you need to know how to calculate the chargeable weight of your shipment. This is because air freight rates are based on the higher of the actual weight or the volumetric weight of your shipment. In this article, we will explain what chargeable weight is, how to calculate it, and how to use online tools such as air freight calculators to estimate your shipping costs.
What is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight that air freight carriers use to determine the cost of shipping your goods. It is not always the same as the actual weight of your shipment, which is simply the total physical weight of your goods and packaging. Sometimes, the actual weight may be lower than the volumetric weight, which is the amount of space that your shipment occupies on the plane.
Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width and height of your shipment (in centimeters) and dividing it by a density factor. The density factor varies depending on the carrier and the destination, but a common one for international air freight shipments is 6000. For example, if your shipment has a volume of 0.5 cubic meters, its volumetric weight would be:
Volumetric weight = (0.5 x 1000000) / 6000 = 83.33 kg
The chargeable weight of your shipment is the higher of the actual weight or the volumetric weight. For example, if your shipment has an actual weight of 50 kg and a volumetric weight of 83.33 kg, its chargeable weight would be 83.33 kg.
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How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Air Freight Shipments from China
To calculate the chargeable weight for your air freight shipment from China, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure the dimensions of each package in your shipment in centimeters. If you have packages with different dimensions, you need to measure them separately.
- Calculate the volume of each package by multiplying its length, width and height. Add up the volumes of all packages to get the total volume of your shipment.
- Divide the total volume of your shipment by the density factor of 6000 to get the volumetric weight of your shipment.
- Compare the volumetric weight with the actual weight of your shipment and choose the higher one as the chargeable weight.
For example, if you have two packages with dimensions 120 cm x 80 cm x 50 cm each and an actual weight of 40 kg each, you can calculate the chargeable weight as follows:
Volume of each package = 120 x 80 x 50 = 480000 cm3 Total volume of shipment = 480000 x 2 = 960000 cm3 Volumetric weight = 960000 / 6000 = 160 kg Chargeable weight = higher of 160 kg or 80 kg (actual weight) = 160 kg
How to Use Online Tools to Estimate Air Freight Costs
If you want to estimate how much it will cost you to ship your goods by air freight from China, you can use online tools such as air freight calculators. These tools allow you to enter your shipment details such as origin, destination, chargeable weight and service level and get instant quotes from different carriers and agents.
Some examples of online air freight calculators are:
- Freightos: This tool lets you compare rates from over 75 carriers and book online with instant confirmation. You can also track your shipment and access customer support 24/7.
- FFQO: This tool lets you get quotes from multiple freight forwarders and agents in minutes. You can also compare services, transit times and reviews and book online with secure payment.
- DHL: This tool lets you get quotes from DHL Express, one of the leading global express delivery providers. You can also book online and track your shipment status.
Using online tools can help you save time and money when shipping by air freight from China. However, you should always check the terms and conditions of each carrier or agent before booking and make sure that your shipment complies with their requirements and regulations.
Conclusion
Chargeable weight is an important factor that affects your air freight costs from China. It is calculated by comparing the actual weight and the volumetric weight of your shipment and choosing the higher one. You can use online tools such as air freight calculators to estimate your chargeable weight and compare rates from different carriers and agents. By doing so, you can find the best option for your shipping needs and budget.
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