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Freight Weight CheckerActual vs Volumetric Weight Checker

Calculate actual and volumetric (dimensional) weight for timber freight and find which one you will be charged on. Compare air, sea, road and courier modes to avoid surprise freight costs.

Actual + VolumetricChargeable WeightAir/Sea/Road ModesDim FactorPDF Report
FW

Freight Weight Checker

Actual vs Volumetric Weight Checker

Cargo

Sets air-dry density.

value
Freight Mode
kg/m3

Auto-set by species; adjust for MC.

kg/m3

Carrier's volumetric divisor. Auto-set by mode.

OK
Freight Weight Results
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kg
Actual Weight
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kg
Volumetric Weight
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kg
Chargeable Weight
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basis
Charged On
MetricValueDetail
Freight Calculation
About Freight Weight Checker
Carriers charge freight on the greater of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight - whichever costs them more space or capacity. For timber this matters because dense hardwood is usually charged on actual weight, while bulky light packs may be charged on volume. This tool computes both and tells you which governs, so there are no surprises on the freight invoice.
Where Is This Used?
Freight BookingShipping QuotesExport CostingLogistics PlanningCarrier ComparisonAir vs Sea Decisions
Formulas & Factors
Actual weight = Volume (m3) x Density (kg/m3)Volumetric weight = Volume (m3) x Dimensional factorChargeable weight = max(Actual, Volumetric)Typical dim factors: Air ~167, Road ~333, Sea ~1000 kg/m3(Air uses 1m3 = 167kg; i.e. 6000 cm3 per kg)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is volumetric weight?
It is a notional weight based on the space a shipment occupies rather than its mass, using a carrier's dimensional factor. A large but light shipment takes up capacity that the carrier could otherwise sell, so they charge on volume. Dense timber rarely triggers this, but bulky finished goods or light species can.
Why is the air freight dim factor so different from sea?
Aircraft are extremely space- and weight-constrained, so air freight uses an aggressive factor (about 167 kg/m3, i.e. 6000 cubic centimetres per kg) - almost any timber is charged on actual weight by air. Sea freight is far more space-tolerant (factor near 1000), so actual weight almost always governs for sea timber shipments.
How do I lower my chargeable weight?
If volumetric weight governs, reduce wasted space - tighter bundling, removing voids, nesting profiles, and squaring off packs. If actual weight governs (typical for dense timber), there is little to do except drier timber (lower MC = less water weight) or choosing a mode with a more favourable rate structure.
ResourcesView the formulasFormula Library
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