Volume calculator

In addition to weight, an important factor in determining the cost of a consignment is the space taken up by the goods. When calculating transport costs, actual weight and volumetric weight are taken into account, the so-called payload weight. The latter, functions as a factor for the difference between weight and volume. As is well known, a tonne of feathers takes up considerably more space than a tonne of lead.

The difference between feathers and lead 1000 kg of feathers have a greater volume than 1000 kg of lead. To evenly account for this difference, a volumetric factor is applied to the transport. What weight determines the cost?
We calculate the volumetric weight for each consignment and compare it with the actual weight in kilograms. We make these calculations using a validated formula. For air freight, 1 cbm (cubic metre) equals 167 kg. In the case of sea freight (LCL), 1 cbm
equates to a maximum of 1,000 kg, while in road transport 1 cbm equates to 333 kg.
The highest weight (volumetric or actual) is charged.

  • Air freight: 1 cbm = 167 kilos (volume ratio is 1:6)
  • Road transport: 1 cbm = 333 kg (volume ratio 1:3)
  • Ocean freight: 1 cbm = 1000 kilos (volume ratio is 1:1)

We calculate the final shipping costs on the basis of the higher of the two 'weights': this is the 'paid weight'. W
When products take up more space, the volumetric weight is used for billing.

How do you calculate volumetric weight?

To calculate the volumetric weight, first determine the volume: length x width x height (in centimetres). Then divide this number by one of the following factors:

Airfreight: 6 000
Road transport: 3 000
Maritime transport: 1 000


What about running metres of loading space for road transport?

In road transport, it is common practice to calculate in linear metres of loading space. One loading metre is equivalent to one metre of floor space in the cross-section of a semi-trailer. Very often this unit is used for products that cannot be stacked in any way. In this way, the haulier is able to compensate for costs due to unused loading space. Most often, 1 running metre of loading space equals 1 750 kg. This unit can just as easily be calculated for pallets: 1 europallet (80 x 120 cm) is 0.4 metres of loading space and 1 industrial pallet (100 x 120 cm) is 0.5 metres.

What is meant by size/weight in maritime transport?

Maritime transport allows shipping by container or what is known as LCL (Less then Container Load), or general cargo by sea. The second option involves loading goods belonging to different owners into one common container. The freight charge is calculated according to the space occupied. In this case, the calculation is based on the size/weight (W/M) method: per cubic metre ("size") or per tonne ("weight"). Costs are calculated according to the higher volume in cubic metres or weight in tonnes, but with a different designation.