Cubic Weight and Chargeable Freight

Freight carriers in Australia do not always bill the weight on the scale. They bill chargeable weight: the greater of actual kilograms and cubic (volumetric) weight. Pack to the Future applies that formula at quote time on Pack Freight, using packed dimensions from Product AI, a saved combination, or what you enter in the booking modal.

Overview

What it is: Volumetric pricing. Light, bulky cartons are charged as if they weighed more, because they occupy trailer space.

Where it applies: Pack Freight (TFM rate card) and other freight quotes that use dimensional weight. Parcel satchels can have their own dimensional rules; this article is about freight cubic.

Why it matters: Under-declaring carton size does not make freight cheaper. The carrier reweighs and re-measures, then you get an adjustment. Declaring real packed size puts the cubic cost in the quote the customer (or you) already accepted.

The formula

chargeable kg = max(actual kg, volume m³ × cubic factor)

Pack Freight cubic factor: 250 kg per cubic metre (TFM card).

Volume is length × width × height of each parcel, converted to cubic metres, then summed across packages.

Example: A carton 80 × 60 × 50 cm that weighs 8 kg.

Volume = 0.80 × 0.60 × 0.50 = 0.24 m³
Cubic kg = 0.24 × 250 = 60 kg
Chargeable = max(8, 60) = 60 kg

The 8 kg scale weight is ignored for pricing. The 60 kg cubic weight drives the lane rate.

After chargeable kg is known, Pack Freight applies the origin→destination rate, a minimum connote, fuel surcharge (reviewed monthly), then known accessorials, then GST and platform margin.

What else rides on the same quote

Cubic weight is only the start of an honest freight price. Applied at quote when we can know them:

| Item | When it applies | |---|---| | Residential | Address classified residential — see Residential Address Detection | | Tailgate | You select tailgate truck (no forklift on site) | | Overlength | Longest side in declared dims, banded (2.00–2.99 m up through 6–8 m; 8 m+ is POA and will not auto-quote) | | Dangerous goods / book-in / phone ahead | When you flag them on the consignment | | Fuel | Current monthly % on the freight line |

Not in the first quote (recovered if the carrier invoices them): waiting time after the free period, futile pickup/delivery, redelivery, hand unload, remote on-forward, reweigh/redim if actual freight differs from what you declared.

A flat “add 15% for surprises” buffer is not a substitute. It overcharges easy shipments and still undercharges bulky residential freight.

How to get cubic right in the app

Confirm Product AI dimensions for bulky SKUs (Needs Review queue). Packed size, not product-photo size.
Save combinations after you pack a repeating order so the next one auto-fills the real carton.
Enter extra packages if the order ships in more than one carton — cubic is summed.
Watch overlength — a 2.1 m rolled item is a different price band than a cube of the same weight.
Read the quote breakdown — chargeable kg, fuel, residential, tailgate, overlength should be visible before you confirm.

If Product AI recommends freight (skid/pallet), trust that signal: the SKU has already crossed out of cheap parcel territory.

Packaging and cubic

Right-sizing the carton lowers cubic kg. A lampshade in a box twice its size pays for empty air. Use the smallest safe pack, or a satchel when the product truly fits parcel rules.

See also: Product AI, Pack Network & Pack Freight, Orders & Booking, Billing & Payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I quote on actual weight only? A: Not on Pack Freight. The carrier will still bill cubic. We show chargeable weight so checkout and the invoice can match.

Q: Why is my “light” shipment expensive? A: Check chargeable kg vs actual kg on the quote. If cubic is much higher, the carton is bulky. Confirm dimensions or use a smaller pack.

Q: What if I don't have dimensions yet? A: Product AI estimates packed size from the catalogue. Confirm high-stakes SKUs. Default safety-net dimensions are a last resort and will misquote bulky freight.

Q: Does 250 kg/m³ apply to Australia Post parcels? A: No. 250 is the Pack Freight / TFM freight factor. Postal and courier products use their own rules. Pack Network quotes those on live parcel rates, not this cubic card.

Q: What happens if the carrier remeasures after pickup? A: If actual freight differs, we record a cost adjustment against the shipment and debit your usual shipping payment method (plus GST and platform margin). Declare accurately to avoid it.