Introduction
Chargeable Weight is the weight used to calculate shipping costs. It’s the higher number between the actual weight (how much the shipment weighs) and the dimensional weight (how much space the shipment takes up, converted to weight).
Example:
A pallet weighs 500 lbs but takes up a lot of space: 96” x 48” x 48”. Using a dimensional weight formula, the space is equal to 1,590 lbs. Since 1,590 is greater than 500, the chargeable weight is 1,590 lbs.
This ensures pricing reflects both the shipment’s weight and the space it occupies.
📖 Key Terminology
Physical metric: the raw, measured attributes of what is being shipped. Typical inputs include physical weight (kg/lb), dimensions (L×W×H), pallet count, item count, volume (m³/ft³), or distance. Physical metrics describe reality and are captured from the order or trip.
Chargeable metric: The metric actually used to calculate price after applying your pricing rules. It may equal the physical weight/units, or it may be a converted/derived value such as volumetric weight, pallet-to-weight, density-based weight, or a minimum charge unit. The carrier/seller is paid based on the chargeable metric.
Setup a chargeable weight conversion table
📚 To enable the chargeable weight conversion feature, please reach out to your onboarding manager, account manager, or support.
The first step to begin using chargeable weight conversions is to create the conversion table.
Navigate to Rates and select the submenu 'Chargeable Weight Conversion'. The default view is to list all Active conversion tables. There is also a tab for Inactive and ALL. If the preference is to view All tables (both active / inactive), it is possible to filter on the column header for Name and Description. To begin to setup a new table, click 'Create new chargeable conversion'.
The Chargeable weight conversion screen will open. Give the table a NAME (mandatory) and a description is also helpful, especially if there are multiple tables. Select the metric from the dropdown menu, and and the conversion factor in the next field. Options include:
Loading meters
Packaging type*
Predefined packaging size*
Volume
*Selection will pull from the options set up in Order Input configuration.
Use the 'Add item' to add more options to the table. Click SAVE once all required options are added.
The new table is added to the list of Active tables and can be selected for use in the rate card.
Create a Customer rate Card using the Chargeable metric table:
Create a cost rate card using the Chargeable metric table:
To add a chargeable weight conversion calculation to a cost rate card:
1. Navigate to the Rates module. Click the Cost Calculation trip tab and select the relevant cost rate card for the chargeable metric table addition
2. From the selected rate, proceed to the Prices section and click the charge for the chargeable weight conversion calculation, or create a new charge.
3. Choose a Cost Calculation Method (e.g., formula). Configure it to use the chargeable metric at your chosen scope (e.g., per packaging type/product), then pick the Chargeable Conversion Table.
When conversions are applied
Conversions are applied when a pricing rule says “charge by X” and X differs from the physical metric, or when a rule transforms the physical metric before rating. Common cases:
Volumetric/dimensional conversion
Converts volume or dimensions into a “volumetric weight” using a divisor (e.g., kg = (L×W×H)/6000 in cm). Chargeable metric = max(actual weight, volumetric weight), or “use volumetric weight” if configured that way.
Pallet-to-weight conversion
Maps pallet size or type to an equivalent weight for rating. Chargeable weight = pallet_count × weight_per_pallet_or_size_table.
Density-based conversion
Uses mass/volume thresholds to derive a billable weight or class. If density below threshold, convert to a higher billable weight.
Unit normalisation
Converts cases, items, or half-pallets into a standard pricing unit per your table. Example: 2 half-pallets → 1 pallet.
Minimums and thresholds
If computed chargeable metric is below a minimum billable unit, round up to the minimum. Example: minimum 1 pallet or 100 kg.
Rounding rules
Round up to the next increment for pricing. Example: 123 kg → 130 kg if 10 kg increments.