Air cargo is charged on the greater of actual or volumetric weight. Learn the 1:167 rule and how to estimate your cost.
The simple rule
Air freight uses a volumetric factor of 1 CBM = 167 kg. Your chargeable weight is the higher of your actual gross weight and your volume weight (CBM × 167).
Worked example
A 200 kg shipment in 2 CBM: volume weight = 2 × 167 = 334 kg. You are charged for 334 kg, not 200 kg, because it is bulky.
Why it matters
- Light, bulky goods cost more than they weigh.
- Dense goods are charged by actual weight.
- Our calculator compares both automatically.