How to calculate the cubicage of your cargo and save on logistics costs

Incorrect cubication can increase your transportation costs by up to 30%. Mastering the calculation of the CBM (cubic meters) and understanding the volumetric weight will allow you to optimize spaces, select the right container and negotiate better rates with shipping companies.

Fundamental concepts of cubicage

El CBM (Cubic Meter) measure the volume occupied by your load, calculated by multiplying length × width × height in meters. This data determines how much space you need in a container and directly affects the cost of freight.

The difference between real weight and volumetric weight is crucial. The actual weight is what the scale indicates, while the volumetric weight considers the dimensions of the load. Shipping companies charge for the higher of both values.

CBM basic formula:
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)

Practical example: A box of 1.2m × 0.8m × 0.6m = 0.576 CBM

For maritime cargo, we must also consider the stowage factor, which varies depending on the type of merchandise. In air transport, the volumetric weight is calculated by dividing the volume by 6000 (CBM × 1000 ÷ 6).

Step-by-step practical examples

Calculation for individual boxes

Exercise 1: 50 boxes of 40cm × 30cm × 25cm

• CBM per box: 0.4 × 0.3 × 0.25 = 0.03 m³
• Total CBM: 0.03 × 50 = 1.5 m³

Optimization with pallets

Exercise 2: Standard pallet 1.2m × 1.0m × 1.8m in total height

• CBM per pallet: 1.2 × 1.0 × 1.8 = 2.16 m³
• In a 20' container: maximum 11 pallets (23.76 m³ of 33 m³ total)

Selection between LCL and FCL

Rule of thumb:

• LCL (less than full container): Up to 15 m³
• FCL (full container): More than 15 m³

A 20' container has 33 m³ of capacity. If your cargo takes up more than 45% of the space, FCL is usually cheaper.

Optimization strategies

Efficient Packaging Techniques

• Smart stacking: Place heavy products on the base and light products on top
• Gap filling: Use small products to fill gaps
• Compact packaging: Reduces external dimensions without compromising protection

Optimal container selection

• 20' container: Ideal for loads up to 33 m³
• 40' container: Efficient for bulky loads up to 67 m³
• High Cube (40' HC): 76 m³, perfect for light and bulky products

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Ignoring the volumetric weight

Problem: Calculate only the actual weight without considering dimensions
Solution: Always compare real vs. volumetric weight

Mistake 2: Not considering container restrictions

Problem: Assume that the calculated CBM fits automatically
Solution: Check maximum dimensions: length, width and height of the container

Mistake 3: Underestimating dead spaces

Problem: Do not consider spaces that cannot be used because of an irregular shape
Solution: Apply occupancy factor of 85-90% in real calculations

Mistake 4: Inaccurate measurements

Problem: Measure only the merchandise without considering the outer packaging
Solution: It includes pallets, corners and protective material in final measurements.

Key Findings

Mastering the cubicage calculation generates significant savings and improves the competitiveness of your operations. Investment in cubicage training recovers quickly through more effective negotiations and less waste of space. Companies that correctly optimize their cubicage report reductions of 10-20% in total transportation costs.

‍

Do you need to optimize the cubicage of your shipments?

Our International Transportation Service includes specialized advice on cubicage calculation and container selection. Also take advantage of our facilities of General Storage for cargo consolidation before shipment.

‍