Formulas used
| What | Formula |
|---|---|
| CBM per carton | L × W × H in cm ÷ 1,000,000 |
| Cubic feet | CBM × 35.315 |
| LCL freight tonnes (W/M) | The greater of total CBM and total weight in tonnes |
| Air volumetric weight | L × W × H in cm ÷ 6,000 per carton |
| Courier volumetric weight | L × W × H in cm ÷ 5,000 per carton |
Container sizes
| Container | Inside length | Internal volume | Plan to load | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | 5.90 m | 33.2 m³ | about 28 m³ | about 28,000 kg |
| 40 ft standard | 12.03 m | 67.7 m³ | about 58 m³ | about 26,700 kg |
| 40 ft high cube | 12.03 m | 76.3 m³ | about 65 m³ | about 26,500 kg |
Payload limits vary by container and by road weight limits at origin and destination; check with your forwarder for heavy cargo.
Common questions
How do I calculate CBM?
Multiply length × width × height of one carton in metres to get its volume in cubic metres (CBM), then multiply by the number of cartons. In centimetres, divide L × W × H by 1,000,000.
What is W/M in LCL freight?
W/M means weight or measure. LCL sea freight is charged per freight tonne, which is whichever is greater: the volume in cubic metres or the weight in tonnes. 3 m³ weighing 800 kg is charged as 3 W/M.
How is air chargeable weight calculated?
Airlines charge the greater of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight. For air cargo the volumetric weight is L × W × H in centimetres ÷ 6,000 per piece; express couriers usually divide by 5,000.
How much fits in a 20 ft and a 40 ft container?
A 20 ft container has about 33 m³ of internal space and a 40 ft about 67 m³, but cartons never fill it perfectly. Plan on about 28 m³ for a 20 ft, 58 m³ for a 40 ft and 65 m³ for a 40 ft high cube, and check the payload limit for heavy cargo.
When is a full container cheaper than LCL?
Usually somewhere between about 12 and 18 m³, depending on the lane, the rates and how heavy the cargo is. The calculator above works out the break-even point for your cargo with editable rates.
Turn your cartons into a landed cost
Corridor Terminal works out packing, freight, port charges, duty and delivery for your product and lane.
Open the landed cost calculatorFirst shipment guide