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Calculate a General Cargo Rate (GCR) |
Before calculating air cargo rates, air freight forwarder should calculate the chargeable weight of cargo by dividing the length x width x height (All in cms) by 6000. I the result (figure) is higher than the actual weight, the cargo is volumetric air cargo.
In other hand, if the result (figure) is greater than actual weight then, the actual weight will be use as a chargeable weight when calculating the air cargo rates. Simply, the chargeable weight will be based on the higher figure of the above chargeable weight calculating process.
In my previous article, I explained you how to calculate a minimum charge for air cargo shipment. In this article, I explained you how to calculate a general cargo rate for air cargo by using the IATA TACT rules.
What is general cargo rate in cargo?
General air cargo rates (GCR) apply for commodities for which there are no specific rates (specific commodity and class rates) available. Note that special rates are not offered between every point of origin and destination.
The rule ( See, IATA Tact Rules 3.1)
General air freight rates apply for the carriage of commodities which have not been allocated a specific commodity rate. The Normal General Air Cargo Rates published – IATA TACT Rates Book- apply to consignments up to 45 kg., or where no 1 kg. rate exists, to consignments up to 100 kg.
Note: Lower general cargo rates for various weight breakpoints are available for larger shipments in many areas of the world.
General cargo rates (GCR) – TACT Rates books
General cargo rates (GCR) are published in TACT rates books, section 4, between the points of origin and destination for consignments weighing.
Less than 45kgs/100lbs = Normal General Cargo Rates ( GCR N)
More than 45kgs/100lbs = Quantity General Cargo Rates ( GCR Q)
Normal General cargo rates (GCR- N)
The normal general cargo rate is the 1 kg. rate.
For most countries, the Normal general cargo rate is applicable to consignments of less than 45 kg. For some countries, however, the normal general cargo rate will apply to consignments of up to 100 kg.
Note : No other minimum weights are available between the normal GCR ( GCR N) and the 100kgs general cargo rate ( GCR Q 100 Kgs).
Exception: Within Europe (Basic charge)
Between a number of countries in Europe a different rating structure is applicable.
This consists of a basic charge per shipment - regardless of its weight - plus a rate per kilogram. These charges and rates are as published in the Worldwide Rates Book.
The basic charge is referred to as “B” while the rate per kilo is shown as “K”.
Fractions of a half kilogram must be charged for as the next higher half kilogram. Normal density rules apply to this structure.
Note: This will be covered in separate article on Aviation Professional.
General Cargo Rate Example – Normal General Cargo Rate
Sector (Routing) : ADELAIDE-ADL(Australia-AU ) to
GENEVA-GVA,( Switzerland-CH )
No of pieces : 1 box
Gross weight : 24.7 kgs – will be enter in air waybill for safety and
service reason.
Dimensions : 65 x 55 x 60 cm x 1
Payment : All charges prepaid
Volume : 65 x 55 x 60 cm=214,500 cm3
Volume weight : 214,500 cm3 : 6000=35.75 kgs = 36 kgs
Applicable rate : GCR N AUD 13.75 per kg
Chargeable weight : 36 kgs this will be used to calculate cargo rate.
Weight charge : 36 kgs x AUD 13.75 = AUD 495
Minimum charge : AUD 120 this is less than the results of calculating weight
charge, for this reason we will ignore it.
The rate boxes of the air waybill will be completed as follows:
Rate class column: We will enter the code N for GCR ( normal rate)
Nature of quantity of goods box: While we take the chargeable weight , the dimensions must be appear in the air waybill .
Completion of the Air waybill
General Cargo Rate Example – Quantity Cargo Rate
The same example, but I will change the gross weight from 24.7 kgs to 46 kgs
Sector (Routing) : ADELAIDE-ADL(Australia-AU ) to
GENEVA-GVA,( Switzerland-CH )
No of pieces : 1 box
Gross weight : 46 kgs – will be enter in air waybill for safety and
service reason.
Dimensions : 65 x 55 x 60 cm x 1
Payment : All charges prepaid
Volume : 65 x 55 x 60 cm=214,500 cm3
Volume weight : 214,500 cm3 : 6000=35.75 kgs = 36 kgs
less than gross weight for this reason will not be used as chargeable weight.
Applicable rate : GCR Q AUD 10.60 per kg
Chargeable weight : 46 kgs " the gross weight" this will be used to calculate
cargo rate.
Weight charge : 46 kgs x AUD 10.60 = AUD 484.6
Minimum charge : AUD 120 this is less than the results of calculating
weight charge, for this reason we will ignore it.
The rate boxes of the air waybill will be completed as follows:
Rate class column: We will enter the code Q for GCR ( Quantity rate)
Nature of quantity of goods box: While we take the Gross weight , the dimensions will not be appear in the air waybill .
Completion of the Air waybill
