Light Cargo vs. Heavy Cargo: Optimization of LCL Air Freight

Light Cargo and Heavy Cargo have obvious differences in billing methods, loading plans and transportation strategies. Many B2B companies and e-commerce sellers are often confused about the calculation methods of volumetric weight and actual weight when choosing international transportation services, which may lead to increased transportation costs and reduced transportation efficiency. Reasonable planning of international air freight LCL (Less than Container Load) can effectively reduce costs and improve cargo delivery efficiency.

This article will analyze the definition of light cargo and heavy cargo, the key factors affecting transportation costs, and provide optimization solutions from the perspective of professional international logistics order fulfillment service providers to help companies choose appropriate air transportation strategies and achieve efficient order fulfillment.

What is Light Cargo vs. Heavy? Cargo?

In air freight LCL, the billing method of goods depends on the ratio of their weight and volume.

Light Cargo

Light cargo refers to goods that are larger in volume but lighter in weight. The volumetric weight (Volumetric Weight) of such goods is usually greater than the actual weight (Actual Weight). In international air freight LCL, the billing method of light cargo is mainly based on volumetric weight, for example:

Foam products, cotton, plastic products, furniture, packaging materials

The air freight billing of light cargo is usually calculated by volumetric weight (Volumetric Weight), that is: Volumetric Weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000

Heavy Cargo

Heavy cargo refers to goods that are smaller in volume but heavier in weight. The actual weight (Actual Weight) of such goods is usually greater than the volumetric weight (Volumetric Weight). In international air freight LCL, the billing method of heavy cargo is mainly based on actual weight, for example:

Machinery and equipment, metal products, mineral materials

The air freight billing of heavy cargo is usually calculated by actual weight (Actual Weight). Weight) is calculated, but when the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, the fee is still charged according to the volumetric weight.

Factors affecting the transportation costs of Light Cargo and Heavy Cargo

The air freight billing method depends on the following standards:

Volumetric Weight: Applicable to light cargo, determines the price of LCL cargo.

Actual Weight: Applicable to heavy cargo, affects customs declaration and pallet transportation.

Chargeable Weight: Airlines charge according to the higher weight, that is, volumetric weight vs. actual weight, whichever is higher.

How to optimize international air freight LCL (LCL)?

For different types of goods, companies can use the following strategies to optimize air freight costs:

Optimization plan for light cargo

Reduce packaging volume to reduce volumetric weight calculation costs

Use higher density packaging materials to avoid excessive packaging affecting freight costs

Choose LCL mixed loading, mix with heavy cargo, and optimize logistics costs

Optimization plan for heavy cargo

Use pallet containerization to improve transportation safety

Flexibly choose alternatives to sea transportation to reduce the high cost of air transportation

Optimize customs clearance in advance to reduce the impact of cargo weight on declaration time

Loading strategies for light and heavy cargo: How to avoid high freight costs?

When loading LCL mixed loading, reasonably arrange bulky cargo and dense cargo to reduce transportation costs:

Combined loading:

Mixed loading of light cargo (low-density cargo) and heavy cargo (high-density cargo)

Reduce additional costs by adjusting the placement method

Optimize warehouse management:

Measure dimensions at the air freight departure warehouse to optimize the placement of cargo

Calculate volumetric weight vs. actual weight and optimize billing plans in advance

How does Chinadivision help companies optimize international air freight LCL?

As a professional international logistics order fulfillment service provider, Chinadivision provides the following support:

Intelligent billing analysis: Help companies calculate volumetric weight vs. actual weight and optimize logistics budgets

LCL mixed loading plan: Reasonably arrange the loading method of light and heavy cargo to reduce transportation costs

Global customs clearance support: Ensure compliance with heavy cargo declaration and reduce the risk of customs detention

Warehouse management optimization: Provide pallet management and cargo placement optimization solutions to improve transportation efficiency

If your company wants to optimize international air freight LCL, please contact Chinadivision. We will help you develop an efficient and low-cost order fulfillment plan to ensure the safe and on-time delivery of goods!

In international air freight LCL, light cargo and heavy cargo have different billing rules and transportation challenges in international air freight LCL (LCL). Enterprises need to reasonably plan the billing method of volumetric weight vs. actual weight, reduce high freight costs, and optimize loading strategies. In addition, cooperation with a professional international logistics fulfillment service provider (Chinadivision) can further reduce transportation costs and improve order fulfillment efficiency. ChinaDivision's international air freight LCL service helps B2B companies and e-commerce sellers efficiently transport large, dense or mixed goods without overpaying or suffering delays.