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No Responses September 1, 2025

How to Calculate Volumetric Weight for Sea & Air Cargo Shipments

Meta Description:
Step-by-step guide to calculate volumetric weight for sea and air cargo shipments. Learn CBM to KG conversion, chargeable weight, and tips for exporters with Singh International Xpress, Amritsar.

⚖️ What is Volumetric Weight?

Volumetric Weight (or dimensional weight) is used by shipping companies to charge for large but lightweight shipments. Instead of actual weight, the charge is based on the space your cargo occupies.

This applies to both air cargo and LCL sea cargo.

🧮 Volumetric Weight Formula

Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ Divisor

Where:

  • Length, Width, Height = measured in cm for air cargo or m for sea cargo

  • Divisor:

    • Air Cargo: 5000 (standard)

    • Sea Cargo: Typically 1 CBM ≈ 1000 kg (varies by shipping line)

📝 Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Measure your cargo including packaging.

  2. Multiply dimensions to calculate volume.

    • Air: cm × cm × cm → divide by 5000

    • Sea: m × m × m → gives CBM, convert to weight using shipping line factor

  3. Compare with actual weight:

    • If actual weight > volumetric weight → chargeable weight = actual weight

    • If actual weight < volumetric weight → chargeable weight = volumetric weight

📊 Example (Air Cargo)

Package: 120 cm × 80 cm × 60 cm
Volume: 120 × 80 × 60 = 576,000 cm³
Volumetric Weight: 576,000 ÷ 5000 = 115.2 kg
Actual Weight: 100 kg → Chargeable Weight = 115.2 kg

📊 Example (Sea Cargo LCL)

Package: 2 m × 1.5 m × 1 m = 3 CBM
Conversion factor: 1 CBM ≈ 1000 kg
Volumetric Weight: 3 × 1000 = 3000 kg

✅ Tips for Accurate Calculation

  • Include packaging in measurements.

  • Use round-off to two decimal places.

  • Confirm conversion factor/divisor with your shipping line or courier.

  • For irregular-shaped cargo, approximate dimensions carefully.

📞 Contact Singh International Xpress

We specialize in domestic and international courier & sea cargo shipments, providing accurate CBM and volumetric weight calculations for smooth export.

Contact Us:
🌐 www.singhxpress.com
📱 +91 96465 55522 | +91 79867 01081
🏢 Amritsar, Punjab
Service: Singh International Xpress – Trusted Cargo & Courier Solutions