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CBM Calculator for seafreight | Cubic Meter Calculator for shipping

By LCL Shipping

If you ship goods via LCL cargo, the carrier or freight forwarder will charge for the freight per 1m3 or per 1000kg (Metric Tonne MT). If a freight rate is quoted at $80USD per CBM/MT, let’s look at 2 examples below.

Example 1

Shipping 1 pallet of goods. Pallet size: 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.5m. Pallet weight: 550kg.

CBM Volume = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). That is 1.2 x 1.2 x 1.5 = 2.16m3

Actual Gross Weight = 550kg (0.55MT)

Since the CBM volume is greater than the actual gross weight, the freight will be charged on the basis of CBM volume.

So the freight cost = $80USD x 2.16m3 = $172.80USD

Example 2

Shipping 1 crate of goods. Crate size 1.8m x 1.2m x 1.2m. Crate weight: 2900kg.

CBM Volume = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m). That is 1.8 x 1.2 x 1.2 = 2.59m3

Actual Gross Weight = 2900kg (2.9MT)

Since the actual gross weight is more than the CBM volume, the freight will be charged on the basis of actual gross weight.

So the freight cost = $80USD x 2.9MT = $232USD

By FCL Shipping

Note that for FCL shipping, the freight will be charged per container. For example, the freight rate to move a 20’GP container from Shanghai port to Longbeach port may be $3000USD, regardless of the total CBM volume or gross weight inside the container.

How much CBM is in a 40ft container?

A 40ft General Purpose shipping container can hold a maximum of approximately 67-68m3 based on its internal dimensions. However, based on the sizes and shapes of the packages, and how they are loaded inside the shipping container, the maximum volume of packages that fit could be around 54m3.

A 40ft High Cube shipping container can hold a maximum of approximately 76-77m3 based on its internal dimensions. However, based on the sizes and shapes of the packages, and how they are loaded inside the shipping container, the maximum volume of packages that fit could be around 61m3.

How does a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Declaration work?

The SOLAS VGM regulation was created to ensure that shippers correctly declare the total ‘verified gross mass’ of a FCL shipping container that is ready for export. These regulations were updated to avoid accidents along the global supply chain due to misdeclared gross weight of shipping containers.

Shippers can use ‘Method 1’ or ‘Method 2’ to verify the gross mass and then provide a Verified Gross Mass Declaration document.

How do you calculate the CBM of an irregular shaped box?

Calculating the cubic meter of an irregular-shaped carton is a bit different, but maintains the same formula. First, find the maximum length, width and height of the carton. Treat it as if it fits into a regular cuboid. Measure the maximum length, maximum width and maximum height of the carton. Use these measurements as if they form a regular carton.

Example

For an irregular shaped carton, the maximum length is 0.4m, the maximum width is 0.3m, and the maximum height is 0.3m.

The formula is: Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) = CBM (m3)

The calculation is: 0.4m x 0.3m x 0.3m = 0.036 CBM m3

CBM Calculation for Multiple Boxes or Cartons

Calculating CBM for multiple boxes or cartons is simple. First, calculate the CBM for one box/carton using the formula: Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) = CBM.

Once you have the CBM of one box/carton, multiply that by the number of boxes/cartons to get the total volume in CBM.

Example

A shipment contains 12 cartons. Each carton dimension is 80cm x 40cm x 40cm.

CBM per carton is 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.4 = 0.128m3

CBM for 12 cartons = 0.128m3 x 12 = 1.536m3

How to Calculate CBM for Pallets

To calculate the CBM for pallets it is quite simple. Multiply the Length x Width x Height of your package in meters (be sure to include the pallet bast in your dimensions). The result is the cubic meter volume (m3) for pallets. See below formula and example for CBM calculations:

Example

A pallet and it’s contents is 1.2m long, 1.2m wide, and 1.5m high

The formula is: Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m) = CBM (m3)

CBM for pallet calculation is: 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.5m = 2.16 CBM (m3)

If you have multiple pallets, multiply the CBM of one pallet by the total number of pallets to get the total CBM: 2.16m3 x 4 pallets = 8.64m3

Difference between Sea Freight and Air Freight CBM

Air freight charges are often based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. This is calculated differently from sea freight.

As mentioned above, for airfreight shipments, 1 CBM is equal to 167 kilograms. This means for every cubic meter of space your cargo occupies, the chargeable weight is considered to be 167 kilograms. For seafreight shipments, 1 CBM is equal to 1000kg. This shows that seafreight is more volume-based. It can accommodate larger quantities of goods without the same weight restrictions as air freight or courier/postal shipments.