CBM, or cubic meter, is the standard unit of volume in freight, found by multiplying a shipment’s length, width, and height in meters. Carriers use CBM to work out how much space a load occupies, which drives pricing for ocean LCL, road, and air cargo. A consignment of several cartons is totaled into one CBM figure that determines the rate alongside its weight.
Volume matters because freight is charged on whichever is greater, the weight or the space. Light, bulky cargo prices on CBM, while dense cargo prices on weight. Knowing the CBM of your load helps you compare LCL and full-container options. Texas International Freight calculates the most cost-effective mode for your ocean freight.
