In transporting and importing and exporting goods, CBM is a measurement unit that plays an important role. Today Cuong Quoc Logistics will answer your questions with you What is CBM?? 1 CBM equals how many KG? through the following article.
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What is CBM??
CBM is an acronym for Cubic Meter, also known as cubic meter (m3) is a symbol commonly used in the field of transportation, import and export of goods.

CBM is used mostly in modes of transport and import and export of goods such as aviation, sea route, railway, container,…
For large sized packages, voluminous, The carrier will convert CBM to weight (kg) to apply shipping rates.
1 CBM is equal to how many kg? Let's find out right below!
>>> See more: What is MNF? Detailed instructions on the steps of declaration MNF
The role of CBM in import and export
CBM is one of the units used by many carriers to measure the volume of packages. Thanks to that, They will be more proactive in arranging the placement of goods on appropriate means of transportation. Avoid wasting a lot of time and space during transportation.
When goods are calculated and arranged scientifically, Carriers can transport large volumes of goods at the same time. At the same time, it shortens shipping time. Based on CBM, They can calculate the quantity of goods that need to be transported. From there, convert it to the cost of the shipment.
1 CBM equals how many KG?
How to calculate CBM
To calculate CBM, We need the measurements of the package, include: length, width, height. The unit of measurement is meter (m) or centimeters (cm).
After getting the measurements, We calculate CBM using the following formula:
- For meter measurement unit (m)
Number of blocks (CBM) = (Length x Width x Height) x Number of bales
- For centimeter measurement unit (cm)
Number of blocks (CBM) = (Length x Width x Height) x Number of packages / 1.000.000
For example: Mr. B has a shipment of clothes consisting of 15 packages, exported from Vietnam to China. Shipment information included:
- Each package has dimensions of length x width x height in order: 3m x 2,5m x 2,7m.
- Weight of each package is 180 kg.
How much is CBM??
We have the following calculation: CBM = (3m x 2,5m, 2,7m) x 15 = 303,75 CBM

How to convert CBM to KG
Each different method of transportation will have a different conversion method from CBM to kg. 1 CBM equals how many kg? Some weight conventions for each shipping method include::
- Airline: 1 CBM = 167 Kg
- Road: 1 CBM = 333 kg
- Sea route : 1 CBM = 1000 kg
The purpose of this conversion is to help shipping units easily calculate shipping costs in the most reasonable way.. Thanks to that, the transportation process is convenient and there is no fear of losses.
* Note: Depending on the shipment, shipping costs will be calculated according to CBM or KG. Sometimes we see shipping companies calculate freight rates by CBM, but sometimes they calculate by Kg. In case the weight is greater, the shipping fee will be calculated based on that.
How to convert CBM of each type of Air/Sea/Road goods
Our above sharing has let you know the concept and how to calculate how many kg is equal to 1 CBM. Let's learn how to convert the CBM of each type of goods transported in different ways: Air, Sea, Road through the following shares:
Conversion of CBM of Sea goods
To determine the unit of charge in the Air cargo category, You need to determine the volumetric weight and total shipment weight, Whichever value is greater will be taken as the value for calculating freight charges.
* For example: 1 Shipment includes 10 packages with the following specifications:
– Dimensions of each package: 120cm x 100cm x 150cm
– Weight of each package: 800kgs/bale
Step 1: Calculate the total weight of the shipment:
Total weight of shipment = 10 (package number) x 800Kg (weight per package) = 8.000 kg.
Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment: (number of packages x package volume)
Volume of a package = (120 x 100 x 150)/1000000 = 1,8 cbm (m3)
Total shipment volume = 10 (package number) x 1,8 (volume of 1 package) = 18 cbm
Step 3: Calculate the volumetric weight of the shipment: ( total shipment volume x volumetric weight constant)
Constant conventional volumetric weight in sea transport : 1 CBM = 1000 Kg
Volumetric weight of shipment = 18 cbm * 1000kg/cbm = 18.000 kg

Conversion of CBM of Air goods
In air transport, also compare Volumetric weight and total shipment weight, Whichever value is greater will be taken as the value for calculating freight charges, but different from the conventional weight-volume constant. Please follow the specific example below to see the difference
* For example: 1 Shipment includes 10 packages with the following specifications:
– Dimensions of each package: 50cm x 60cm x 50cm
– Weight of each package: 100kgs/bale
Step 1: Calculate the total weight of the shipment:
Total weight of shipment = 10 (package number) x 100Kg (weight per package) = 1.000 kg.
Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment: (number of packages x package volume)
Volume of a package = (50 x 60 x 50)/1000000 = 0,15 cbm (m3)
Total shipment volume = 10 (package number) x 0,15 (volume of 1 package) = 1,5 cbm
Step 3: Calculate the volumetric weight of the shipment: ( total shipment volume x volumetric weight constant)
Constant volumetric weight convention in air transport : 1 CBM = 167 Kg
Volumetric weight of shipment = 1,5 cbm * 167kg/cmb = 250,5 kg

Convert CBM of Road goods
Just like sea and air shipping, compare Volumetric Weight and Total Shipment Weight, Whichever value is greater will be taken as the value for calculating freight charges, But the conventional volumetric weight constant of the road is 333kg/cbm
* For example: The shipment includes 10 packages with the following specifications:
– Dimensions of each package: 150cm x 120cm x 150cm
– Weight of each package: 500kgs/bale
Step 1: Calculate the total weight of the shipment:
Total weight of shipment = 10 (package number) x 500Kg (weight per package) = 5.000 kg.
Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment: (number of packages x package volume)
Volume of a package = (150 x 120 x 150)/1000000 = 2,7 cbm (m3)
Total shipment volume = 10 (package number) x 2,7 (volume of 1 package) = 27 cbm
Step 3: Calculate the volumetric weight of the shipment: ( total shipment volume x volumetric weight constant)
Constant conventional volumetric weight in road transport : 1 CBM = 333 Kg
Volumetric weight of shipment = 27 cbm * 333kg/cmb = 8,991 kg

Conclude
Above is all the information about CBM and how to determine how many kg is equal to 1 CBM. Monitor Logistics power to update useful information about logistics! Wishing you a happy day <3
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