
Volume calculator
The difference between springs and lead
1,000 kg of springs has a larger volume than 1,000 kg of lead. In order to be able to charge this difference equally, certain conversion factors have been agreed upon within the transport sector.
Which weight determines the costs?
For each shipment we calculate the volume weight and compare it to the actual weight in kilos. We make this calculation using an approved formula. With air freight, 1 cbm (cubic metre) equals 167 kg. With sea freight (LCL) 1 cbm equals a maximum of 1000 kg, whereas with road transport 1 cbm equals 333 kg. The highest weight (volume or actual) is charged.
- Air freight: 1 cbm = 167 kilo (volume ratio is 1:6)
- Road transport: 1 cbm = 333 kilo (volume ratio 1:3)
- Sea freight: 1 cbm = 1,000 kilo (volume ratio is 1:1)
We calculate the final shipping costs on the basis of the higher of the two ‘weights’: this is the ‘chargeable weight’. If goods take up ‘too much’ space (e.g. large, bulky products), we therefore calculate with the volume weight in most cases.

How do you calculate the volume weight?
- Air freight: 6,000
- Road transport: 3,000
- Sea transport: 1.000