Understanding how international freight costs are calculated helps you budget more accurately and avoid unexpected charges. The price does not depend solely on weight: volume, route, type of cargo, and various surcharges also come into play. Here, we explain it in a simple way.
Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
The most important rule: freight is charged based on whichever is greater between the actual weight and the volumetric weight (the amount of space the cargo occupies). This is known as the chargeable weight. Therefore, a lightweight but bulky shipment may be charged based on its volume.
How Is Volumetric Weight Calculated?
- Air: (largo × ancho × alto en cm) ÷ 6000 = peso volumétrico en kg.
- Maritime LCL: se cobra por metro cúbico (m³); como referencia, 1 m³ suele equivaler a 1.000 kg (1Ton) (lo que resulte mayor).
Components of International Freight Costs
In addition to the chargeable weight, the total cost may include:
- Base freight: the cost of the main transportation service, either ocean or air.
- Surcharges: such as fuel surcharge (BAF), currency adjustment factor (CAF), terminal handling charges (THC), security charges, among others.
- Cargo insurance: optional but recommended, depending on the value of the goods.
- Origin and destination charges: handling, documentation, and inland transportation.
- Customs duties and taxes: tariffs and taxes in the destination country. These are not part of the freight cost itself, but they are part of the total cost of importing.
A Simple Example
Imagine an air shipment consisting of a box measuring 100 × 80 × 60 cm and weighing 40 kg. Its volumetric weight is: (100 × 80 × 60) ÷ 6000 = 80 kg Since the volumetric weight of 80 kg is greater than the actual weight of 40 kg, the freight will be charged based on 80 kg.
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