How to Configure Chargeable Volume & Weight

In logistics, the Chargeable Weight of a shipment is always the greater of its actual gross weight and its volumetric (dimensional) weight.

The Chargeable Volume and Weight Configurations module tells FreighTools exactly how to convert a shipment's cubic volume (CBM) into a weight equivalent (KG) so it can automatically calculate the correct chargeable weight for your quotes and shipments.

To manage these settings, navigate to Configuration → Service Data → Chargeable Volume and Weight Configurations.

Understanding the Configuration List

The main list displays all your configured conversion rules. Because a single rule can be applied to many different services at once, most companies only need a few records here to cover their entire operation.

Each row shows:

• ID: The internal system identifier.
• Service Mix: The transport modes this rule applies to (e.g., Air Service, Ocean LCL).
• Service Trade: The trade directions covered (e.g., Export, Import).
• Freight Unit Type: The physical cargo units this applies to (e.g., Pallet, Cartons).
• CBM Equivalent Weight: The conversion factor (multiplier) used to calculate the volumetric weight (i.e., how many kilograms equal 1 CBM).

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Creating a New Conversion Rule

If you need to define a new dimensional weight rule, click + New Chargeable Volume and Weight Configurations in the top-right corner.

Fill out the four required fields. Note: You can select multiple options for the first three fields to create broad, efficient rules.

1. Service Mix: Select the transport modes this rule applies to. (For example, you might select 'Air Service' here, and create a completely separate rule later for 'Ocean LCL'.)
2. Service Trade: Select the trade directions (Export, Import, Domestic, Cross Trade).
3. Freight Unit Type: Select all applicable cargo units (e.g., Box, Pallet, Crate, Package). Ensure you include all unit types your operations team actually uses.
4. CBM Equivalent Weight: Enter the numeric conversion factor. This tells the system how many kilograms are equivalent to 1 Cubic Meter (CBM).
   • Example: Entering 167 means the system will multiply the total CBM by 167 to calculate the volumetric weight in kilograms.

Click Save Changes to create the rule.

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Editing or Deleting a Rule

To modify an existing rule, click the Pencil (Edit) icon on its row. You can add or remove Service Mixes, update the unit types, or change the conversion factor. Click Update to save.

To permanently remove a rule, click the Delete button within the edit panel.

[!WARNING] Important Deletion Risk: This module does not have an "Active/Inactive" toggle. The only way to remove a rule is to delete it entirely. Best Practices & Industry Standards

• Keep it Simple: Because you can select multiple Service Mixes and Unit Types in a single record, you usually only need a handful of rules.
• Separate by Mode: Never combine Air and Ocean services in the same rule, as their standard conversion factors are completely different.
• Standard Conversion Ratios: * Air Freight typically uses a standard ratio of 1 CBM = 167 kg (based on the standard IATA calculation).
  • Ocean Freight (LCL) typically uses a ratio of 1 CBM = 1,000 kg (1 W/M = 1 Ton).
  • Road Freight varies heavily by region and specific carrier agreements (e.g., 1 CBM = 333 kg is common in parts of Europe, while US LTL relies on NMFC classes). Always verify the specific conversion factors agreed upon with your road carriers.