How to Calculate Cargo Weight and CBM for Shipping

Freight charges are calculated based on either actual weight (kg) or volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight), whichever is higher. This is called the chargeable weight. Understanding how to calculate both helps you estimate shipping costs accurately and compare air vs sea freight options.

Volumetric weight for air freight: Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000 = Volumetric weight (kg). Example: a box measuring 60cm × 50cm × 40cm has a volumetric weight of (60×50×40) ÷ 6000 = 20 kg. If this box weighs only 8 kg (actual weight), you would be charged for 20 kg (volumetric weight) because it is higher.

CBM (Cubic Meter) calculation for sea freight: Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) = Volume in CBM. Example: a pallet of 1.2m × 1m × 1.5m = 1.8 CBM. Sea freight LCL rates are typically quoted per CBM (e.g., $25/CBM from Jebel Ali to Alexandria). For FCL, you pay for a full container regardless of how much space is used.

Practical tips: always measure your cargo after packing (including pallet dimensions), round up centimeters to the nearest whole number, and provide accurate measurements to your freight forwarder to get reliable quotes. Discrepancies between declared and actual dimensions can result in additional charges. Elite Cargo's team can help you measure and calculate chargeable weight for any shipment.