How big is 1 m3 (CBM)? how it related to sea freight

Shipping fees can be a puzzle when you’re planning to move goods from one place to another, especially internationally. Understanding how these fees are calculated is essential for budgeting and efficient logistics management. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key factors that influence shipping fees, including the critical concept of Cubic Meter (CBM)..

Shipping Fee Calculation Based on CBM:
One of the primary factors that determine your shipping fee is the Cubic Meter or CBM (m3) measurement. CBM  represents the volume of your shipment in cubic meters. It’s calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of your cargo in meters. The formula for calculating CBM is:

CBM = Length (m) x Width (m) x Height (m)

Your shipping provider will use this CBM value to calculate the cost of transporting your goods. Shipping fees often increase as the CBM of your cargo goes up. Larger and heavier shipments occupy more space on a carrier, leading to higher shipping costs.

Minimum Charges for Small Shipments:
For small shipments, shipping companies may impose a minimum charge to cover their operational costs. This minimum charge ensures that even smaller loads are economically viable for both shippers and carriers. It’s important to note that the minimum charge may be based on a minimum CBM value, often around 0.5 cubic meters. If your shipment’s CBM is less than this minimum, you’ll still be charged based on the minimum CBM value.

Additional Charges for Special Services (if any):
In addition to the standard CBM-based charges, there are extra fees associated with specific services that may be required for your shipment. These services include:

• Palletization: If your goods are not palletized, you may choose to have them placed on pallets for easier handling and protection. Palletization incurs an additional cost, which depends on the size and weight of your shipment.

• Wrapping: Wrapping involves securely covering your shipment with protective materials, such as plastic wrap. This is especially useful for fragile or valuable items. The wrapping service will also result in added charges based on the size and weight of your cargo.

• Wooden Boxes: For goods that require extra protection or are exceptionally delicate, wooden boxes can be used. Wooden boxes come at an additional cost determined by their size and weight.

Understanding Cubic Meter (CBM):
CBM or so called m3 is a standard unit of measurement used in international shipping to determine the volume of cargo. It’s crucial to understand CBM because it directly affects shipping costs. For practical purposes, 1 CBM is equivalent to a shipment that measures 1 meter by 1 meter by 1 meter (1m x 1m x 1m).

To illustrate the size of 1 cubic meter (1 m³), let’s examine two diagrams above. In the first diagram, we have a director’s table with dimensions of 1600mm x 750mm x 800mm. To convert these measurements into meters, it’s important to note that 1600mm is equivalent to 1.6 meters.

So, by multiplying the three dimensions (in meters), we can calculate the volume:

Volume of Director’s Table = 1.6m x 0.75m x 0.8m = 0.96 m³

The same principle applies to the second diagram, featuring a cupboard. This simple demonstration helps visualize the dimensions and volume of 1 cubic meter, making it easier to understand the concept.