HubNet Logistics

Glossary

CBM (cubic metre)

CBM · cubic meter · cubic metre · revenue ton · R/T · volumetric weight

CBM counts volume in metres cubed. Sea freight is charged on whichever is greater, volume or weight, so a light but bulky shipment is priced on its CBM rather than what it weighs.

How to work it out Multiply length × width × height in metres, then by the number of cartons. 0.5m × 0.4m × 0.3m = 0.06 CBM 0.06 × 20 cartons = 1.2 CBM If you measured in centimetres, multiply and then divide by 1,000,000. 50 × 40 × 30 = 60,000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.06 CBM Why it matters — the revenue ton A ship sells space. Light cargo that fills space is charged for that space. So sea freight compares volume against weight and charges on whichever is greater; that figure is the revenue ton (R/T). The pivot is 1 CBM = 1 tonne (1,000 kg). 2.0 CBM · 1.5 t → volume wins, charged as 2.0 R/T 1.0 CBM · 3.0 t → weight wins, charged as 3.0 R/T This is why a light, bulky shipment costs more than its weight suggests. Air uses a different basis Air freight also uses volumetric weight, but the divisor differs between carriers — some use 5,000, others 6,000. Check the figure your carrier applies before relying on a quote. The same shipment prices differently under a different divisor. What fits in a container Roughly as follows. These are theoretical volumes; real loads come in lower, because awkward shapes leave gaps and the weight limit often binds first. | Container | Theoretical | | --- | --- | | 20 ft | about 33 CBM | | 40 ft | about 67 CBM | | 40 ft high cube | about 76 CBM | Exact figures vary by carrier and container type, so confirm before quoting. LCL and FCL Cargo that cannot fill a container travels with other people's (LCL), and you pay for your CBM. Take a whole container (FCL) and you pay for the box regardless of volume. As volume grows there comes a point where one FCL costs less than paying for many CBM of LCL.
Source Standard sea freight revenue-ton practice and CBM calculation · checked 2026-11-05

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