Understanding Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight Actual Weight: This is the physical weight of the shipment, usually measured in kilograms or pounds. It's the actual scale weight of the boxes or items being shipped. Volumetric Weight: This weight is calculated based on the volume of the package. The idea behind this is that the cost of shipping should take into account both the weight and the space a package occupies in the aircraft. Volumetric weight is calculated using a formula that involves