If you’ve asked a freight forwarder for a quote, you’ve heard the word CBM. It stands for cubic meter, and it measures the space your cargo occupies. For sea freight, it is usually the number that decides your price.
How to calculate it. Measure the outside of each carton in centimeters — length, width and height. Multiply the three numbers, then divide by 1,000,000. That gives you the CBM of one carton. Multiply by the number of cartons.
Example: a carton measuring 50 × 40 × 30 cm is 0.06 CBM. Ten of them make 0.6 CBM.
Why packing matters. Air and empty space inside a carton cost the same as goods. Cartons that are too big for what’s inside raise your CBM and your bill. Ask your supplier to use the smallest sturdy carton that protects the goods.
Weight can matter too. Very heavy cargo may be charged by weight instead of volume, and air freight uses chargeable weight (the higher of actual weight and volume weight). Your quote will say which applies.
Use our calculator. Enter your carton sizes on our Shipping Cost Calculator to see your total CBM and an estimate. Then send a booking request and we’ll confirm your quote.