Use this when
Questions this estimate can answer
- A forwarder quotes ocean freight by weight or measure (W/M).
- Your shipment contains multiple carton, crate or pallet lines.
- You want to audit a quote before comparing the headline ocean rate.
Ocean freight calculator
LCL Chargeable Volume Calculator — W/M, CBM & Ocean Cost
Enter multiple carton, crate, or pallet lines to calculate total CBM and gross tonnes. Apply the larger W/M basis, a quoted minimum, ocean rate, W/M surcharges, and local fees.
Prefilled worked example
Ten crates at 100 × 80 × 80 cm and 420 kg eachCompare LCL chargeable CBM with metric tonnes, apply W/M minimums and expose fixed local charges in one estimate.
W/M units = max(total CBM, gross metric tonnes); total = W/M units × rate + fixed feesYour inputs · cargo lines & quote
Live resultAdd surcharges and local chargesOptional
LCL W/M audit flow
Rebuild the quote before comparing the total
Maersk LCL terminology and public tariff guidance reviewed August 6, 2026
- 01Cargo lines
Calculate total cubic metres and gross kilograms
- 02Metric tonnes
Gross kilograms ÷ 1,000
- 03W/M
Use the greater of CBM and metric tonnes
- 04Minimum
Apply the quoted minimum chargeable unit
- 05Variable fees
Multiply chargeable W/M by every per-unit line
- 06All-in estimate
Add origin, destination, documentation, and fixed fees
Not for
Checks you still need to make
- Choosing a tariff, currency or local charge that is absent from the quote.
- Assuming every forwarder uses the same minimum, rounding or density rule.
- Treating an estimate as a booking confirmation or customs declaration.
Need the repeatable version?
Carry this result into the $19 operations workbook.
Batch calculations, quote comparisons, landed cost, pallet planning, and margin sheets stay connected in one editable Excel file.
Method & limits
How this estimate works
FreightKit keeps the working visible so you can sense-check the answer before using it in a decision.
W/M units = max(total CBM, gross metric tonnes); total = W/M units × rate + fixed fees
Tariffs can use minimums, density rules, local charges, and currencies that differ from this simple W/M model. Follow the forwarder's quote.
Explore the complete LCL weight or measure reference ↗Primary referencesMaersk LCL weight and measure terms ↗Maersk shipping glossary — W/M ↗
This calculator is a planning aid, not a carrier quotation, engineering assessment, or professional advice. Verify critical figures against current supplier and carrier documentation.
Worked example
Ten crates at 100 × 80 × 80 cm and 420 kg each
- Volume: 1.00 × 0.80 × 0.80 × 10 = 6.4 CBM.
- Gross weight: 420 × 10 = 4,200 kg, or 4.2 metric tonnes.
- Compare 6.4 measure units with 4.2 weight units, then apply the quote minimum and fee structure.
ResultVolume controls at 6.4 W/M units in this common model; fixed origin, destination and document fees remain separate.
Avoid these errors
Common mistakes that change the answer
- Adding carton cube and palletised cube for the same cargo.
- Comparing kilograms directly with CBM instead of converting to metric tonnes under the quoted rule.
- Applying one minimum to the whole invoice when different fee lines have different minimums.
- Ranking quotes by ocean rate while omitting destination and document charges.
A calculator can expose the arithmetic; the applicable carrier rate card, handling standard, or freight quotation still controls the real transaction.
Use the number well
6 minUnderstand LCL weight or measure before comparing quotes ↗
Calculate the basic W/M unit and identify the local charges that often dominate a small ocean shipment.
8 minHow to calculate LCL W/M for multiple cartons, crates, and pallets ↗Build cargo lines, total CBM and gross weight once, and apply weight or measure without double-counting quantity.
8 minLCL minimum charges and local fees: build an all-in estimate ↗Separate W/M charges from shipment-level fees so a small LCL quote does not look cheaper than its invoice.
8 minCBM vs weight ton vs W/M for LCL: do not compare the wrong units ↗Separate physical volume, gross tonnes, chargeable W/M, and quoted rates so an LCL estimate survives invoice review.