Reweighing

What is Reweighing in Air Freight?

Reweighing is an essential procedure in air cargo transportation that involves verifying and, if necessary, correcting the declared weight of a shipment. This operation typically occurs at various stages of the air freight logistics chain and aims to ensure the accuracy of weight information used for billing, flight planning, and air safety.

In an industry where the precision of weight data is crucial for both commercial and safety reasons, reweighing serves as a fundamental control mechanism to detect and correct discrepancies between the weight declared by the shipper and the actual weight of the cargo.

Objectives and Importance of Reweighing

Flight Safety

Safety is the primary objective of reweighing in air transportation. The total weight of an aircraft, including its structure, fuel, crew, passengers, and cargo, is subject to strict limits defined by manufacturers and civil aviation authorities. These limits ensure that the aircraft can take off, fly, and land safely under the intended conditions.

A significant discrepancy between the declared weight and the actual weight of the cargo can have serious consequences for the aircraft's performance, including:

• Exceeding Maximum Takeoff Weight: Risk of being unable to take off or degraded performance during this critical phase
• Center of Gravity Imbalance: Impact on the aircraft's stability and maneuverability
• Excessive Fuel Consumption: Reduced range and increased emissions
• Increased Structural Stress: Premature wear or risk of component failure

Reweighing helps identify these discrepancies before loading and adjust flight planning or load distribution accordingly.

Commercial Accuracy

Beyond safety considerations, reweighing plays a major economic role in air freight. Since air transport pricing is primarily based on weight (or volume converted to chargeable weight), the accuracy of this data is essential for fair billing.

The commercial implications of reweighing include:

• Correct Billing: Ensuring the carrier receives compensation corresponding to the actual service provided
• Prevention of Under-declaration: Discouraging the practice of declaring a lower weight to reduce transport costs
• Fairness Among Clients: Ensuring all shippers pay based on the actual weight of their cargo
• Revenue Optimization: Recovering potentially lost revenue due to undetected weight discrepancies

For airlines and freight forwarders, systematic reweighing can represent a significant source of additional revenue by detecting under-declarations, whether intentional or not.

Regulatory Compliance

Reweighing also falls within a strict regulatory framework governing international air transportation. Several organizations and regulations oversee this practice:

IATA Regulations

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has established precise guidelines regarding weight declaration and verification in air freight. These rules are detailed in IATA resolutions and the Cargo Operations Manual.

Civil Aviation Authority Requirements

National civil aviation authorities, such as the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) in France, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe, impose strict requirements concerning the accuracy of weight information used for flight planning.

Customs Regulations

In many countries, customs authorities may also require accurate weight information for imported or exported goods, particularly for calculating certain duties and taxes based on weight.

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in administrative penalties, fines, or even legal prosecution in cases of deliberate fraud.

Operational Optimization

Beyond safety, commercial, and regulatory aspects, reweighing also contributes to optimizing logistical operations:

Flight Planning

Accurate weight data enables better flight planning, including the amount of fuel required, takeoff and landing performance, and optimal load distribution in the cargo hold.

Efficient Use of Capacities

Knowing the exact weight of shipments allows for optimizing the use of available space in aircraft, thereby maximizing the economic yield of each flight.

Management of ULDs (Unit Load Devices)

For palletized or containerized cargo, reweighing ULDs ensures their weight remains within the authorized limits for safe handling and loading.

Reweighing Processes and Methods

Steps in the Reweighing Process

The reweighing process in air freight typically follows a well-defined sequence of operations:

Initial Reception and Verification

Upon receiving the cargo at the freight terminal, an initial visual inspection is conducted to detect any obvious discrepancies between the declared weight and the shipment's appearance. If doubts arise, the cargo is directed for reweighing.

Selection of Shipments for Reweighing

Not all shipments are systematically reweighed. Selection can be based on:

• Random Sampling: A predefined percentage of shipments is randomly selected
• Risk Criteria: Certain types of goods, origins, or shippers may be subject to more frequent checks
• Suspicion of Discrepancy: When handling personnel suspect a significant discrepancy
• Systematic Reweighing: Some operators choose to reweigh all shipments

Actual Weighing

The weighing operation itself is performed using calibrated and certified equipment. Depending on the nature and size of the shipment, various types of scales may be used:

• Floor scales for individual parcels
• Forklift scales for pallets
• Conveyor-integrated weighing systems
• Special scales for ULDs

Comparison and Analysis of Discrepancies

The actual weight is compared to the declared weight on the shipping documents. If the discrepancy exceeds the accepted tolerance (typically between 2% and 5% depending on the operator), a correction procedure is initiated.

Documentation and Notification

In case of a significant discrepancy, a reweighing report is prepared, documenting the initially declared weight, the actual weight, the discrepancy, and the actions taken. This report is usually signed by a representative of the freight terminal or the airline.

Correction of Documents

Transport documents (LTA/AWB, loading manifest, etc.) are corrected to reflect the actual weight. This correction can be done manually or via freight management systems.

Billing of Surcharges

If the actual weight exceeds the declared weight, additional fees are calculated and billed to the shipper or freight forwarder, in accordance with applicable rates and conditions.

Weighing Technologies and Equipment

The precision and efficiency of reweighing largely depend on the technologies and equipment used:

Traditional Static Scales

These scales, similar to those used in other industries, require the cargo to be stationary during weighing. They generally offer good precision but can slow down logistical operations.

Dynamic Weighing Systems

Integrated into conveyors and automated sorting systems, these systems allow for weighing parcels in motion without interrupting the logistical flow. While slightly less precise than static scales, they offer an excellent balance between precision and efficiency.

Integrated Weighing Systems

These systems are directly integrated into handling equipment, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, enabling quick and precise weighing without additional cargo transfers.

Special Scales for ULDs

Certain scales are specifically designed to weigh Unit Load Devices (ULDs), the standardized containers used in air freight. They ensure that the total weight of the ULD, including the cargo and the container itself, remains within authorized limits.

Practical Tips for Air Freight Professionals

Training and Certification

Investing in continuous training for personnel on reweighing techniques and safety standards is essential. Recognized certifications, such as those issued by IATA, can enhance the skills and credibility of professionals.

Use of Modern Technologies

Adopting modern reweighing technologies, including automated systems and optimization software, can significantly improve the efficiency and precision of air freight operations.

Space Optimization

Maximizing the use of available space in aircraft is crucial. Using optimization software to calculate the best arrangement of cargo can help reduce costs and improve profitability.

Safety and Compliance

Ensuring that all reweighing operations comply with safety standards and regulations is paramount. Regular audits and safety training can help maintain compliance.

Risk Management

Developing risk management plans to anticipate and mitigate potential issues, such as cargo damage or delivery delays, is essential for ensuring smooth and reliable operations.