What is CBM? ? In the field of logistics and import and export, CBM is an important concept, plays a core role in calculating costs and arranging goods. In this article, Cuong Quoc Logistics will explain in detail what CBM is, its role, and how to convert 1 CBM to kilograms (KG) in different modes of transportation.

What is CBM?

CBM, Abbreviation for Cubic Meter (cubic meter), is a unit of volume measurement commonly used in transporting and importing and exporting goods. This is a standard measurement to determine the space occupied by goods on means of transportation such as ships, plane, train, or containers.

CBM is especially important when transporting bulky or large shipments. In these cases, The shipping unit will convert CBM to weight (KG) to calculate shipping costs based on the larger value between volume and actual weight.

The Role of CBM in Import and Export

What is CBM?, CBM plays an essential role in optimizing transportation and import-export processes, brings many benefits:

• Arrange goods effectively: CBM helps shipping units accurately determine the space a shipment occupies, From there, arrange the goods properly on the transport vehicle, Avoid wasting space.

• Optimize time: CBM calculation allows scientific transportation planning, helps transport more goods in one trip and shortens delivery time.

• Calculate costs accurately: Based on CBM, Shipping units can determine the quantity of goods and convert them to costs, Ensuring transparency and reasonableness in quotes.

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  Logistics management support: CBM is the basis for container planning, loading and unloading goods, and handle customs procedures, helps the shipping process go smoothly.

How to Calculate CBM and Convert to KG

CBM Calculation Formula

After the question what is CBM, To calculate CBM, You need to know the size of the package (length, width, height) and number of bales. The unit of measurement can be meters (m) or centimeters (cm). The formula for calculating CBM is as follows:

• For metric units (m):
  CBM = (Length × Width × Height) × Number of bales

• For centimeter units (cm):
  CBM = (Length × Width × Height × Number of packages) ÷ 1.000.000

Illustrative example:
Suppose you have a shipment of 20 packages of clothing exported to Japan, with information:

• Size of each package: 2,5m x 2m x 3m

• Weight per package: 150 kg

How to calculate CBM:
CBM = (2,5 × 2 × 3) × 20 = 300 CBM

Actual total weight:
20 bales × 150 kg = 3.000 kg

Convert 1 CBM To KG

What is the way to change CBM? ? Depends on shipping method, 1 CBM will be converted to KG at different rates:

• Air transport: 1 CBM = 167 KG

• Road transport: 1 CBM = 333 KG

• Shipping sea: 1 CBM = 1.000 KG

The purpose of this conversion is to determine the shipping cost based on the greater of the value between actual weight and volumetric weight (CBM adjective). This helps shipping units calculate reasonable costs, avoid capital loss.

Note: Shipping cost can be calculated based on CBM or KG, depending on which value is greater. For example, if volumetric weight (CBM adjective) greater than actual weight, The shipping unit will use volumetric weight to calculate freight.

How to Convert CBM According to Each Transportation Method

Below is how to calculate and convert CBM for ocean shipping methods, airway, and road, accompanied by an illustrative example to clarify the difference.

1. CBM Conversion for Sea Freight (Sea)

In sea transport, Freight costs are calculated based on the greater value between actual weight and volumetric weight. So what is CBM in sea transport? ?

For example: A shipment of 12 packages with specifications:

• Size of each package: 150 cm × 100 cm × 120 cm

• Weight per package: 900 kg

Step 1: Calculate the actual total weight
Total weight = 12 × 900 kg = 10,800 kg

Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment
Volume per package = (150 × 100 × 120) ÷ 1.000.000 = 1,8 CBM
Total shipment volume = 12 × 1,8 = 21,6 CBM

Step 3: Calculate volumetric weight
Sea conversion constant: 1 CBM = 1.000 KG
Volume weight = 21,6 CBM × 1.000 = 21.600 KG

Conclude: Volumetric weight (21.600 KG) greater than actual weight (10.800 KG), Therefore shipping cost will be calculated based on 21,600 KG.

2. What is CBM Conversion for Air Freight? (Air)

In air transport, The calculation is similar but uses a different conversion constant. So what is CBM in aviation? ?

For example: A shipment includes 8 packages with specifications:

• Size of each package: 60 cm × 50 cm × 40 cm

• Weight per package: 80 kg

Step 1: Calculate the actual total weight
Total weight = 8 × 80 kg = 640 kg

Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment
Volume per package = (60 × 50 × 40) ÷ 1.000.000 = 0,12 CBM
Total shipment volume = 8 × 0,12 = 0,96 CBM

Step 3: Calculate volumetric weight
Airmail conversion constant: 1 CBM = 167 KG
Volume weight = 0,96 CBM × 167 = 160,32 KG

Conclude: Actual weight (640 KG) greater than the volumetric weight (160,32 KG), Therefore shipping cost will be calculated based on 640 KG.

3. What is CBM Conversion for Road Freight? (Road)

In road transport, Convert CBM to KG using the constant 333 KG/CBM.

For example: A shipment of 10 packages with specifications:

• Size of each package: 120 cm × 100 cm × 150 cm

• Weight per package: 400 kg

Step 1: Calculate the actual total weight
Total weight = 10 × 400 kg = 4.000 kg

Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment
Volume per package = (120 × 100 × 150) ÷ 1.000.000 = 1,8 CBM
Total shipment volume = 10 × 1,8 = 18 CBM

Step 3: Calculate volumetric weight
Road conversion constant: 1 CBM = 333 KG
Volumetric weight = 18 CBM × 333 = 5,994 KG

Conclude: Volumetric weight (5.994 KG) greater than actual weight (4.000 KG), Therefore shipping cost will be calculated based on 5,994 KG.

What are the Benefits of Using CBM

Understanding what CBM is and how to use it in transportation brings many benefits:

• Space optimization: Helps arrange goods properly, Make the most of the space on the vehicle.

• Save costs: Converting CBM to KG helps calculate exact costs, Avoid wasting or charging unreasonable prices.

• Logistics management support: CBM is the basis for container planning, transport, and handling customs procedures.

Support Services From Logistics Powerhouse

Logistics power, with more than 10 years of experience in the logistics field, Providing consulting services and support for calculating CBM and answering what CBM is, Helps customers optimize costs and shipping processes. We provide services such as:

• Consulting on CBM calculation and weight conversion for transportation methods.

• Support in handling customs procedures and sea transportation, air, road.

• Import-export entrusted services and international express delivery.

Conclude

What is CBM?, is an important unit of measurement in transportation and import and export, helps optimize space, expense, and time. Understanding how to calculate CBM and convert it to KG according to each mode of transportation will help businesses make effective logistics decisions.. Follow Cuong Quoc Logistics to update more useful information about shipping and import-export!

Cuong Quoc Freight Forwarding Company Limited

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