Question

The volume or chargeable weight can be determined by using several factors, depending on whether the measurements are in metric, pounds, or a combination. Also, whenever you have a fraction of a pound or kilo, always round UP, even if it is less than a half-pound or kilo. For example, 37.1 pounds would be rounded to 38 pounds but 37.1 kilos would be rounded up to 37.5 because there are approximately two points in a kilogram.

1. For shipments in metric, the weight will be in kilograms and the dimensions in centimeters. To get a dimensional rate, multiply the length by the height by the width, then divide by 6,000. Compare this figure to the actual weight to get the chargeable weight. For example, a shipment that measures in cubic centimeters a length of 159, width of 170 and height of 136:
   159 x 170 x 136 / 6000 = 613 Kg.

If the actual weight is 171 Kg., the carrier will charge the rate for 613 Kg.

2. For shipments in Imperial (pounds and inches), use the factor of 166. Again, multiply the length by height by width but divide by 166. For example, a shipment 49 inches long by 42 inches high by 36 inches wide:

49 x 42 x 36 / 166 = 447 pounds

If the actual weight of the shipment is 230 pounds, the carrier will charge the rate for 447 pounds.

3. For shipments whose measurements are in inches but weight is in kilograms: multiply the length by height by width and divide by the factor of 366. For example, a shipment that weighs 102 kilograms but is 42" long by 51" high by 20" wide:

42 x 51 x 20 / 366 = 118Kg

The carrier would charge the rate for 118 Kg., not 102 Kg.

Work out the following exercises and come up with an answer.  

1. An air shipment weighs 212 pounds and has the following dimensions: 32" long by 28" high by 16" wide. The rate is $.72 per pound. How much will it cost to ship?

2. The shipping rate is $1.54 per Kg. by airfreight. The shipment weighs 136 Kg. and measures 72" long, 44" high and 12" wide. What would the shipping charge be?

3. The airship rate is $1.22 per Kg. for shipments weighing less than 100 Kg. and $1.15 per Kg. for shipments weighing 100 Kg. or more. A shipment weighs 96 Kg. and has dimensions in centimeters of 142 long by 84 high by 54 wide. What would be the cost to ship it by air?

4. A shipment weighs 223 Kg. with dimensions in centimeters of 202 long by 134 high by 72 wide. Would the carrier charge by weight or dimension?

5. A shipment has dimensions of 42" x 56" x 36" and weighs 474 pounds. The air freight rate is $.84 for shipments weighing 401-500 pounds and $.76 for shipments weighing 501-600 pounds. How much would it cost to air freight this shipment?

Answer 1