Cubic Meter? How to Accurately Calculate In Import, Export ​

1. What does import and export CBM mean? CBM unit

To enhance consumers' comprehension of CBM, kindly refer to the details provided below.

• The term "Cubic Meter" is shortened to CBM, which stands for cubic meter. This unit of measurement is used to compute transportation charges as well as measure the size and volume of products.

This is the unit used in the majority of goods transportation techniques, including air, sea, road, and container transportation.

• Formula to calculate CBM in cubic meter (m3)

CBM = (length x width x height) x number of bales

Note: Convert length, width and height units to meters (m).

• Formula to calculate CBM in cubic centimeter (cm3)

“CBM = [(length x width x height) / 1,000,000] x number of blocks”

2. Guidelines for converting CBM to kg during import and export

What is cubic meter and why is it necessary to convert to Kg in import and export? Converting CBM to Kg helps carriers calculate reasonable shipping costs for all items. In addition, this conversion method helps customers avoid losses when shipping 2 or more types of goods.

But every mode of transportation will have a unique conversion process, like this one:

Vehicle	1 CBM/Kg
✅Road	333 Kg
✅Sea Road	1000 Kg
✅Airway	167 Kg

For example: A shipment has 5 packages, each weighing 800kg. Please convert CBM to Kg.

Answer: Convert CBM to Kg = Weight x number of bales = 800 x 5 = 4000 Kg.

>>>> CLICK HERE: Latest process of exporting goods by sea

3. How to compute freight charges by air, sea, or road 

Do you now know what cubic meters are? We shall then discover how it is calculated. The cost of shipping will be determined differently for each shipping method. To gain a better understanding, let's follow the calculation below.

3.1 How to compute CBM while shipping by plane

You must compare the acceptable weight with the overall weight of the goods before figuring out the freight costs. The greater value that arises from this will be the one utilized to determine air transport costs. Given that the conversion constant for air cargo is 167 kg per kg, the freight will be determined as follows.

For example: 1 Lot of goods has 10 packages with the following parameters:

The size of a package is 40cm x 50cm x 40cm.

The weight of one bale is 100kgs/bale.

Step 1: Calculate the total weight of the shipment using the following method.

• Total weight of the shipment = number of packages x weight of one package = 10 x 100 = 1,000 kg.

Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment with the formula of number of packages x package volume.

• Size of a package in cm => 40cm x 50cm x 40cm.
• Dimensions of a package in meters => 0.4m x 0.5m x 0.4m.
• Volume of a package = 0.4 x 0.5 x 0.4 = 0.08 cbm (m3).
• Total shipment volume = number of packages x volume of one package = 10 x 0.08 = 0.8 cbm.

Step 3: Calculate the volumetric weight of the shipment with the formula of total shipment volume x constant volumetric weight.

• Conversion constant in sea transport: 1CBM = 167Kg.
• Volumetric weight of the shipment = 0.08 cbm x 167kg/cmb = 133.6 kg.

Step 4: Compare the Total Weight and Volumetric Weight of the shipment.

• Total weight of shipment = 1,000 kg.
• Volumetric weight of shipment = 133.6 kg
• The volumetric weight is greater than (<) the total weight of the shipment, so the freight charge for the shipment is calculated based on the total weight of the shipment, which is 1,000kg.

3.2 How to compute CBM for maritime cargo

We must compare the real weight of the cargo with its overall weight, much like with sea cargo. The greater value that arises from this will be the one utilized to determine sea transport costs. The conversion constant for sea cargo is 1000 kg, and the freight will be computed using the following formula.

For example: 1 Lot of goods has 10 packages with the following parameters:

The size of a package is 140cm x 120cm x 170cm.

The weight of one bale is 900kgs/bale.

Step 1: Calculate the total weight of the shipment using the following method.

• Total weight of the shipment = number of packages x weight of one package = 10 x 900 = 9,000 kg.

Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment with the formula number of packages x package volume.

• Size of a package in cm => 140cm x 120cm x 170cm.
• Dimensions of a package in meters => 1.4m x 1.2m x 1.7m.
• Volume of a package = 1.4 x 1.2 x 1.7 = 2,856 cbm (m3).
• Total shipment volume = number of packages x volume of one package = 10 x 2,856 = 28.65 cbm.

Step 3: Use the formula total shipment volume x constant volumetric weight to determine the volumetric weight of the cargo.

• One CBM is equal to 1000 kg for transporting cargo by sea.
• Shipment volume measured in cubic feet = 28.65 cbm * 1000 kg/cmb = 28,560 kg.

Step 4: Examine the shipment's volumetric and total weights.

The shipment's total weight is 9,000 kilograms.

Shipment's volumetric weight is 28,560 kg.

The freight charge for the cargo is determined using the volumetric weight of 28,560 kg, because the volumetric weight of the shipment is higher than the overall weight of the shipment.

3.3 How to determine a road products' CBM

We must also compare the actual weight of the items with their overall weight, just like we do with commodities transported by air or sea. The greater value that arises from this will be the one utilized to determine road transport costs. Given that the conversion constant for cargo is 333 kg per kg, the freight will be determined as follows.

For example: 1 Lot of goods has 10 packages with the following parameters:

The size of a package is 160cm x 120cm x 160cm.

The weight of a package is 500kgs/package.

Step 1: Calculate the total weight of the shipment using the following method.

• Total weight of the shipment = number of packages x weight of each package = 10 x 500 = 5,000 kg.

Step 2: Calculate the volume of the shipment with the formula number of packages x package volume.

• Size of a package in cm => 160cm x 120cm x 160cm.
• Dimensions of a package in meters => 1.6m x 1.2m x 1.6m.
• Volume of a package = 1.6 x 1.2 x 1.6 = 3,072 cbm (m3).
• Total shipment volume = number of packages x volume of one package = 10 x 3.072 = 30.72 cbm.

Step 3: Use the formula total shipment volume x constant volumetric weight to determine the volumetric weight of the cargo.

• In transport by sea, one CBM is equivalent to 333 kg.
• The shipment's volumetric weight is 10,229.76 kg, or 30.72 cbm * 333 kg/cmb.

Step 4: Examine the shipment's volumetric and total weights.

The shipment's total weight is 5,000 kilograms.

shipment's volumetric weight is 10,229.76 kg.

The freight charge for the shipment is determined by taking the volumetric weight of the shipment—10,229.76 kg—and multiplying it by the total weight of the shipment.

4. Why is it important to understand what CBM is?

Cubic meter: What is it? Why is knowledge of CBM important? Many people always have this question when they wish to import and export items. The functions and advantages of CBM are listed below to help you better comprehend it.

• The role of CBM is expressed specifically as follows:
  • When transporting commodities both domestically and internationally, this quantity is utilized to measure them. Aside from that, this unit is also used to calculate the volume of cargo carried by air, sea, and land transportation.
  • The best and most efficient way to calculate and arrange transportation is with the use of CBM. Additionally, the way the commodities are arranged is more scientific in order to prevent them from being too big or heavy for shipping.
  • Cubic meter: What is it? This measurement is used to determine the volume of goods with accuracy. For many businesses, it then becomes the foundation for determining freight prices.

• The practical benefits of CBM can include:
  • Transportation of huge, flexible, and varied items is possible with CBM.
  • Freight train schedules are always set, unambiguous, and uniform for railroad cars.
  • If something goes wrong while being transported, a market-price return policy will be in effect.
  • Compared to the price of fuel, freight rates for railway vehicles are less variable.
  • Equipment and modern rail infrastructure to facilitate container transportation.
  • a big, committed team with years of expertise in the field.
  • Transit times are quicker and more precise for dry, refrigerated, and rail containers.

5. Guidelines for rapidly resizing CBM with automated tools

How can I quickly resize a cubic meter and what does it mean? To assist clients with calculations, an automatic size conversion tool has been developed. The instructions below will help you utilize this tool more effectively.

• Step 1: Customers must enter the goods' dimensions, including length, breadth, and height, in centimeters (cm).
• Step 2: Keep inputting the shipment's total number of packages.
• Step 3: Click the [Add] button if the customer's goods come in a wide range of sizes. Next, input the quantity of packages and the size of the goods as in Steps 1 and 2.
• Step 4: The customer clicks the [Convert] button to view the results.
• Step 5: Read the results and take note of the following: 
  • See the CBM block number results if the products are being carried by sea.
  • See the KGS findings if the products are being carried by air.

6. Dolphin Sea Air is a trustworthy and high-caliber import and export cargo shipping company

With over 15 years of experience in the logistics industry, Dolphin Sea Air guarantees that you will be happy with our service. Along with that, there is a nationwide office system, a group of professionals, and over 300 employees. We are certain that we will be the top logistics unit in Vietnam.

The following advantages come with hiring our company's services:

• Expert shipping procedure.
• The process is quick and easy to follow, utilizing digitalization in multiple stages.
• cleared customs for clients and handled numerous challenging instances.
• Any updates or changes to customs regulations or processes should be communicated to customers.
• Receive a free consultation.
• Create an adaptable roadmap with a close-knit network of partners spanning 150 nations worldwide.
• Free advice and route verification are provided.
• All customer needs are met by transportation time, which is always accompanied by carrier liability insurance.
• Top varied routes available right now.

Dolphin Sea Air Services Corporation

• Office contact:
  • Hanoi: 18th Floor, Epic Tower, 19 Duy Tan Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District
  • Hai Phong: 3rd Floor, No 274 Danang Street, Van My Ward, Ngo Quyen District, Haiphong City
  • Da Nang: 6th Floor, Truc Thang Mien Trung Building, Nguyen Van Linh Roadm Thac Gian Ward, Thanh Khe District, Danang City
  • Ho Chi Minh City: 6th Floor, Hai Au Building, 39B Truong Son Street, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Hotline: 1900986813
• Email: info@dolphinseair.com

Dolphin Sea Air wishes to provide you with all of the information that is listed above on cubic meters, including how to calculate it for import and export. With any luck, this knowledge will enable you to comprehend CBM in import and export more fully. Please use our website or hotline to contact us with any questions.

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