Volume is the space your cargo occupies and is the basis for freight calculation. In international transport it is expressed in cubic meters (m³), also called CBM.
Volume formula
CBM = length (m) × width (m) × height (m) × number of packages
Example: 10 cartons of 60 cm × 40 cm × 50 cm → 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.5 × 10 = 1.2 m³.
Volumetric weight in air freight
In air freight, charges are based on the greater of gross weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight. The most common factor is the IATA standard: 6,000 cm³ per kg, equivalent to 166.67 kg per m³.
Volumetric weight (kg) = L (cm) × W (cm) × H (cm) × quantity ÷ 6,000
Example: the same 10 cartons total 1,200,000 cm³ ÷ 6,000 = 200 kg. If the total gross weight is 150 kg, the chargeable weight is 200 kg.
Courier and express services often use a factor of 5,000 (200 kg per m³). The final chargeable weight always depends on the airline and the applicable rule.
W/M in LCL ocean freight
LCL uses the W/M (weight or measurement) rule: freight is based on the greater of weight in metric tons or volume in m³. For 1.2 m³ and 150 kg (0.15 t), the basis is 1.2.
The AV Global Express quote form performs these calculations automatically as you enter the dimensions.
