How to calculate for chargable weight

Volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight) is a billing conversion method used in logistics and transportation when a shipment has a large volume but is relatively light in weight. Although there is no true formula to exchange volume and weight, the volumetric weight formula used in logistics is used to balance the sales cost of logistics.

The volumetric weight calculation formula is: Volumetric weight = Length (CM) x Width (CM) x Height (CM) ÷ 6000 (volumetric factor).

For example, suppose an Amazon seller has a batch of goods to be shipped to Amazon's MDW2 warehouse in the United States. The size of each box is 45CM in length, 38CM in width, and 35CM in height, and each box weighs 7KG. There are 200 boxes in total, with a total weight of 1400KG.

45CM x 38CM x 35CM = 59850CM3
59850CM3 x 200 boxes = 11970000CM3
Volumetric weight = Length (CM) x Width (CM) x Height (CM) ÷ 6000 = 11970000CM3 ÷ 6000 = 1995KG

If the price for shipping via American Hapag-Lloyd this week is 10USD/KG, the actual shipping cost would be 14000USD based on actual weight. However, if the volumetric weight is calculated, the actual cost would be 19950USD.

Logistics fees are based on the larger value between actual weight and volumetric weight. This applies to both express delivery and logistics, with the volumetric factor possibly varying. For example, in China, air freight and express delivery companies such as UPS/Fedex use a factor of 1/6000, while for international air freight and express delivery, UPS/Fedex use a factor of 1/5000. For sea freight, the volumetric factor is generally 1/6000.

In sea freight logistics, 1CBM can also be converted into 167KG and is known as dimensional weight. A shipment is considered light if it is below the standard of 1:167, and heavy if it exceeds this standard. In the process of loading containers, the weight and volume are combined to achieve the optimal ratio, minimizing both wasted space and carrying capacity.