When it comes to shipping, knowing the right measurements can save you time and money. CBM is a key term for determining the volume of a shipment. By wrapping your head around and using CBM correctly, you can improve your shipping strategies and reduce costs through a simple formula.
Whether you’re dealing with sea freight or air cargo, having a clear grasp of CBM helps your business in making informed decisions and achieve smoother operations. This guide will break down what CBM actually means, how it’s used in shipping, and how to convert it for different types of freight.
What is CBM in shipping?
CBM stands for cubic metre. CBM is how volume measurement is calculated in shipping. In short, CBM measures how much space cargo occupies. CBM is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height (LWH) of an item. This calculation helps determine the space required for shipping and can influence the overall cost.
Accurately calculating CBM is an important step in determining shipping costs, helping to maximise the use of container space for the most efficient and cost-effective shipping. Even a small error can significantly impact the cost of shipping, especially with calculations for large volumes.
CBM is not only a measurement of volume but also a tool for optimising the logistics process. Knowing the exact CBM of your shipment and selecting the appropriate container size helps to avoid the pitfalls of underutilised or overfilled containers.
CBM fit for containers
Understanding how CBM fits within different container variants is essential for optimising space and cost. Standard shipping containers come in various sizes and knowing the CBM fit for containers helps to plan the loading process.
A 20-foot container (TEU) typically has a maximum internal volume of approximately 33 CBM, while a 40-foot container has about 67 CBM, but the actual usable volume may be significantly less. The internal structure of a container and packing materials to ensure safe transit can reduce the usable volume. By knowing the CBM of your cargo you can determine the most appropriate container size and minimise wasted space to reduce shipping costs.
When planning to ship a full container load (FCL), understanding the CBM capacity of the container is key. It ensures that you maximise the use of available space without exceeding weight limits or compromising the safety of the cargo. Precise CBM calculations are also important for less than container load (LCL) shipments, helping to accurately calculate the shared container space with other shippers to maximise efficiency.
Dimensional weight: CBM to KG or CFT to LBS
Dimensional weight, also known as volumetric weight, considers the volume of the cargo rather than its actual weight. This is particularly important (specifically in air freight) for items that are lightweight but bulky. Dimensional weight is calculated by converting CBM to kilograms (KG) or cubic feet (CFT) to pounds (LBS).
Conversion factors
To convert CBM to KG, you can use a standard conversion factor. For air freight, the conversion factor is typically 167 KG per CBM. This means that 1 CBM is equivalent to 167 KG in dimensional weight.
Example: if shipping a pallet 1.0 x 1.2 x 1.8 (LWH) = 2.16M3 x 167 = 360.72 kgs (by (volumetric weight)
Comprehending dimensional weight is essential for businesses that ship products with varying densities. It allows you to anticipate shipping costs accurately and avoid unexpected charges. By considering both the actual and dimensional weight, you can choose the most cost-effective shipping method. It might be of value to emphasise the importance of dimensional weight when airfreighting—this is where we predominantly see or use volumetric weight conversions).
Sea freight: KG to CBM
Sea freight rates often depend on both the weight and volume of the cargo, so understanding the relationship between KG and CBM is crucial. When shipping goods by sea, converting the weight of the cargo from kilograms to cubic metres helps in optimising container loads and reducing shipping costs.
KG to CBM conversion formula
To convert KG to CBM for sea freight, you need to know the cargo’s density. The formula is straightforward:
1 CBM = 1,000.00kgs
For air freight, the conversion is different, with 167kgs = 1 CBM
By knowing the exact CBM of your shipment, you can select the most suitable container size, avoid overloading, and ensure compliance with shipping regulations. Accurate CBM measurements also contribute to better space utilisation, reducing the environmental impact of shipping operations.
Air cargo: KG to CBM
When it comes to air cargo, the conversion becomes KG to CBM. Airlines use dimensional weight to calculate freight charges, making it necessary to understand how to convert physical weight to CBM.
As mentioned earlier, the standard conversion factor for air cargo is 167 KG per CBM. This means that for every CBM of space your cargo occupies, it is considered to weigh 167 KG for billing purposes.
For example, if your shipment’s actual weight is 500 KG and its volume is 3 CBM, the dimensional weight would be 501 KG (3 CBM x 167 KG/CBM). The airline would charge based on the higher value, which is the dimensional weight.
Understanding how to calculate dimensional weight for air cargo is necessary to avoid any nasty surprises with shipping costs and ensure compliance with airline regulations. By considering both the actual and dimensional weight, your business can choose the most cost-effective shipping method and boost efficiency.
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Stellar International is your trusted partner in shipping and logistics. With a decades-long track record of reliability, you can take confidence in our ability to help you navigate all the twists and turns of shipping and logistics. Our customer-centric approach means that we recognise every shipment is unique and—therefore calls for unique solutions.
Our team of experts are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns relating to CBM calculations to ensure that your cargo is shipped efficiently and in full compliance every time. It’s no wonder that we are the logistics partner of choice for many.
For more information on CBM and how we can assist you in optimising your shipping needs, contact our team today.