How to Calculate CBM for LCL Export Shipments: A Step-by-Step Guide

Singapore freight forwarders – Star Concord
26-Jan-2023
How to Calculate CBM for LCL Export Shipments: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why is it important to calculate CBM for LCL shipments?

If you are shipping cargo via LCL (less than container load), it’s important to understand how to calculate CBM, or cubic meters. This is because freight forwarders often charge LCL rates based on CBM or weight, whichever is higher. In this post, we’ll explain how to calculate CBM for LCL shipments and provide a step-by-step guide with a real-life example.

Why is it important to calculate CBM for LCL shipments?

When shipping cargo via LCL, the freight charge is typically based on the volume of the cargo. CBM, or cubic meters, is the unit of measurement used to determine the volume of your cargo. This is in contrast to FCL (full container load) shipments, which are charged on a per-container basis.

How to calculate CBM for LCL shipments

To calculate the CBM of your LCL shipment, you’ll need to multiply the length, width, and height of your packages in meters. For example, if the dimensions of a package are 2.3 meters (length), 1.4 meters (width), and 2 meters (height), the CBM would be calculated as follows:

2.3 meters (length) x 1.4 meters (width) x 2 meters (height) = 6.44 CBM

It’s important to note that if the weight of your cargo exceeds 1 ton (1000 kg), it will be calculated based on weight instead of CBM. In this case, the freight forwarder will charge you based on the weight of your cargo, with 1 ton (1000 kg) being equal to 1 CBM.

For example, if the weight of a package is 7 tons (7000 kg), the LCL freight would be calculated as follows:

7 tons (7000 kg) x $10/ton = $70

Real-life example

Let’s say a freight forwarder is offering a rate of $10 per CBM for LCL shipments. Using the dimensions and weight we provided above, the cost of shipping the package would be calculated as follows:

CBM calculation: 6.44 CBM x $10/CBM = $64.40 Weight calculation: 7 tons (7000 kg) x $10/ton = $70

In this case, the LCL freight would be based on the higher amount, which is $70.

Conclusion

Calculating CBM is an important step in the process of shipping cargo via LCL. By understanding how to calculate CBM and how it is used to determine LCL rates, you can make informed decisions about the most cost-effective shipping option for your business.