IF the resulting amount gives you a figure Higher than the "actual" weight of that item measured on a scale, then you'll be charged for the higher international "DIM" weight.

Picture a piece of styrofoam, 3 ft by 3 ft by 3 ft.
A child can pick it up, and it will weigh perhaps less than five lbs., right? But, when sending via AIRFREIGHT, the international "DIM" weight comes to over 280-lbs.

Another simple way to figure out your international air "dim weight" is by multiplying the cubic footage, by 10.4

A 20-cubic foot carton will have a dimensional airweight of 208-lbs (20-cuft x 10.4 = 208-lbs chargeable airweight).

FYI, about European/American standards...

Weight: one kilo
= approx 2.2-lbs.
Measurement: one cubic meter
= approx 35-cubic feet

is 6 - 7 (6.5) lbs. per 1-cubic foot volume.
very dense consignments (books, china)
can average closer to 12-lbs/1-cuft.

Our Origin Agent export packers base their
export packing charges on either the weight or the measure, whichever is the greater.
This is an industry standard,
within the HHG Export/Import Shipping Community.

There usually is a "a happy medium" where people have
a "normal mix" of furniture and personal effects.

It's just a matter of averages that seem to become standard over time - to those companies that specialize in this specific commodity (hhg/pe) and its' own particular international routing system. If charges are based on volume, it can work out more expensive - or less - than if based on weight.

Agents normally charge based on the higher amount. This is what is called "weight or measure, whichever yields the greater revenue" in the shipping industry. It is an elementary basis for buying freight related services.

Many "commercial cargo" forwarders will not service unprepared hhg/pe - household goods/personal effects shippers. "New to the business" entrepreneurs - looking into international trade projects - should buy a few ESR's (Export Shipping Reports) first - to get solid business information. Real business investigations and confirmations - pertaining to international shipping/customs, import/export transactions require a level of expertise not found in the general public. If you need real information for commercial cargo going to a prospective overseas buyer, order your custom-confirmed ERS-Export Shipping Report.

It's only through many years of experience in moving household goods overseas, that one gets to know the "ins and outs" of this business.

All the more reason to talk to someone who's done it literally thousands of times, to destinations all over the world.

Access our website to view our photo galleries:
Site-Map Images
Review our free on-line guides: "Steps to take"
...for further information and advice on shipping your personal effects overseas.

Shipping a vehicle?
Ro-Ro rates are based on the size of the vehicle. See our worldwide rate guides to generally compare costs. [click here] We recommend that you do a "Google Search" under your vehicles' specific year, make and model, and look up the specifications as stated by the manufacturer (Length x Width x Height) shown from the longest 3 points. If there are fog lights or other accessories that extend out, the SS line will include this longest dimension in how they determine the shipping charge. Cubic feet works the same way, mathematically: H (inches) x W (inches) x D (inches) divided by 1728 = the total cubic footage for the vehicle, boat, crate or other type of cargo. For further guidance, please read our [car advice].

Sending a small amount of personal effects?
Read our suggestions and recommendations
about using a "super box". More packing, secure and neat, is always better than less packing. Send it safely.

For personalized attention and care, you have every reason to contact: