Zone 1 (Domestic / Short Haul) – $1.50/kg
Zone 2 (Regional / Europe) – $4.50/kg
Zone 3 (International / USA) – $8.50/kg
Zone 4 (Remote / ROW) – $12.00/kg
When shipping packages via courier services like TNT (now part of FedEx) or other logistics providers, the cost is rarely calculated solely on the physical weight of the item. Instead, couriers use a method known as Chargeable Weight, which compares the actual physical weight against the Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight.
What is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric weight reflects the density of a package. A large, lightweight box (like one filled with pillows) takes up significant space in a cargo aircraft or truck, preventing other items from being loaded. To account for this, carriers calculate weight based on volume.
The standard formula used by most carriers, including TNT/FedEx for international shipments, is:
(Length x Width x Height in cm) / Divisor = Volumetric Weight in kg
The Divisor is typically 5000 for standard courier services, though domestic freight may use 6000, and some specialized services use 4000.
How to Calculate Your TNT Rate
Measure Dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of your packaged item in centimeters.
Weigh the Package: Weigh the finished package in kilograms.
Determine Chargeable Weight: Calculate the volumetric weight and compare it to the actual weight. The higher of the two figures is the Chargeable Weight.
Apply Zone Rates: Multiply the Chargeable Weight by the rate per kg specific to your destination zone.
Add Surcharges: Add fuel surcharges (often fluctuating around 10-20%) and service premiums (e.g., for Express 9:00 AM delivery).
Example Calculation
Imagine you are sending a box of size 50cm x 40cm x 30cm weighing 5kg to Zone 2 (Europe).
Volumetric Weight: (50 * 40 * 30) / 5000 = 12kg.
Actual Weight: 5kg.
Chargeable Weight: 12kg (since 12 > 5).
Base Cost: 12kg * $4.50 (Zone 2 Rate) = $54.00.
This calculator helps you estimate these costs instantly so you aren't surprised by price adjustments after pickup.
function calculateTNTRate() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var actWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tntActualWeight').value);
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tntLength').value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tntWidth').value);
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tntHeight').value);
var divisor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tntDivisor').value);
var zoneRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tntZone').value);
var serviceMultiplier = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tntServiceType').value);
// 2. Validation
if (isNaN(actWeight) || isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(height)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for weight and dimensions.");
return;
}
if (actWeight <= 0 || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || height <= 0) {
alert("Values must be greater than zero.");
return;
}
// 3. Calculate Volumetric Weight
// Formula: (L * W * H) / Divisor
var volWeight = (length * width * height) / divisor;
// 4. Determine Chargeable Weight (Higher of Actual vs Volumetric)
var chargeableWeight = Math.max(actWeight, volWeight);
// 5. Calculate Base Cost
// Chargeable Weight * Zone Rate
var baseCost = chargeableWeight * zoneRate * serviceMultiplier;
// 6. Calculate Surcharges (e.g., Fuel at 15%)
var fuelSurchargePercent = 0.15;
var fuelCost = baseCost * fuelSurchargePercent;
// 7. Total Cost
var totalCost = baseCost + fuelCost;
// 8. Display Results
document.getElementById('displayVolWeight').innerText = volWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById('displayActWeight').innerText = actWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById('displayChargeable').innerText = chargeableWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById('displayBase').innerText = "$" + baseCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayFuel').innerText = "$" + fuelCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayTotal').innerText = "$" + totalCost.toFixed(2);
// Show result div
document.getElementById('tntResult').style.display = 'block';
}