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Shipment Weight vs Volume Calculator

Check whether weight or volume drives your air or ocean LCL freight quote before you ask a forwarder for rates.

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Shipment comparison result

Ocean LCL

First quote to check

Ocean LCL is the first quote to check when cost saving matters more than transit time.

Cargo density

161.9 kg/m3

Cheaper by

$2,434.32

First quote to check

Ocean LCL

Estimated gap

$2,434.32

Difference

89%

Billing basis

Volumetric weight / CBM

Bulky cargo: volume is likely to drive billing. Recheck outer packaging before requesting rates.

Cargo totals

Start with total packed CBM and gross weight, or calculate them from cartons below.

Carton helper

Use outside packed dimensions. Apply the result to the shipment totals when it looks right.

Calculated CBM

2.016 CBM

Calculated weight

672 kg

Freight terms

Enter simple quote assumptions to compare air chargeable weight with ocean revenue tons.

Currency
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Quote-ready snapshot

Share these numbers with a forwarder to reduce back-and-forth.

Air basis

701.4 kg

Volumetric weight

Ocean basis

4.2 RT

CBM

Air effective / kg

$3.91

Air freight

Ocean effective / RT

$74.05

Ocean LCL

Billing basis details

Air volumetric

701.4 kg

Air chargeable

701.4 kg

Ocean base RT

4.2 RT

Ocean billable RT

4.2 RT

Cargo density

161.9 kg/m3

Dominant basis

Volume dominant

Freight estimate

Estimated air freight

$2,745.32

Estimated ocean freight

$311.00

Practical read

Ocean LCL is the first quote to check when cost saving matters more than transit time.

Final quotes may add surcharges, pickup, customs, storage, fuel, and carrier minimum rules.

Weight vs volume view

Air freight: Actual weight vs Volumetric weight

Actual weight680 kg
Volumetric weight701.4 kg

Ocean LCL: CBM vs Weight ton

CBM4.2 CBM
Weight ton0.68 t
Minimum1 RT

Logistics planning notice

This tool is a planning aid only. Actual freight charges, customs treatment, chargeable weight, carrier rules, warehouse limits, and contractual terms must be confirmed with the carrier, forwarder, warehouse, or official shipping documents.

Quote request checklist

What to confirm

  • check_circleRecheck CBM using final outside dimensions.
  • check_circleConfirm air volumetric factor with the airline or forwarder.
  • check_circleOcean LCL often applies a 1 RT minimum.
  • check_circleAsk whether pickup, customs, warehouse, and surcharges are included.
  • check_circlePallets, wood packing, and dangerous goods can change the final quote.

Why compare weight and volume

Air freight often bills the larger of actual weight and volumetric weight. Ocean LCL often compares CBM with metric tons to find the revenue ton. Seeing both together helps you prepare cleaner quote requests.

Usage notes

  • Air volumetric weight = total CBM x air factor, default 167 kg/CBM.
  • Air chargeable weight = the larger of actual weight and volumetric weight.
  • Ocean RT = the larger of CBM and weight tons, adjusted by the minimum RT when applicable.
  • Cargo density = actual weight / total CBM.

Frequently asked questions

What is a revenue ton?expand_more

A revenue ton is a billing unit commonly used in LCL shipping where volume and weight are compared and the larger basis is billed.

Is 167 kg per CBM always correct for air freight?expand_more

It is a common benchmark, but carriers and forwarders can use different billing rules.

Can I use this as a final freight quote?expand_more

No. Use it for planning and quote preparation. Final pricing may include surcharges, pickup, customs, storage, dangerous goods, and minimum billing rules.

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