Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Volumetric weight mean in logistics?

Short answer

A weight calculated from a shipment’s dimensions, used when cargo is light for its size. In air freight it is conventionally length × width × height in cm divided by 6,000; courier services often divide by 5,000.

Indian road PTL uses a kg-per-CFT factor set in each carrier’s contract instead. Freight is billed on the higher of actual and volumetric weight. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
dimensional weight, volume weight, DIM weight
Category
Operations & tech
Related terms
Chargeable weight, CFT (cubic foot), CBM (cubic metre), Stackability

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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