Volumetric Weight
A weight derived from a shipment’s volume, used by air carriers to charge for low-density cargo.
MeasurementTL;DR: This term is one of 37 definitions in the freight glossary, so the signal is the number it changes — not the acronym. It sits in the Measurement category and links to 2 related terms for adjacent freight math. Use the example below to turn the definition into a before/after calculation before you quote or clear cargo.
What it means
Volumetric weight is a calculated “weight” that air carriers use to charge for cargo that is light but bulky, so a shipment of pillows does not pay the same as the same mass of steel. It is computed from the shipment’s volume using a standard divisor — commonly length × width × height (in cm) ÷ 6000, giving a figure in kilograms — and the airline charges on the higher of actual or volumetric weight. The concept matters because air freight between China and the GCC is routinely used for urgent or high-value goods, and low-density cargo can be billed at several times its actual weight. Understanding volumetric weight lets you compare air versus express versus sea freight on a true like-for-like basis.
Who pays / who bears risk
Who pays
Shipper pays air freight on chargeable weight, which uses volumetric weight.
Who bears risk
Not a risk term — a pricing basis.
Common misunderstanding
The divisor differs: air freight typically divides by 6000, express couriers by 5000.
Why it matters
Air freight bills on the higher of actual or volumetric weight, so bulky light cargo can cost far more than its physical weight suggests — know the divisor before quoting.
Example
A 40kg carton of electronics measuring 120×80×60cm has a volumetric weight of 120×80×60÷6000 = 96kg, so it is billed at 96kg.