Chargeable weight is the weight an airline bills: the actual weight or the volume weight, whichever is higher. Volume weight = length × width × height in cm ÷ 6000.
Aircraft run out of space before they run out of weight. That is why light, bulky cargo is charged on its size. The industry standard is 6000 cm³ per kg, which equals 167 kg per cubic metre. Express couriers often use 5000.
Example: one pallet of 120 × 80 × 100 cm weighing 150 kg. Volume weight = 960,000 ÷ 6000 = 160 kg. The chargeable weight is 160 kg, not 150 kg.
Tip: compact packaging and pallets without overhang directly lower your air freight cost.