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In the China shipping agent to your shipping quotes, often hear the offerer said , this is what it means? Below to give you a detailed introduction!
What is the meaning of Revenue Tons
RT is short for Revenue Tons, meaning billable tons, billable tons, freight tons, freight tons, is the weight tons (W) and size tons (M) of the collective term.
The “ton” here is just a billing symbol, and this billable ton/freight ton is sometimes a unit of weight (for express and air freight), and sometimes a unit of volume (for ocean freight). For example,
Freight Charges 50usd/RT means that each billable ton of freight is $50.
Revenue Tons are very common among freight forwarders, especially for ocean LCL and breakbulk transportation (LCL).
How Revenue Tons are Calculated
RT is usually calculated by comparing Volumetric Weight (or Dimensions Weight) and Gross Weight (G.W.), whichever is bigger will be charged according to which, which is common in express and airfreight; or comparing Actual Volume and Dimensions Volume, whichever is bigger will be charged according to which, which is common in ocean freight.
(Express / air / sea) volume and weight calculation methods
Express Revenue Tons calculation method
The calculation method of express delivery is generally: volume weight = length * width * height / 5000, length, width and height of the unit are centimeters cm. such as the length of 80cm, width 50cm, height 60cm, gross weight of 45kg of a piece of goods, the volume weight = 80 * 50 * 60 / 5000 = 48kg. Volume weight is greater than the gross weight, so according to the volume weight (48 kg) billing. Note: Express general billing by weight, light foam goods into volume weight and then billing, and ocean freight according to volume billing is not the same.
Air freight Revenue Tons calculation method
The calculation method of air freight to USA is generally: volumetric weight = length * width * height / 6000, length, width and height of the unit are centimeters cm. such as the length of 80cm, width 50cm, height 60cm, gross weight of 45kg of a piece of cargo, volumetric weight = 80 * 50 * 60 / 6000 = 40kg.
Volumetric weight is less than gross weight, so according to the gross weight (45 kg) billing. Note: Air freight is generally billed according to weight, light foam goods are converted to volume weight and then billed, and sea freight according to volume billing is not the same.
Sea freight Revenue Tons calculation method
There are many ways to calculate LCL freight, according to different shipping companies, different freight forwarders, different ports or different warehouses, the calculation standard may be different. There are so many common ones:
- 1CBM=1000KG: If the actual volume is 0.8CBM and the actual gross weight is 1200kg, then the freight rate = 1200/1000*rate.
- 1CBM=750KG: If the actual volume is 0.8CBM and the actual gross weight is 1200kg, then the freight rate = 1200/750*rate.
- 1CBM=500KG: If the actual volume is 0.8CBM, and the actual gross weight is 1200kg, then freight = 1200/500*rate.
- 1CBM=363KG: If the actual volume is 0.8CBM, and the actual gross weight is 1200kg, then freight = 1200/363*rate.
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Attention
Ocean LCL (LCL) is generally billed according to the volume of heavy goods converted to volume (such as the above 1200/1000, 1200/750, 1200/500, 1200/363 is the weight according to different standards converted to volume) and then billed, which is not the same as the express and air freight according to the weight billing.
In summary, express and air transport: through the conversion and comparison, according to the principle of “choose the greater of the two”, to determine the billing weight, and then multiply the billing weight by the rate, that is, the freight.
Sea freight: through conversion and comparison, according to the principle of “choosing the greater of the two”, to determine the billable volume, and then multiply the billable volume by the rate, is the freight.
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Shipping from China to the USA
Understanding how carriers calculate Revenue Tons (RT) is crucial for accurate freight planning. When organizing shipping from China to USA, forwarders compare your cargo’s actual gross weight against its volumetric weight. Your shipping cost calculation relies entirely on this principle, as carriers always charge based on whichever number is higher. If you ship large, lightweight items, you pay for the space they occupy rather than their physical weight.
Properly packing your goods minimizes your billable RT, effectively reducing the price of your freight from China to USA. Beyond saving money, accurate volume and weight declarations prevent frustrating delays during US customs clearance. If border officials find discrepancies between your declared RT and the actual cargo, they will hold your shipment for inspection. This instantly increases your transit time and adds unexpected port storage fees. Mastering these measurements ensures a highly predictable supply chain when shipping from China to the USA.
To learn more about optimizing your import logistics, read our Complete guide to shipping from China to the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Revenue Ton when shipping from China to the US?
A Revenue Ton (RT) is the billing unit freight forwarders use to calculate your shipping costs from China to the United States. Carriers compare your cargo’s actual physical weight against its volumetric size. Whichever number is greater becomes your billable RT. This pricing method ensures airlines and ocean liners are fairly compensated, whether your import shipment is heavy and dense or light and bulky.
How can I reduce my billable Revenue Tons for my US imports?
You can lower your billable Revenue Tons by optimizing your product packaging before it leaves the Chinese factory. Since carriers charge based on the larger value between actual weight and volume, minimizing empty space inside your boxes directly reduces your volumetric weight. Work closely with your supplier to use correctly sized cartons. This simple adjustment prevents you from paying expensive international shipping rates for empty air.
Do ocean and air freight calculate Revenue Tons the same way?
No, the calculation method depends entirely on your chosen transportation mode. When flying goods from China to America, airlines primarily use dimensional weight formulas based on specific cubic centimeter conversions. Conversely, ocean freight uses different standard ratios, usually comparing actual metric tons to cubic meters. You should always ask your freight forwarder to clarify which specific conversion standard they are using for your American bound shipment.