Volume charge

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What is a Volume Charge?

A volume charge (also called volumetric or dimensional weight) is applied when the space a shipment occupies is priced heavier than its actual weight. Carriers calculate it using a volume factor, typically based on a simple formula: length × width × height ÷ a carrier-specific divisor. If the resulting volumetric weight exceeds the scale weight, the higher figure is used to price the shipment. This is common across air, road, and ocean services, including containerised moves where capacity needs to be used efficiently.

Using volumetric weight helps carriers price bulky, lightweight cargo fairly, as it consumes valuable capacity. For shippers, it’s a practical reminder that packaging decisions affect cost: reducing empty space, right-sizing cartons, and improving palletisation can lower chargeable weight and improve overall transport efficiency.

How Volume Charge is Calculated

  • Measure the shipment: Use the outer dimensions of the packed carton, crate, or pallet (length × width × height).

  • Apply the carrier’s divisor: Divide by the relevant volume factor for that service.

  • Compare weights: The carrier charges based on the higher of actual weight vs volumetric weight.
     

Where Volume Charges Apply

  • Cargo is large but light: Items like packaged consumer goods, apparel, or protective packaging-heavy shipments.

  • Capacity is the constraint: Especially in air freight and in peak periods where space is tight.

  • International moves are involved: Long-haul transport tends to price carefully for space utilisation across the network.