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No Responses September 1, 2025

Sea Cargo Shipping: How to Calculate CBM and Weight for Your Shipment

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Learn how to calculate CBM (Cubic Meter) and weight for sea cargo shipments. Step-by-step guide for exporters and businesses with Singh International Xpress, Amritsar, Punjab.

📦 What is CBM in Sea Cargo?

CBM (Cubic Meter) measures the volume of your shipment. For sea freight, couriers and freight forwarders use CBM to determine how much space your goods will occupy in the container.

CBM Formula:
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)

Example:
A crate measuring 2 m × 1.5 m × 1 m →
CBM = 2 × 1.5 × 1 = 3 CBM

CBM is crucial for sea shipments because charges are often based on volume rather than actual weight.

⚖️ What is Chargeable Weight for Sea Cargo?

For sea freight, cargo is charged either by:

  • Actual Weight (kg) – the physical weight of your goods

  • Volumetric Weight (CBM) – when your cargo is large but light

The chargeable weight is the higher of the two. This ensures the shipping company is compensated for the space your cargo occupies.

🧮 How to Calculate CBM for Sea Cargo

  1. Measure your packages in meters (m). Include packaging.

  2. Multiply dimensions:
    CBM = Length × Width × Height

  3. Sum CBM of all packages to get the total shipment volume.

Example:

  • Package 1: 2 m × 1.5 m × 1 m = 3 CBM

  • Package 2: 1.2 m × 0.8 m × 0.5 m = 0.48 CBM
    Total CBM = 3 + 0.48 = 3.48 CBM

⚓ Tips for Sea Cargo CBM & Weight

  • Always include packaging in measurements.

  • For irregular-shaped cargo, approximate dimensions or ask your freight forwarder for guidance.

  • Sea freight charges may vary for FCL (Full Container Load) vs LCL (Less than Container Load).

  • Contact your shipping company for the exact CBM to weight conversion factor, as it may differ by service.

📞 Contact Singh International Xpress for Sea Cargo Shipping

We provide trusted sea freight services from Amritsar, Punjab to worldwide destinations. Our team helps calculate CBM, chargeable weight, and container requirements for smooth export.

Contact Us:
🌐 Website: www.singhxpress.com , www.singhxpress.in
📱 Phone: +91 96465 55522 | +91 79867 01081
🏢 Location: Amritsar, Punjab
✉️ Service: Singh International Xpress – Couriers & Sea Cargo Experts