# shipment unit evaluation

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Shipment unit evaluation – more commonly called chargeable weight calculation – is the process carriers use to determine the billable weight of a consignment.

Shipment unit evaluation – more commonly called chargeable weight calculation – is the process carriers use to determine the billable weight of a consignment. The actual gross weight is compared against the volumetric weight, calculated from the shipment's dimensions (length × width × height divided by a mode-specific conversion factor): typically 6,000 for air freight and often 3,000 to 4,000 for road transport. The higher of the two figures is used as the basis for invoicing. This principle protects carriers against uneconomical transport of lightweight but bulky goods such as foam components or loose-fill packaging. The applicable conversion factors are set out in the carrier's general conditions of carriage or in the individual transport contract, and may differ by mode and tariff.

**Source:** [https://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/tarife/versand/versandstueckbewertung/index.htm](https://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/tarife/versand/versandstueckbewertung/index.htm)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | shipment unit evaluation |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 122 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/tarife/versand/versandstueckbewertung/index.htm |

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