In shipping, CBM stands for cubic meters and is the measurement standard for freight shipments. Shipping logistics encompass a multitude of factors, from sourcing the finest packaging materials to computing freight expenses. Traditionally, shipment cost estimation only revolves around weight assessment. But let’s think of an unusual case—sending a substantial box filled with feathers. Despite their featherlight nature, the assumption of minimal shipping costs due to weight alone doesn’t hold. Herein lies the crucial element: size, a determinant influenced by CBM (cubic meters). Shipping companies factor in not just weight but also volumetric dimensions, impacting the final freight charges.
This guide will go over CBM and how you are going to calculate it.
What is CBM?
CBM, representing shipment volume, extends its significance beyond mere measurement. It serves as a pivotal factor in diverse international freight computations, including:-
- Dimensional Weight
Converting CBM to kg or CFT to lbs, dimensional weight is a theoretical metric crucial for bulky yet lightweight shipments. This method prevents overcharging for voluminous items like a pallet of ping pong balls, occupying similar space to a heavier pallet on an aircraft.
- Chargeable Weight
Determining the greater value between dimensional/volumetric weight and gross weight, chargeable weight influences pricing. While ocean freight leans towards size, air freight prioritizes dimensional weight, impacting the final charge.
- Freight Class
In the US, LTL trucking carriers utilize CBM to compensate for oversized loads. While weight typically determines trucking freight class, CBM also plays a significant role, especially for larger-sized shipments.
How to Calculate CBM in Shipping?
Calculating CBM follows a straightforward formula: quantity of items multiplied by length, width, and height of each item. For varied-sized shipments, apply the formula per size and sum up the volumes.
- For Square and Rectangle:-
To determine CBM for square or rectangular packages, apply high school geometry: multiply length x width x height. For instance, a 1-metre package in all dimensions equals 1 CBM. For a package 3m long, 2m wide, and 4.5m high, 3 x 2 x 4.5 = 27 CBM.
- For Cylindrical Packages:-
For cylindrical packages, find the radius (half the diameter) and use π x height x radius² = CBM (approximating π as 3.14).
- For Irregular Shapes:-
For irregular shapes, measure their longest points for length, width, and height and use the rectangle equation.
Conversion
CBM is usually calculated in meters, while measurements are often in inches. To convert, remember: 1 inch ≈ 0.25 meters (multiply by 0.25 or divide by 4). Some carriers use CBM in inches, but for accuracy, they prefer calculations in meters, especially for USPS or FedEx shipments.
How Does CBM Affect the Overall Shipping Costs?
Understanding CBM’s impact on shipping costs is pivotal. It involves assessing gross weight, volumetric weight (DIM weight), and chargeable weight to ascertain the final shipping expenses.
- Gross weight
The actual weight of the package is typically measured in kgs, tons, or lbs. The basis for determining shipment weight.
- Volumetric weight
Also termed DIM weight, it’s an estimated weight using CBM to accommodate the size of lightweight packages.
- Chargeable weight
The weight used for determining shipping charges, selecting the higher value between gross weight and DIM weight.
For lightweight parcels, where weight might not accurately represent cost, CBM calculation becomes essential. It involves measuring the total volume of a package to determine the freight expense.
Calculating DIM Weight relies on CBM. Multiply the package’s CBM by a specific DIM factor, varying based on the shipping method. For instance, ocean freight often uses a DIM factor where 1 CBM equals 1000 kg. If a 2 CBM package weighs less than 2 tons (2,000 kg), the chargeable weight remains 2 tons.
For carriers like USPS, charges may apply if the package’s volume surpasses one cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches). Calculate CBM in inches using the earlier equation. If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic inches, divide by 166 to determine DIM weight.
USPS or FedEx shipments can simplify this with DIM calculators. By comparing the DIM weight to the actual package weight, you can predict the chargeable weight accurately.
Calculations of CBM for air shipment
Calculating CBM for air shipments remains consistent, but the determining factor for freight charges is either the gross weight or the volume weight (after applying the CBM with the DIM factor), selecting the higher value. Volume weight holds significance in air freight because lighter shipments occupy more space and cannot be priced lower than larger packages, ensuring equitable pricing.
Calculations of CBM for Ocean Shipment
For ocean shipments, space utilization in containers for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments outweighs the shipment’s weight. This emphasis on space highlights the importance of CBM calculations in ocean freight.
The conversion rate of CBM to kilograms varies with shipping methods:
- By sea: 1 CBM = 1000 Kg
- By air: 1 CBM = 167 Kg
- By road: 1 CBM = 333 Kg
Navigating shipping intricacies involving CBM, DIM, and geometric equations can seem complex. Yet, understanding these calculations empowers you to optimize your shipping strategies and leverage every aspect of the process effectively.
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