In international freight, CBM is a crucial concept. It is used to measure the volume of goods and directly affects transportation costs, packing plans and transportation efficiency. This article will introduce the relevant situation of CBM in detail.
What is CBM?
CBM, which means cubic meter, is a commonly used volume measurement unit in international trade and logistics. It is used to measure the volume of goods. Especially in the field of freight, CBM is an important basis for measuring the volume of goods and calculating transportation costs.
How to Calculate CBM?
The calculation formula of CBM is very simple: Just multiply the length, width and height of the goods (all in meters) to get the volume.
CBM=length (meters) × width (meters) × height (meters)
The Role of CBM in Freight
Calculate transportation costs
Whether it is sea, air or land transportation, transportation companies usually charge according to the volume and weight of the goods (the larger of the two). Therefore, accurately measuring the CBM of goods is crucial to calculating transportation costs.
Loading rate assessment
CBM is also used to assess the filling degree of goods in a transport vehicle or container, ensuring that the loaded goods are neither too dense nor too sparse, thereby avoiding shifting, dumping or wasting space.
Customs supervision
In international trade, customs or other regulatory agencies usually require the volume of goods (in CBM units) to calculate the value, quantity and other related costs of the goods.
Relationship Between CBM and Weight
Volumetric weight and actual weight
CBM and weight are two different physical quantities, but in freight, they are often used together to calculate transportation costs. The cost of international freight is usually calculated according to the larger weight or volume of the goods, that is, charging by weight or charging by volume, and the larger one is used as the basis for charging
Calculation formula of volumetric weight (applicable to air transport)
Volume weight (kg) = CBM×167
Where 167 is the conversion factor of the industry standard.
You may also be interested in: How to Calculate the Volume and Weight of Goods
How Many Cubic Meters Are In A Container?
The volume of a container depends on its type and size. Here are the internal volumes of common containers:
20ft Container
Volume: about 33 CBM. Suitable for small and medium-sized cargo transportation
40ft Container
Volume: about 67 CBM, suitable for large or bulk cargo transportation
40ft High Cube Container
Volume: about 76 CBM. Provides more vertical space
Learn more: Different Types of Containers
How to Calculate Shipping Costs Using CBM?
When using CBM to calculate transportation costs, you first need to accurately measure the volume of the goods, and then calculate the fees based on the shipping company’s charging standards (usually calculated on a price per cubic meter).
Therefore, in the freight process, rationally planning the loading method of the goods and minimizing CBM is an effective means to reduce transportation costs.
How to Use CBM to Optimize Shipping
Reasonable packaging
By rationally planning the loading method of goods, such as rationally matching large and light goods with small and heavy goods, CBM can be minimized, thereby reducing transportation costs.
Choose the right transportation method
For large quantities of goods, it is more cost-effective to choose sea transportation. For small quantities of goods, choose less than container load (LCL).
Optimize loading plan
Use packing software to simulate loading plans in advance to avoid wasting space.
Communicate with logistics companies
Maintain close communication with logistics companies to understand their charging standards and service quality so as to better plan transportation plans.
CBM is a key indicator that cannot be ignored in freight transportation. From transportation cost calculation to loading optimization, it is inseparable from the accurate calculation of CBM. Through this article, you can master CBM, use CBM to optimize space and costs, and improve logistics efficiency.