What is CBM & How to Calculate It in Shipping ?

You often hear the term CBM used in the business of moving goods from one country to another by air, sea or land. CBM, short for "cubic meter" is a widely used unit of measurement in shipping that determines what you pay for shipping.

In this article, we've put together everything you need to know about CBM so that you can accurately measure your cargo and determine your shipping costs. Read on to learn:

1. What is CBM in shipping?

CBM, an abbreviation of Cubic Meters, is one of the most commonly used units of measurement of the volume of shipment, globally.

This measurement is calculated by multiplying the width, height and length together of the shipment. It determines how much space your cargo will take up on a ship, aircraft or truck, which in turn will decide how much it will cost to transport.

CBM is used for all three modes of shipping methods including air, sea, and road.

Conversion rate from CBM into Kg

The conversion rate depends on shipping method

By air: 1 CBM = 167 Kg
By road:1 CBM = 333 Kg
By sea: 1 CBM = 1000 Kg (In most cases)        

2. CBM Meaning in Shipping Terms

CBM is an abbreviation for Cubic Meters, and it is the most generally used measurement unit for the volume of shipments all over the globe.

CMB or Cubic Meter is that unit through which we can measure the volume of the entire cargo. In simple words, we can define CBM as the metric volume unit, which clarifies how much space the package will take.

3. How to calculate CBM for sea shipment?

For LCL ocean freight Suppose you send LCL goods by sea. (LCL is a way of moving medium quantities of goods in shared containers).

Shipping companies collect freight charges under CBM, mainly for LCL cargoes, provided they weigh less than one ton (1000 kg).

Example 1:

Package Dimensions: 3M × 3M × 3M

CBM: 3 x3 x 3 = 27m3

DIM factor: 1:1000

Gross weight: 300 kg (0.3 ton)

Freight rate: $40 per CBM/ton

Since volume (CBM) is greater than actual weight, freight will be charged on the basis of CBM. So, freight cost: 40 x 27 = $1080

Example 2:

Package Dimensions: 2 m x 2 m x1 m

CBM: 2 x 2 x 1 = 4m3

DIM factor: 1:1000

Gross weight: 6000 kg (6 ton)

Freight rate: $40 per CBM/ton

Since gross weight is greater than volume, freight will be charged on the basis of gross weight. So, freight cost: 40x6 = $240

4. How to calculate CBM for air shipping?

In an air shipment, the CBM calculation remains the same, but the freight is charged on actual weight or volumetric weight (after multiplying CBM by the DIM factor) -whichever is higher.

The DIM factor generally used in Air freight is 1:6000 i.e. one cubic meter is equal to about 6000 kilograms.