How to Calculate Chargeable Weight & CBM for China Freight
Master how airlines and ocean carriers calculate volumetric weight versus actual gross weight to prevent billing surprises and optimize packaging dimensions.
Air Freight & Express (1:5000 / 1:6000)
Airlines charge whichever is higher between the Actual Gross Weight and the Volumetric Weight.
• Express Couriers (DHL/FedEx/UPS): Standard divisor is 5000.
• Commercial Air Cargo: Standard IATA divisor is 6000 (1 CBM = 167 KG).
Ocean Freight LCL (1:1000 CBM Rule)
Less than Container Load (LCL) is billed on a Weight or Measure (W/M) revenue ton basis.
• Standard Ratio: 1 CBM = 1,000 KG (1 Ton).
• If your shipment is 2 CBM but weighs 3,000 KG, you are billed for 3 Revenue Tons.
🔍 Step-by-Step Practical Calculation Example
Assume you are importing 10 cartons of consumer electronics from Shenzhen to Los Angeles with the following dimensions per carton:
| Freight Mode | Standard Divisor / Formula | Volume to Weight Ratio | Charge Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | (L × W × H) ÷ 5000 | 1 CBM = 200 KG | Max(Gross Weight, Volumetric) |
| DDP Air Cargo | (L × W × H) ÷ 5000 or 6000 | 1 CBM = 167–200 KG | Max(Gross Weight, Volumetric) |
| Ocean Freight (LCL) | (L × W × H in m) | 1 CBM = 1,000 KG (1 Ton) | Max(CBM, Weight in Tons) |
| China-Europe Rail | (L × W × H) ÷ 6000 | 1 CBM = 167–333 KG | Standard rail wagon tare basis |