Air freight is charged on actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. That is why a light carton can cost as much as a heavy one.

Calculating volumetric weight

Multiply the carton's length, width and height in centimetres, then divide by 6,000. For a 60 x 40 x 40 cm carton:

60 x 40 x 40 = 96,000
96,000 / 6,000 = 16 kg

If that carton weighs 5 kg, you are charged for 16. The greater of the two figures is the chargeable weight.

Some courier services use a smaller divisor, which raises the volumetric weight further, so check which one applies to your shipment.

Reducing it through packaging

• Cartons sized to their contents
• Less empty space and void fill
• Pallets built to the shape of the load, rather than a standard footprint with air on top

Taking a few centimetres off each side of a carton can remove kilograms from the chargeable weight, and on regular exports the savings add up quickly.

Know the cost before booking

Method Global calculates the chargeable weight with you before anything is booked, and our packing team can repack a load to reduce it. Get a quote.