What is CBM or Cubic Meter and How CBM is calculated

What is CBM or Cubic Meter in shipping?

The CBM in shipping is the volume of the products you want to ship which includes the following:

• Dimensional Weight:

  This is the weight that is denoted if the cargo is greater than that of its actual weight.

• Chargeable Weight:

  This is the weight is used to denote the cargo weight either based on Volumetric Weight or the Actual Weight / Gross Weight, whichever one is greater, to determine the price of the Freight Cost in Air, LCL Sea, or LTL Trucking.

• Freight Class:

  Some countries have created a theoretical number to compensate truckers for shipping their products especially the ones with oversized loads. The majority of the packages shipped via trucks go by simple freight class categories that is determined by weight. And CBM here plays a vital role in calculating the freight class.

How CBM is Calculated?

If you’re wondering how do freight forwarders calculate the CBM of the products being shipped then we have narrowed it down for you to understand. So, let look at the process of how to calculate CBM in shipping;

It is a super easy process where the freight forwarders who are calculating the CBM shipping packs the container neatly and once it is all packed, the freight forwarder will take the dimensions of the box and it is recommended to convert the

The CBM shipping formula is (Length X Width X Height) X Quantity of products being shipped. Please note that if the shipment contains different sized items, repeat the above-mentioned formula for each size and add up the volumes in the end.

For example: if your box is 2 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 2.5 meters in height; the CBM would be

2X2.5X2.5 = 12.5 CBM

Now when the freight forwarder is aware of the CBM of a single carton or package, they can easily calculate the total volume of the entire package through this formula; CMB X Quantity = Total Volume.

Now if you’re wondering that how will CBM shipping will be used in calculating the shipping or transportation cost of the products then we must understand that it depends upon the weight of the package (total or volumetric weight).

By air: 1 CBM = 167 Kg

By road: 1 CBM = 333 Kg

By sea: 1 CBM = 1000 Kg

How to calculate CBM for ocean Freight LCL shipping?

If you’ve opted for freight forward shipping services via ocean then the LCL shipment or CBM shipping is calculated based on the chargeable volume of cargo as mentioned above. The estimation factor for calculating CBM shipping or volumetric weight when opted for ocean transportation is generally 1:1000- one cubic meter is equal to about 1000 kilograms.

How to calculate CBM for air Freight shipping?

If you’ve opted for freight forwarding shipping services via air then the CBM shipping calculations remain the same as the freight is charged on the gross weight or the Volumetric Weight of the package; whichever is the greater. It should be noted that after CBM shipping and calculations, the large items which are light in weight will take up more space in the aircraft as compared to small items but heavy.

Here is some information needed to understand how cm shipping classifies the load ability of ocean containers since most of the products are shipped via ocean. The shipping cost via ocean remains the cheapest compared to the others and the packages don’t need special attention as they are loaded in a container and then shipped to the allotted port.

20ft container approximately 26-28 CBM

40ft container approximately 55-58 CBM

40ft HQ container approximately 60-68 CBM

45ft HQ container approximately 78 CBM

Methods for CBM Calculations:

• Cube-shaped package:

  To calculate the CBM shipping for a cube-shaped package; measure the length, width, and height of the container and multiply. V- LXWXH

• Irregular shaped package:

  To calculate the CBM shipping for an irregular-shaped package; after obtaining the approx. values of the container, follow the same procedure as cube-shaped containers.

• Cylindrical package:

  To calculate the CBM shipping for a cylindrical-shaped package; measure the height and the radius of the container and convert the values in meters. Then fill the values into the V= Πr2h where the value of Π is 3.14.

How Boxnbiz can helpful in CBM calculation for LCL Shipping?

Since the life is moving at a fast pace, everybody is looking for sources that works according to their ‘fast paced life’ and exporting and importing of products is no way left behind. As exporter or importer, you’d like to have a hassle-free shipping experience and shipping of products is only possible after CBM is calculated. For, your convenience and stress-free shipping, Boxnbiz helps you to calculate the CBM for shipping instantly through its web platform, also helps to find the best rates based on the CBM provided. Our team of experts are available to guide you and explain the process with utmost transparency.

For any queries and quotes, please reach out to us.