Gross weight, dimensions and charging rules
For many air and express services, the charging method compares actual and volumetric weight. The exact rule belongs in the quotation; there is no single divisor for every provider.
Gross weight
The goods plus their packing. Supplier estimates should be checked against the carton that will actually travel.
Outside dimensions
Measure the packed length, width and height in the units stated by the service, including any protective packing.
Charging rules
The divisor, rounding, minimum charge and per-carton or whole-shipment method all affect the result.
Example: a 10 kg carton calculated at 16 kg
| Input or step | Illustrative calculation |
|---|---|
| Outside dimensions | 60 × 40 × 40 cm |
| Gross weight | 10 kg |
| Assumed divisor | 6,000 cm³/kg |
| Volumetric weight | 60 × 40 × 40 ÷ 6,000 = 16 kg |
| Higher of the two | 16 kg before any rounding or minimum-charge rule |
Outside dimensions
- Illustrative calculation
- 60 × 40 × 40 cm
Gross weight
- Illustrative calculation
- 10 kg
Assumed divisor
- Illustrative calculation
- 6,000 cm³/kg
Volumetric weight
- Illustrative calculation
- 60 × 40 × 40 ÷ 6,000 = 16 kg
Higher of the two
- Illustrative calculation
- 16 kg before any rounding or minimum-charge rule
Mathematical illustration only. The 6,000 divisor is an assumption for this example, not a Jeton tariff or a rule for every service.
Per-carton and shipment calculations
Assume the same illustrative divisor and no rounding. One carton is light for its size; the second is dense. The result depends on when the comparison is made.
| Example carton | Gross weight | Volumetric weight | Higher value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carton 1 | 10 kg | 16 kg | 16 kg |
| Carton 2 | 20 kg | 10 kg | 20 kg |
| Compare each carton, then add | 30 kg total | 26 kg total | 36 kg |
| Add first, then compare the shipment | 30 kg total | 26 kg total | 30 kg |
Carton 1
- Gross weight
- 10 kg
- Volumetric weight
- 16 kg
- Higher value
- 16 kg
Carton 2
- Gross weight
- 20 kg
- Volumetric weight
- 10 kg
- Higher value
- 20 kg
Compare each carton, then add
- Gross weight
- 30 kg total
- Volumetric weight
- 26 kg total
- Higher value
- 36 kg
Add first, then compare the shipment
- Gross weight
- 30 kg total
- Volumetric weight
- 26 kg total
- Higher value
- 30 kg
These are alternative mathematical methods, not two selectable prices. The booked service determines which applies.
Rounding, minimums and measurement rules
- Is each carton assessed separately or is the packed consignment assessed together?
- Which divisor and measurement units apply?
- How are fractional kilograms and oversized cartons rounded or handled?
- Is there a minimum weight, minimum shipment charge or handling fee?
- Will final warehouse or carrier measurements replace a supplier estimate?
- What happens to the quotation if repacking changes the measurements?
The sea-freight charging basis
For LCL, the quotation may use volume or a weight/measurement basis. It should state the actual conversion and minimums that apply; an air-freight divisor cannot be transferred to a sea quote. FCL uses a container-based arrangement with its own cargo and handling conditions.
A low main-freight rate does not describe the whole delivery cost. Compare origin work, destination/CFS handling, customs, taxes and local delivery to the same endpoint.
Measurements for your quotation
For each final carton, provide the carton count, outside dimensions and gross weight. Add the product description, any special attributes and the South African destination. If the goods have not been packed yet, mark the measurements as estimates.
Repacking may reduce empty space, but can add materials or handling. Compare the revised chargeable weight with those costs before deciding it is a saving.
Reference library
Sources and reference material
01DHL: dimensional weight and shipment calculationsdct.dhl.comReviewed 27 October 2026