When I ship goods from China to the Philippines, understanding how to calculate CBM (Cubic Meter) is essential—it determines the freight cost, especially for LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments. Whether you’re shipping to a Philippines port or opting for commercial delivery to your warehouse, knowing the CBM helps avoid unexpected charges.
1. What Is CBM and Why Does It Matter?
CBM (Cubic Meter) measures the volume of your cargo. It’s calculated using the formula:
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
Freight forwarders use CBM to determine how much space your shipment occupies in a container. For Philippines ocean freight, especially LCL, the more CBM you use, the higher the cost.
2. How I Calculate CBM for My Shipments
Here’s how I do it step-by-step:
- Convert all measurements from centimeters to meters
(e.g., 120 cm = 1.2 m) - Use the formula above for each box or pallet
- If shipping multiple identical cartons, multiply the result by the quantity
✅ Example:
Carton size: 60 cm × 40 cm × 50 cm = 0.06 × 0.4 × 0.5 = 0.012 CBM
10 cartons: 0.012 × 10 = 0.12 CBM
I always provide this info to my forwarder to get an accurate quote.
3. CBM and Delivery Options in the Philippines
- If you’re going for Philippines port delivery from a China warehouse, you’ll only pay up to the Philippine port (e.g., Manila or Cebu).
- For Philippines commercial delivery from China, you’ll need to calculate CBM to estimate door-to-door charges, which often include local delivery, customs, and documentation.
4. Don’t Forget Dimensional Weight (Air Freight Only)
Though not directly related to ocean freight, be aware that air shipments often calculate volumetric weight, which can differ. Ocean freight is purely CBM-based.
People Also Ask (PAA)
1. How do I calculate CBM for sea freight to the Philippines?
Multiply the length, width, and height (in meters) of your package. If shipping multiple boxes, multiply by the total quantity.
2. What is the minimum CBM for LCL shipping from China to the Philippines?
Most freight companies require at least 0.5 CBM for LCL shipments.
3. Can I ship less than 1 CBM to the Philippines?
Yes, but the rate might be calculated as if it’s 1 CBM due to minimum charges.
4. How does CBM affect Philippines commercial delivery?
CBM determines the base shipping fee and impacts local delivery charges, especially for door-to-door services.
5. Does the origin warehouse in China pack to minimize CBM?
Yes. Reputable China warehouses offering Philippines delivery services often optimize packing to reduce your CBM and shipping costs.