LCL Freight Calculator (Weight or Measure / W/M)
Calculate ocean LCL chargeable volume using the Weight or Measure (W/M) revenue ton principle.
Live Calculation Results
Chargeable W/M (planning)
Measure basis
- This is a planning estimate and does not include automatically assumed carrier fees or surcharges.
- Total CBM
- 19.200 m³
- Total weight
- 2,400.00 kg2.400 tonnes
- Measure vs weight
- Measure (CBM)
- Chargeable W/M
- 19.200 W/M
What this means
- 19.200 m³ versus 2.400 tonnes. Measure (CBM) is greater than weight in tonnes, so volume sets the W/M.
- Enter a rate in Advanced options to see base freight. No rate is assumed.
Assumptions used
- W/M = the greater of CBM and weight in tonnes (kg ÷ 1,000). Rate, minimum and fees are only used if you enter them.
- Rating basis, minimums and charges depend on the carrier or consolidator.
Planning Notice & Scope Boundary
This is a planning estimate and does not include carrier-specific fees, BAF, CAF, THC, or local port charges.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
Revenue Ton (RT) = max(Shipment CBM, Metric Tonnes). Base Freight = RT × Ocean Freight Rate.
W/M = max(Volume in CBM, Weight in MT)| Variable | Definition & Basis |
|---|---|
| CBM | Cubic meters of cargo |
| Metric Tonnes | Weight in kg ÷ 1,000 |
| Revenue Ton (RT) | The greater of CBM or metric tonnes |
Worked Example: Ocean LCL Palletized Cargo
4 pallets totaling 5.2 CBM weighing 2,800 kg. Ocean freight rate quoted at $85 per W/M.
Input Parameters
- Shipment Volume5.20 CBM
- Shipment Weight2,800 kg (2.80 metric tonnes)
- Freight Rate$85.00 per RT
Step-by-Step Calculation Breakdown
- 1Convert weight to tonnes: 2,800 kg ÷ 1,000 = 2.80 MT.
- 2Compare Volume (5.20 CBM) vs Weight (2.80 MT): 5.20 > 2.80.
- 3Billable W/M basis: 5.20 Revenue Tons (Volume basis).
- 4Base freight cost: 5.20 RT × $85.00 = $442.00.
Assumptions Used
- Standard ocean ratio: 1 CBM = 1 metric ton (1,000 kg).
- Does not assume origin/destination THC, BAF, CAF, or documentation fees unless entered.
Important Limitations
- This is a planning estimate. Forwarders apply minimum revenue tons (often 1 or 2 RT) and port surcharges.
Authoritative Standards & Sources
Weight or Measure (W/M) and revenue ton ↗
LCL freight is commonly rated per revenue ton: the greater of cubic metres or metric tonnes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does W/M mean in ocean shipping?
W/M stands for Weight or Measure. Ocean carriers rate LCL shipments per Revenue Ton (RT), charging based on whichever number is larger: cubic meters (measure) or metric tonnes (weight).
Why are destination charges so high on LCL freight?
LCL freight involves container de-consolidation, warehouse handling, and port documentation at the destination CFS (Container Freight Station). These fixed port handling charges are billed separately from base ocean freight.
What to Calculate Next
Freight planning connects sequentially from package dimensions to freight class, pallets, and full equipment: