CBM & Landed Cost Calculator
Enter your cartons — get volume, chargeable weight, freight, duties and total landed cost to your country. Free, instant, no signup.
Example: 50 × 40 × 40 cm, 15 kg
Reference estimates only — final cost depends on exact HS code, declared value, pickup city and live rates. Ask us for an exact, all-in quote.
Get an exact quote for United States →How to calculate CBM
- 1. Measure the carton in centimeters — length × width × height.
- 2. Multiply the dimensions: 50 × 40 × 40 cm = 80,000 cm³.
- 3. Divide by 1,000,000 to get CBM per carton: 0.08 CBM.
- 4. Multiply by quantity: 100 cartons × 0.08 = 8 CBM total.
Volumetric weight — why it matters
Carriers charge by whichever is heavier: actual weight or volumetric weight. For air freight, volumetric weight = CBM × 167 kg. Our 8 CBM shipment above “weighs” 1,336 kg by air even if the scale says 400 kg — so air quotes use 1,336 kg. That’s why big-but-light cargo almost always goes by sea.
LCL vs FCL vs Air vs Express
| Method | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Express | < 0.5 CBM, samples, urgent | Most expensive per kg |
| Air | < 2 CBM, time-sensitive | Volumetric weight can surprise you |
| Sea LCL | 0.5–10 CBM, budget priority | Destination CFS fees (often $30–60/CBM extra) |
| Sea FCL | > 15 CBM | Wasted space below ~10 CBM |
Between 10–15 CBM, ask for both LCL and a 20ft container quote — with destination fees included, full containers often win earlier than buyers expect.
Why chargeable weight matters for your wallet
- ✓ Fair pricing — carriers balance weight vs space, so light cargo pays by volume
- ✓ Optimized costs — knowing your chargeable weight stops you picking the wrong mode
- ✓ No surprises — our quotes list the basis (CBM or chargeable kg) explicitly
Reference freight rates from China
| Destination | Sea LCL (per CBM) | Air (per kg) | Transit (sea) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | $45–$80 | $3.5–$7.5 | 25–35 days |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | $50–$90 | $3.5–$8 | 28–40 days |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | $50–$90 | $3.5–$8 | 28–38 days |
| 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | $30–$60 | $2.5–$5 | 18–28 days |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | $35–$70 | $3–$6 | 22–32 days |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | $60–$120 | $4–$8 | 35–50 days |
Reference ranges, updated periodically — live rates change weekly. Ask for today’s exact price.
Calculator FAQ
+How accurate are the estimates?
The math is exact; the rates are reference ranges. Your final quote uses today's live rate, your exact HS code and pickup city — request it and you'll have it within hours.
+Does the estimate include customs clearance?
Duties and taxes are estimated by category. Customs brokerage itself is included in our DDP service, or quoted separately on FOB terms.
+What about hidden LCL destination fees?
That's the industry's favorite trick — a $45/CBM ocean rate that arrives with $60/CBM of CFS charges. Our quotes list destination fees in writing before you book.
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