All freight movements are subject to weight-to-volume calculations to obtain a volumetric weight versus the actual weight. Freight is then charged on the larger of the two weights to ensure a minimum yield for the movement of the freight.

With air freight every cubic metre (m3) of freight is considered to have a minimum weight of 167 kg, so volumetric weight = m3 x 167kg. Some Express Courier companies have recently increased this to 1m3 = 200 kgs so the volumetric weight = m3 x 200.

If you find that you are being charged on the volumetric weight for your air freight consignments you may be paying more than necessary due to the low density of your consignment. Check that your consignment has been packed by your supplier or forwarder to ensure maximum density of the consignment.

There are some simple checks you can make:

• Have the cartons been packed so that they are full or is there a lot of extra space in the carton?
• Has your supplier used an excess amount of packaging in the cartons such as polystyrene chips?

Of course you need to protect your product but in some cases this can be excessive and ends up costing you more on your freight.

• Has your supplier used appropriate packaging for your product? Sometimes a supplier may use a square box when a cylinder or tube may be more appropriate as it would minimise the volume of the consignment.
• Of course for some cargo, especially fragile goods, it is unavoidable for the volumetric weight to exceed the actual weight but in a lot of instances it would really pay to investigate how you can reduce the volume to save you money on your freight.

Courtesy :  Door to Door Freight Services