CBM & volumetric weight
CBM, gross weight and chargeable weight for air and express
Example: 60 × 40 × 50 cm, Weight / carton: 18 kg, Cartons: 450, Total volume (CBM): 54.000 m³.
CBM = length × width × height in metres × cartons. Air volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6000, express ÷ 5000; you pay on whichever is larger, actual or volumetric.
Result
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Total volume (CBM)
54.000 m³
LCL W/M 54.000 m³ (by volume)
- LCL chargeable W/M by volume
- 54.000 m³
- Volume per carton
- 0.120 m³
- Total gross weight
- 8,100 kg
- Air chargeable weight volumetric
- 9,000 kg
- Express chargeable weight volumetric
- 10,800 kg
Chargeable: the larger one
Total volume 54.000 m³ is more than one 20GP holds (about 33.115 m³)
Take 3 values to the container calculator to see which container and how many.
- Carton size 160 cm × 40 cm × 50 cm = 0.120 m³ × 450 cartons = 54.000 m³ 18 kg × 450 = 8,100 kg 120,000 cm³ ÷ 6000 × 450 = 9,000 kg (air), ÷ 5000 = 10,800 kg (express)
- Totalstotal volume 54.000 m³, gross weight 8,100 kg
- LCL chargeable W/Mthe larger of volume (m³) and weight (tonnes)max(54.000 m³, 8.100 t) = 54.000 m³, by volume
- Air chargeable weightthe larger of actual and volumetric weightmax(8,100 kg, 9,000 kg) = 9,000 kg, by volume
- Express chargeable weightthe larger of actual and volumetric weightmax(8,100 kg, 10,800 kg) = 10,800 kg, by volume
Formula
CBM per carton = L × W × H (metres)
Total CBM = CBM per carton × cartons
Volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ divisor × cartonsAir usually 6000, express 5000; your carrier's figure applies
Chargeable weight = the larger of actual and volumetric weight
LCL W/M = the larger of total CBM and gross weight in tonnes
Not covered
- One carton size per row, up to 20 rows; every carton in a row has the same size and weight.
- Divisors follow your carrier: air usually 6000, express 5000; you can change them.
Worked example
Example inputs: Carton sizes 60 × 40 × 50 cm, Weight / carton 18 kg, Cartons 450; Shipping mode Sea LCL; Air divisor 6000; Express divisor 5000
| Step | Working |
|---|---|
| Carton size 1 | 60 cm × 40 cm × 50 cm = 0.120 m³ × 450 cartons = 54.000 m³18 kg × 450 = 8,100 kg 120,000 cm³ ÷ 6000 × 450 = 9,000 kg (air), ÷ 5000 = 10,800 kg (express) |
| Totals | total volume 54.000 m³, gross weight 8,100 kg |
| LCL chargeable W/M | max(54.000 m³, 8.100 t) = 54.000 m³, by volume |
| Air chargeable weight | max(8,100 kg, 9,000 kg) = 9,000 kg, by volume |
| Express chargeable weight | max(8,100 kg, 10,800 kg) = 10,800 kg, by volume |
FAQ
What does CBM & volumetric weight give for an example?
Example: 60 × 40 × 50 cm, Weight / carton: 18 kg, Cartons: 450, Total volume (CBM): 54.000 m³.
Why 6000 for air and 5000 for express?
They are the usual divisors: 6000 cm³ per kg for air freight and 5000 for express couriers. Carriers can use others, so the divisor can be edited.
What is W/M?
Weight or measurement: LCL freight is charged on whichever is larger, cubic metres or tonnes.
Which unit do I enter carton sizes in?
Centimetres, millimetres or inches. Switching the unit converts what you have entered; nothing is cleared.
Related tools
Results are for reference only. The figures confirmed by the tax authorities, banks and carriers prevail.Disclaimer