Question 1

What is CBM in freight?

Accepted Answer

CBM stands for Cubic Metre (m³). It is the standard unit of volume measurement used in ocean freight and air cargo. For ocean LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, freight charges are typically quoted per CBM. For air freight, the equivalent is called volumetric weight. CBM represents the amount of space your cargo occupies: 1 CBM = 1 metre × 1 metre × 1 metre.

Question 2

How do I calculate CBM for a single carton?

Accepted Answer

CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m). If your carton measures 100 cm × 80 cm × 60 cm: convert to metres first (1.0m × 0.8m × 0.6m) = 0.48 CBM. For multiple cartons of the same size: multiply by the number of cartons. 10 cartons × 0.48 CBM = 4.8 CBM total.

Question 3

What is W/M (Weight or Measurement) in LCL freight?

Accepted Answer

W/M means the freight rate applies to whichever is greater - the actual weight (in metric tons) or the volume (in CBM). To compare: divide the actual weight in kg by 1000 to get metric tons (W). Compare with CBM (M). Use whichever number is larger as the chargeable unit. Example: Cargo weighs 2,500 kg (W = 2.5 MT) and measures 4.2 CBM (M = 4.2). Since 4.2 > 2.5, the chargeable quantity is 4.2 CBM.

Question 4

How is CBM calculated for irregular-shaped cargo?

Accepted Answer

For irregular shapes, measure the longest point in each dimension (length, width, height) to get the bounding box dimensions, then calculate CBM from those. Carriers charge for the space the cargo occupies in the container, not the exact shape. If your cargo is 1.2m long but irregular, you calculate CBM on the full 1.2m length.

How to Calculate CBM for Freight - Complete Guide with Examples

The CBM Formula

Step-by-step examples

W/M: Weight vs Measurement - Which applies?

CBM Calculation - FAQ