Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Package | Mode | Unit | L | W | H | Qty | Weight/Piece (kg) | Allowance % | Efficiency % | Factor (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pallet | Road | cm | 120 | 80 | 100 | 4 | 75 | 10 | 95 | 250 |
| Carton | Air | cm | 60 | 45 | 40 | 12 | 18 | 5 | 92 | 167 |
| Crate | Sea | m | 2.2 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 3 | 540 | 8 | 90 | 1000 |
Formula Used
- Convert dimensions to meters: Length × unit factor, Width × unit factor, Height × unit factor.
- Base volume per piece: Length(m) × Width(m) × Height(m).
- Adjustment multiplier: (1 + allowance %) ÷ space efficiency ratio.
- Adjusted volume per piece: Base volume per piece × adjustment multiplier.
- Total cubic meters: Adjusted volume per piece × quantity.
- Total cubic feet: Total cubic meters × 35.3147.
- Actual weight: Gross weight per piece × quantity.
- Volumetric weight: Total cubic meters × chargeable factor.
- Chargeable weight: Higher of actual weight or volumetric weight.
- Billed weight: Chargeable weight rounded by your selected increment and method.
- Density: Actual weight ÷ total cubic meters.
- Revenue tons: Higher of total cubic meters or actual weight in metric tons.
- Loading meters: Adjusted floor footprint ÷ 2.4 trailer width.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the freight mode that best matches your shipment.
- Choose the measurement unit used on your packing sheet.
- Enter package length, width, height, quantity, and gross weight per piece.
- Add a void or handling allowance if packing gaps reduce usable space.
- Set space efficiency lower when cargo cannot stack neatly.
- Keep the default chargeable factor or replace it with your carrier rule.
- Choose the billing increment and rounding logic used by your pricing workflow.
- Submit the form to view cube, volumetric weight, billed weight, loading meters, and container fill estimates.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the result summary and example table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does freight cubic mean?
Freight cubic usually refers to shipment volume, most often in cubic meters or cubic feet. Carriers use it to plan space, compare packing options, and sometimes calculate chargeable weight.
2) Why is billed weight different from actual weight?
Many carriers charge by whichever is greater: actual weight or volumetric weight. Large but light cargo can therefore bill higher than its physical scale weight.
3) Which unit should I enter?
Use the same unit shown on your packing list or warehouse measurements. The calculator converts everything into meters internally so the volume math stays consistent.
4) What is the handling or void allowance?
Allowance adds extra occupied space for padding, overhang, imperfect stacking, pallet gaps, or access needs. It helps your estimate reflect real loading conditions more closely.
5) What does space efficiency change?
Space efficiency reduces ideal packing assumptions. Lower efficiency means the same cargo consumes more practical space because of poor stackability, shape loss, or handling limitations.
6) What are revenue tons?
Revenue tons are a common sea freight billing concept. Charges may use the higher of volume in cubic meters or actual weight in metric tons.
7) Can this replace a carrier quotation?
No. It is an estimating tool. Final billing may vary by tariff, packaging rule, lane, surcharge, minimum charge, pallet policy, and carrier-specific rounding practice.
8) Why does the calculator show loading meters?
Loading meters help road freight planning. They estimate trailer floor length consumed by your cargo footprint after applying your allowance and space-efficiency assumptions.