To add frame overhead to the existing QoS Ethernet packet handling functions, the system uses the already existing virtual scheduling capability of the system. The system currently monitors each queue included in a virtual scheduler to determine its offered load. This offered load value is interpreted based on the defined CIR and PIR threshold rates of the policer or queue to determine bandwidth offerings from the policer or queue virtual scheduler. Frame-based usage on the wire allows the port bandwidth to be accurately allocated to each child policer and queue on the port.