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Containers

CBM (Cubic Metre)

In Indonesian: CBM (meter kubik) Abbreviation: CBM

CBM, the cubic metre, is the volume unit for cargo: length × width × height in metres, times the number of packages. A 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton is 0.096 m³, so 200 cartons make 19.2 m³. CBM drives LCL pricing (charged per W/M, where 1 m³ counts as 1,000 kg) and container sizing. Do not plan against the full inner volume; mixed cartons typically fill only 80–90% of a container in practice.

Related terms

  • LCL (Less than Container Load)

    LCL is a shipment too small to fill a container, so a forwarder or NVOCC consolidates it with other shippers' cargo at a container freight station (CFS).

  • Stowage Factor

    Stowage factor is the volume occupied by one tonne of cargo, usually in m³ per tonne or cubic feet per long ton.

  • Volumetric Weight (Dimensional Weight)

    Volumetric weight is a weight derived from a shipment's volume so that light but bulky goods are charged fairly.

  • Packing List

    A packing list itemises a shipment package by package: package numbers, packaging type, contents, net and gross weights, dimensions and shipping marks.

Covered in these guides

Load calculations

How to Calculate CBM: Formula, Unit Conversions and Container Estimates

The CBM (cubic metre) formula for cartons and pallets, cm, mm, inch and cubic-feet conversions, a multi-SKU example and how to estimate container needs.

6 min read

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