Understanding Chargeable Weight and Freight Charges

When you’re shipping something by air, how much it costs isn’t just about how heavy it is. The process is a bit more complicated, but don’t worry, we at ExFreight are here to break it down for you. We’ll help you understand how to figure out the chargeable weight of your shipment and break down the different charges such as FSC and SSC in air freight. So, let’s dive in and make sense of these shipping terms.

What is Chargeable Weight?

Chargeable weight is a key concept in the world of logistics. This is the method airlines employ to determine the cost of shipping your goods. It’s not just about how much your shipment weighs (that’s the actual weight), but also how much space it takes up in the plane (that’s the volumetric weight). So, the chargeable weight could be the actual weight or the volumetric weight of your shipment, depending on which is more.

Calculating Actual Weight

Actual weight is straightforward – it’s just how much your shipment weighs on a scale. This could be anything from a small box of toys to a large machine. You just weigh it, and that’s the actual weight. Easy, right?

Figuring Out Volumetric Weight

Volumetric weight is a bit trickier. This is based on the amount of space the cargo occupies.

In the air freight world, space is at a premium based on limited space. To calculate volumetric weight, you measure your shipment’s length, width, and height, multiply them together, and then multiply that number by a standard ‘volumetric factor.’ Don’t worry, your freight forwarder will have all the details on this factor.

Don’t stress if this sounds complicated. Our system, ExFresso, will handle these calculations for you! We make sure that you get a clear idea of the volumetric weight of your shipment so you can understand the costs involved. This way, you can plan your shipment knowing both the actual weight and the space it will consume in the plane.

Actual or Volumetric?

So, which weight do airlines use to charge you? The higher of the two – actual weight or volumetric weight.

If your shipment is dense, you might be charged by actual weight. But if it’s light and occupies a significant amount of space, then volumetric weight could be the chargeable weight. This way, airlines ensure the cost of shipping is fair, considering both the weight and the space your cargo occupies.

Difference Between Dimensional Weight And Actual Weight (exfreight.com)

Understanding Air Freight Charges

Now, let’s talk about some of the fees that come with air freight. Two common charges are the Fuel Surcharge (FSC) and the Security Surcharge (SSC). These aren’t about how much or how big your shipment is, but about other costs involved in getting your stuff from one place to another.

Fuel Surcharge (FSC)

The Fuel Surcharge, or FSC, is like a gas fee. It covers the cost of fuel for the airplane. Because fuel prices can go up and down, this charge can change too. At ExFreight, we keep an eye on these changes to make sure you’re getting the fairest deal.

Security Surcharge (SSC)

Then there’s the Security Surcharge, or SSC. This fee is all about keeping your shipment safe. It pays for security measures like screening your shipment to make sure everything is safe and secure. We take this part seriously at ExFreight because we know how important it is that your cargo gets to its destination safely.

At ExFreight, we’re here to help you through every step of this process. We believe in making shipping simple and stress-free, so you can focus on what you do best.

Need more help with shipping? Reach out to us, and let’s make your shipping experience smooth and easy. How to Ship Air Freight | International Air Freight Shipping (exfreight.com)