Useful Tool

Shipping Unit Conversions

Conversion tables for the units that appear on shipping documents: weight, length, volume, area and temperature. Mixed units are a common source of customs queries, because an invoice raised in one system and a packing list in another will not reconcile at assessment.

Two points worth knowing. Air freight is charged on volumetric (chargeable) weight where the cargo is bulky relative to its actual weight, so a light consignment can be charged on its dimensions rather than the scale. Ocean LCL is normally charged per cubic metre or per tonne, whichever is greater. Declaring gross and net weight consistently across the invoice, packing list and bill of lading avoids most weight-related queries at examination.

See also our container dimensions and capacity chart and the Incoterms guide, which sets out who pays freight, insurance and duty under each trade term.