In the business landscape, the smooth execution of goods shipping plays a crucial role in maintaining customer satisfaction.

That’s why many business actors, from small businesses to large enterprises, rely on professional goods shipping services to ensure their products reach consumers promptly and efficiently.

However, before making a shipment, there’s one important thing that must be considered: how to calculate the weight or volume of the cargo. Why is this important? Because this will determine the shipping costs to be paid.

Why Is It Important to Understand Cargo Load Calculation?

Every shipped item, whether by land, sea, or air, is charged based on its actual weight or volume. If you don’t understand how to calculate it, you could end up paying more than you should.

Methods for Calculating Cargo Weight and Volume for Shipping

There are two commonly used methods for calculating cargo weight:

1. Actual Weight Calculation (Weight on Scales)

This is the most widely used method for calculating cargo based on its true weight, measured in kilograms (Kg). Items are weighed using a scale, and then the results are rounded off.

Rounding Off Example:
A weight of 8.2 kg → rounded to 8 kg
A weight of 8.76 kg → rounded to 9 kg

Once the weight is rounded, it’s multiplied by the per-kilogram rate based on the destination city.

2. Volume Calculation (Item Dimensions)

This method is used for items that are large but lightweight, for example pillows, dolls, or items with space inside the packaging. The calculation is based on the item’s length x width x height measured in centimeters.

For Land and Sea Shipping:

Formula: (length x width x height) : 4.000 = volumetric weight (kg)

For Air Shipping:

Formula: (length x width x height) : 6.000 = volumetric weight (kg)

Once the volumetric weight is calculated, it will be compared to the actual weight. The greater value between the two will be used as the basis for calculating shipping charges.

Logistics Shipping Solutions from SELOG

Usually logistics or expedition companies will calculate both methods and choose the highest value between actual weight and volume weight to determine shipping rates.

Weight and volume calculations are just one of many technical aspects involved in the goods shipping process. Most importantly, choose a professional and experienced logistics service provider to ensure the delivery process runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

One of the logistics companies that could be a good choice is SELOG, a business line of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA), which is also part of the Astra Group and has 20 years of experience in the logistics industry.

SELOG is committed to offer a comprehensive and end-to-end logistics services, from trucking, shipping, freight forwarding, warehousing, and project cargo.

Every SELOG’s services are supported by the latest digital technology, including the Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS), which is not only convenient but also effective and efficient for businesses.

With its Astra Fleet AstraFMS, SELOG provides businesses in Indonesia with IT-based comprehensive solutions for managing fleet vehicles.

For more information about SELOG’s services, visit www.selog.astra.co.id or contact (021) 26605333.

Don’t forget to follow SELOG’s social media on Instagram @selog_astra and LinkedIn SELOG for more information about logistic updates.