Cubic Meters, in short, CBM is a term whose utilization is very frequent when it comes to units of estimation of the volume of shipment, whether it is air freight or ocean freight. CBM decides how much space your freight will take up, which will determine the amount it will cost to ship. Because the freight cost is finally determined by the volume of the shipment, CBM measurement has proven to be extremely essential worldwide when it comes to trade.
How to calculate CBM to know your shipping cost?
To calculate CBM, one is simply required to pack the product into a cubical/cuboidal box and note the dimensions, namely- length, breadth, and width. The unit used in measuring should specifically be in meters. After that, the CBM value of the package can be obtained by multiplying the three measurements. If you wish to calculate the CBM for your freight, you can know more about the calculations and even take the help of a freight forwarder or service provider to calculate these charges for your shipment.
How to calculate CBM for packages of varied shapes?
● Cylindrical Package
First, make the package stand straight on one of its circular surfaces and note its height. Next, note the radius of the circular surface. After that, the simple formula ‘π X height X radius’, where π= 3.14, will yield the CBM of the package.
● Irregularly shaped Package
In the case of irregularly shaped packages, CBM is calculated by noting the longest length, breadth, and width. Then the freight charges obtained by CBM are compared with the freight charges obtained by calculating volumetric weight. The shipper has to pay a higher charge.
How to Calculate CBM Chargeable Weight?
Many times, some packages are heavy but take up smaller space whereas other packages are lighter and take up more space. Thus, calculating the charge using CBM will not prove to be profitable while shipping the heavier package. In such cases, the shipping company charges according to the weight, so that the lighter and the heavier packages are equally profitable to ship. Here are some terms one needs to be well-acquainted with to understand chargeable weight:
● Actual Weight
It is the actual weight of the package that needs to be shipped.
● Dimensional/ Volumetric Weight
To get the Volumetric weight of a package, one needs to find the product of the CBM value and the DIM factor (Dimensional Weight Factor) depending on the transportation mode. The carrier charges the cost that is higher of the two.
How to calculate Ocean Freight LCL Shipment Rate?
CBM and weight are the two factors that are considered while calculating the LCL shipment cost. When the CBM is higher than the weight, the former is considered as the basis for calculating the shipment cost and when the weight is higher than the CBM, weight is considered as a basis for calculating the shipment cost.
How to calculate CBM for Air Freight?
For air shipment, the charge is determined by the actual weight and the volumetric weight. Whichever weight yields a higher charge is considered for calculation and that charge is to be paid by the shipper.
How to calculate CBM in Garments?
Usually, garments are shipped in packages that are sagaciously planned to occupy minimum space and can be comfortably placed on top of one another. As they are stuffed in standard containers, working out their CBM is easy and can be calculated by simply noting the number of containers and their height, length, and breadth and then multiplying them.
As shipping is a humongous part of the global trade business, it is essential for you to have a clear idea about the process of calculating the CBM. Once you are aware of all the calculations and the terms of shipping, you will be able to succeed in managing your global supply chain.
