M/W meaning in Logistics

W/M, short for weight or measurement, is an abbreviation commonly used in shipping and logistics for determining freight charges.

The W/M basis refers to determining the freight charges for a shipment based on the weight or the measurement (cubic meters) of the shipment, whichever is greater. The W tariff, also known as the weighted tariff, applies when the weight of the shipment is greater than the measurement, while the M rate, or measurement rate, applies when the measurement of the shipment is greater than its weight. The revenue generated from the W/M basis is based on the greater of the two, with a minimum charge often applied.