Calculate chargeable weight and estimated freight costs based on dimensions and density.
Formula divisor used: 6000 (Standard Domestic)
Estimated Freight Cost
Total Gross Weight:0 kg
Total Volume:0 cbm
Volumetric Weight (Divisor 6000):0 kg
Chargeable Weight:0 kg
Base Freight Cost:0.00
Fuel Surcharge:0.00
Security/Handling:0.00
Total Estimated Cost:0.00
Understanding Domestic Air Cargo Rates
Calculating air cargo rates is more complex than simply weighing a package on a scale. Airlines and logistics providers utilize a specific pricing model that accounts for both the physical weight and the amount of space a shipment occupies in the aircraft. This calculator helps shippers estimate costs by comparing gross weight against volumetric weight to determine the Chargeable Weight.
What is Chargeable Weight?
In air freight, the cost is calculated based on whichever is greater: the Gross Weight (actual weight on the scale) or the Volumetric Weight (dimensional weight). This ensures that carriers are compensated fairly for lightweight, bulky items that take up significant cargo space but weigh very little (e.g., cotton, foam, or large plastic components).
The standard formula for domestic air cargo volumetric weight (in metric units) is typically:
Note: While 6000 is the standard IATA domestic divisor for many regions, some express couriers may use 5000. Always verify the divisor with your specific carrier.
Key Factors Influencing Air Freight Costs
Base Rate: This is the price quoted per kilogram. It often scales; higher weights may qualify for lower per-kg rates (break points).
Minimum Charge: Most carriers have a minimum fee (Minimum Air Waybill charge) to cover administrative costs, regardless of how small the shipment is.
Fuel Surcharge (FSC): A fluctuating percentage added to the base freight cost to offset volatile jet fuel prices.
Security & Handling Surcharges: Flat fees or per-kg fees covering airport security screening (X-ray) and terminal handling services.
Example Calculation
Imagine you are shipping a box of auto parts domestically:
Step 3: Determine Chargeable Weight. Compare Actual (15 kg) vs. Volumetric (26.67 kg). The carrier will charge based on 26.67 kg.
Step 4: Calculate Cost. 26.67 kg * $3.00 = $80.01 (plus any applicable surcharges).
How to Reduce Air Cargo Costs
To optimize your shipping spend, focus on packaging. Reducing empty space within your boxes can significantly lower the volumetric weight. Additionally, consolidating multiple small shipments into a single larger shipment can often unlock better rate tiers ("break points") or dilute the impact of minimum charges.
function calculateAirCargo() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var grossWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossWeight").value);
var pieces = parseFloat(document.getElementById("shipmentCount").value);
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dimLength").value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dimWidth").value);
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById("dimHeight").value);
var ratePerKg = parseFloat(document.getElementById("baseRate").value);
var minCharge = parseFloat(document.getElementById("minCharge").value);
var fuelPercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById("fuelSurcharge").value);
var securityFee = parseFloat(document.getElementById("securityFee").value);
// 2. Validate Inputs
if (isNaN(grossWeight) || isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height) || isNaN(ratePerKg)) {
alert("Please fill in all required fields (Weight, Dimensions, and Rate) with valid numbers.");
return;
}
// Handle defaults for optional fields if empty/NaN
if (isNaN(pieces)) pieces = 1;
if (isNaN(minCharge)) minCharge = 0;
if (isNaN(fuelPercent)) fuelPercent = 0;
if (isNaN(securityFee)) securityFee = 0;
// 3. Perform Calculations
// Total Gross Weight
var totalGrossWeight = grossWeight; // Assuming input is total, or per piece?
// Logic check: User might enter weight per piece or total.
// Standard UI usually implies total weight unless specified "Weight per piece".
// Let's assume the Gross Weight input is the TOTAL weight of the shipment.
// However, dimensions are usually "per piece".
// Calculate Total Volume (CBM)
// (L x W x H) in cm / 1,000,000 = CBM per piece
var volumePerPieceCbm = (length * width * height) / 1000000;
var totalVolumeCbm = volumePerPieceCbm * pieces;
// Calculate Volumetric Weight (kg)
// Formula: (L x W x H in cm) / 6000 per piece * pieces
var volWeightPerPiece = (length * width * height) / 6000;
var totalVolWeight = volWeightPerPiece * pieces;
// Determine Chargeable Weight (Max of Gross vs Volumetric)
var chargeableWeight = Math.max(totalGrossWeight, totalVolWeight);
// Round chargeable weight up to next 0.5kg (common carrier practice) or keep exact?
// Let's keep to 2 decimals for accuracy in this tool.
// Calculate Base Freight Cost
var baseCost = chargeableWeight * ratePerKg;
// Apply Minimum Charge
if (baseCost < minCharge) {
baseCost = minCharge;
}
// Calculate Surcharges
// Fuel surcharge is usually a percentage of the Base Freight Cost
var fuelCost = baseCost * (fuelPercent / 100);
// Security/Handling is usually flat in this simple calc (or per kg, but we used flat input)
var totalCost = baseCost + fuelCost + securityFee;
// 4. Update Result Display
document.getElementById("resGross").innerText = totalGrossWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById("resVolume").innerText = totalVolumeCbm.toFixed(4) + " cbm";
document.getElementById("resVolWeight").innerText = totalVolWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById("resChargeable").innerText = chargeableWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById("resBaseCost").innerText = baseCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("resFuel").innerText = fuelCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("resSecurity").innerText = securityFee.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("resTotal").innerText = totalCost.toFixed(2);
// Show result box
document.getElementById("resultOutput").style.display = "block";
}