国际空运抛货知识科普
在国际空运中，“抛货”是一个重要的概念，它直接影响到货物的计费方式和运输成本。了解抛货的相关知识，对于外贸从业者和物流企业来说至关重要。
一、什么是抛货？
在国际空运中，货物根据其重量和体积的不同，被分为“重货”和“抛货”。
抛货（Lightweight or Volumetric Cargo）是指那些重量较轻但体积较大的货物
。这类货物的计费更多依据体积重量（Volume Weight）来计算，而不是实际重量。二、体积重量的计算方法
为了公平起见，航空公司会计算货物的体积重量，并将其与实际重量进行比较，取两者中较高的数值作为计费重量
。体积重量的计算公式如下：体积重量（千克） = 长（厘米）× 宽（厘米）× 高（厘米）/ 体积因子
体积因子：通常为5000或6000，具体数值取决于承运人的规定。在国际空运中，体积因子一般为1立方米等于167千克（即1:167的比例）
。 实际重量：货物的实际重量（Actual Weight），即称重得出的重量值
。
三、重货与抛货的界定
重货：如果体积重量小于实际重量，货物被视为重货，计费以实际重量为准
。 抛货：如果体积重量大于实际重量，货物被视为抛货，计费以体积重量为准
。
四、实例说明
假设某个货物的实际重量为10千克，体积为0.1立方米（即100,000立方厘米），则体积重量计算如下：
体积重量 = 100,000 / 6000 ≈ 16.67千克
在这种情况下，体积重量大于实际重量，因此该货物被视为抛货，计费重量为16.67千克
。五、抛货的影响与应对策略
运输成本增加：由于抛货的计费重量是基于体积重量计算的，这可能导致运输成本显著增加
。 优化包装：为减少抛货带来的成本增加，发货人可以通过优化货物包装，减少货物体积，从而降低体积重量
。 选择合适的运输方式：对于体积大但重量轻的货物，可以考虑其他运输方式（如海运），以降低运输成本
。
六、注意事项
不同的运输方式和承运人可能有不同的体积因子和计算规则，因此在实际操作中需要参考具体的运输协议或咨询承运人
。在国际空运中，抛货的界定和计费方式是影响运输成本的关键因素，发货人和物流企业在操作前应充分了解相关规则
。
通过了解抛货的概念、计算方法及其对运输成本的影响，外贸从业者和物流企业可以更好地优化运输方案，控制成本，从而在国际贸易中更具竞争力。
International Air Freight Knowledge: Understanding Lightweight Cargo (Volumetric Cargo)
In international air freight, the concept of "lightweight cargo" or "volumetric cargo" is crucial, as it directly affects the way freight is charged and the overall transportation costs. Understanding the basics of lightweight cargo is essential for exporters and logistics companies.
What is Lightweight Cargo?
In air freight, cargo is categorized into "heavy goods" and "lightweight goods" based on their weight and volume. Lightweight cargo refers to goods that are relatively light in weight but large in volume. The freight charges for such goods are primarily based on volumetric weight rather than actual weight.
How to Calculate Volumetric Weight
To ensure fairness, airlines calculate the volumetric weight of the cargo and compare it with the actual weight, using the higher value for billing purposes. The formula for calculating volumetric weight is as follows:
Volumetric Weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) / Volume Factor
Volume Factor: This is typically 5000 or 6000, depending on the carrier's regulations. In international air freight, the volume factor is generally 1 cubic meter = 167 kg (i.e., a ratio of 1:167).
Actual Weight: The actual weight of the cargo (Actual Weight), measured by weighing.
Defining Heavy and Lightweight Cargo
Heavy Goods: If the volumetric weight is less than the actual weight, the cargo is considered heavy goods, and the billing is based on the actual weight.
Lightweight Cargo: If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight, the cargo is considered lightweight, and the billing is based on the volumetric weight.
Example
Assume a shipment has an actual weight of 10 kg and a volume of 0.1 cubic meters (i.e., 100,000 cubic centimeters). The volumetric weight would be calculated as follows:
Volumetric Weight = 100,000 / 6000 ≈ 16.67 kg
In this case, since the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight, the shipment is considered lightweight, and the billing weight is 16.67 kg.
Impact and Strategies for Lightweight Cargo
Increased Transportation Costs: Since lightweight cargo is billed based on volumetric weight, this can significantly increase transportation costs.
Optimizing Packaging: To mitigate the cost increase associated with lightweight cargo, shippers can optimize packaging to reduce the volume of the goods, thereby lowering the volumetric weight.
Choosing the Right Mode of Transport: For goods that are large in volume but light in weight, other transportation methods (such as sea freight) may be considered to reduce costs.
Key Points to Note
Different transportation methods and carriers may have different volume factors and calculation rules. Therefore, it is essential to refer to specific transportation agreements or consult with the carrier.
In international air freight, the classification and billing method for lightweight cargo are key factors affecting transportation costs. Shippers and logistics companies should fully understand these rules before proceeding.
By understanding the concept of lightweight cargo, its calculation methods, and its impact on transportation costs, exporters and logistics companies can better optimize their transportation plans, control costs, and become more competitive in international trade.
