While the physical volume remains the same, different shipping methods use CBM differently to determine costs. This is where the concept of "Volumetric Weight" (or Dimensional Weight) comes into play. 1. Sea Freight (LCL)
Cubic Meters (CBM) is a unit of measurement used to determine the volume of a shipment. It represents the space an object occupies in three dimensions: length, width, and height. In the world of logistics, CBM is the standard metric used to calculate freight costs for Less than Container Load (LCL) sea freight and is a key component in determining "chargeable weight." The Standard CBM Formula
Accurate Quoting: Avoid unexpected surcharges from your freight forwarder. how to calculate cbm
In ocean shipping, 1 CBM is typically equated to 1,000 kg (1 ton). If your shipment weighs less than 1,000 kg, you are charged based on the CBM. If it weighs more, you may be charged based on weight. 2. Air Freight
💡 Always round your CBM up to the nearest second decimal place to ensure you have enough space reserved in the transport vehicle. While the physical volume remains the same, different
Example:You have 10 boxes, each measuring 60cm x 40cm x 40cm. Convert to meters: 0.6m x 0.4m x 0.4m Calculate one box: 0.096 CBM Total shipment: 0.096 x 10 = 0.96 CBM Calculating CBM for Different Modes of Transport
For trucking, the ratio is often 1:3000. This means 1 CBM is considered equivalent to 333 kg. CBM for Cylindrical and Irregular Shapes Not all cargo fits into a perfect rectangular box. Sea Freight (LCL) Cubic Meters (CBM) is a
Measure dimensions: Use a tape measure to find the length, width, and height of your package.