How to calculate the volumetric weight of air cargo from China to Kazakhstan?

 

In international freight, volumetric weight is a crucial factor, especially in air cargo. Volumetric weight is used to assess the shipping cost for large but lightweight goods, determined by the cargo’s volume rather than its actual weight. Here are the detailed steps to calculate the volumetric weight of air cargo from China to Kazakhstan.

1. Measure the Dimensions of the Cargo

First, accurately measure the length, width, and height of the cargo. Ensure that the units used are consistent, typically in centimeters (cm).

2. Calculate the Volume of the Cargo

Multiply the measured length, width, and height to calculate the cargo volume. The formula is:

Volume (cubic centimeters)=Length (cm)×Width (cm)×Height (cm)\text{Volume (cubic centimeters)} = \text{Length (cm)} \times \text{Width (cm)} \times \text{Height (cm)}Volume (cubic centimeters)=Length (cm)×Width (cm)×Height (cm)

For example, if a package’s dimensions are 50 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm, then its volume is:

50×40×30=60,000cubic centimeters50 \times 40 \times 30 = 60,000 \text{cubic centimeters}50×40×30=60,000cubic centimeters

3. Convert to Cubic Meters

Since international air freight typically uses cubic meters (m³) as the unit of volume, convert cubic centimeters to cubic meters. One cubic meter equals 1,000,000 cubic centimeters, so:

Volume (cubic meters)=Volume (cubic centimeters)1,000,000\text{Volume (cubic meters)} = \frac{\text{Volume (cubic centimeters)}}{1,000,000}Volume (cubic meters)=1,000,000Volume (cubic centimeters)​

For the example above:

Volume (cubic meters)=60,0001,000,000=0.06cubic meters\text{Volume (cubic meters)} = \frac{60,000}{1,000,000} = 0.06 \text{cubic meters}Volume (cubic meters)=1,000,00060,000​=0.06cubic meters

4. Calculate the Volumetric Weight

In air freight, volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the volume by a specific conversion factor. The commonly used conversion factor is 167. The formula is:

Volumetric Weight (kilograms)=Volume (cubic meters)×167\text{Volumetric Weight (kilograms)} = \text{Volume (cubic meters)} \times 167Volumetric Weight (kilograms)=Volume (cubic meters)×167

For the example above:

Volumetric Weight (kilograms)=0.06×167=10.02kilograms\text{Volumetric Weight (kilograms)} = 0.06 \times 167 = 10.02 \text{kilograms}Volumetric Weight (kilograms)=0.06×167=10.02kilograms

5. Compare Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight

Finally, compare the calculated volumetric weight with the actual weight. Air freight charges are usually based on the greater of the two weights. If the cargo’s actual weight is 8 kilograms and the calculated volumetric weight is 10.02 kilograms, the air freight charges will be based on the volumetric weight of 10.02 kilograms.

Conclusion

By following the steps above, you can accurately calculate the volumetric weight of air cargo from China to Kazakhstan. This calculation process helps better understand the shipping costs and ensures a smooth and efficient transportation process. Whether you are sending a package personally or shipping bulk goods for business, mastering this technique is essential.