How to calculate carton CBM & container space book before shipment?

Normally, we ship goods continuously in garments sector.CBM stands “Cubic Meter” We should clear understand the carton CBM & weight of carton otherwise we cannot accurately space book in the logistic & forwarder. If we can not accurately calculate the CBM & weight of carton then it will be loss of profit. The freight forwarder freight costs calculate on the CBM. It is the most important calculation & reducing the shipping cost. If goods is full container loaded then you have to pay full container loaded cost (FCL) if goods is less container loaded then you have to pay less container loaded cost (LCL).After read this article you  can get clear idea about CBM.

We have to know below information for CBM calculation.

1. Carton Length.
2. Carton Width.
3. Carton Height.
4. Quantity of carton.

For example:

1. Carton Length-60cm
2. Carton width-40cm
3. Carton Height-20cm
4. Carton quantity-2,000 Pcs

Firstly, we have to calculate cubic meter. According to measurement mention cm (Centimeter) & now it convert into meter (m).As we know (1m=100cm).

According to CBM formula

CBM=Carton length X Carton width X carton Height

           =60cm X 40cm X20cm

          =0.60mX0.4mX0.2m

          =0.048 m3

Only 1 carton CBM is 0.048 m3 then 2000 pcs carton CBM will be

CBM=0.048X2,000

        =96 m3

Finally, we can say 2,000 pcs carton CBM is 96 m3.

For our easy understanding load ability of ocean containers in the following.

• 20’ft container 26-28 CBM
• 40’ft container 56-58 CBM
• 40’ft HQ container 60-68 CBM
• 45’ft HQ container about 78 CBM

Md.Mahbub-Ul Islam

RMG consultant & Researcher