What is the difference between CBM and dimensional weight?
CBM measures packed volume in cubic metres. Dimensional weight converts occupied space into kilograms using a service divisor. With carton dimensions in centimetres, CBM = length × width × height ÷ 1,000,000; dimensional kg = length × width × height ÷ the service divisor. Confirm the divisor and chargeable-weight method for the service being quoted.
Worked example: two carton types in one shipment
These are illustrative figures, not a customer shipment or freight offer. Assume two type-A cartons, each 60 × 40 × 50 cm and 12 kg, plus one type-B carton measuring 40 × 30 × 30 cm and weighing 15 kg. Type A occupies 0.240 m³ in total; type B occupies 0.036 m³. Total volume is 0.276 m³ and total actual weight is 39 kg.
An example divisor and the effect of per-package comparison
For this exercise only, assume a divisor of 6,000; this is not a confirmed PersiaCargo lane divisor. Each A carton has 20 kg dimensional weight and B has 6 kg. If the service compares actual and dimensional weight per package, the comparison total is 20 + 20 + 15 = 55 kg. Comparing shipment totals instead gives 46 kg and would be incorrect under that method. Minimum charges and rounding have not yet been applied.
What should you measure before requesting a quote?
Record external dimensions of the final packed carton and gross weight per carton. Use a quantity for identical cartons and separate rows for different dimensions. Measure again after palletising or repacking. Reducing carton size is useful only when the goods remain protected and the packing remains acceptable for transport.
How to use the result in an enquiry
Enter the example in the cargo tool with divisor 6,000: the comparison should be 55 kg. Replace it with your actual measurements, transfer the summary into an enquiry and ask the team to confirm the divisor, per-package or shipment method, minimums and rounding. CBM alone does not establish a final air or sea freight price.
If package measurements change after the enquiry
Link each calculation to the package-register version you measured. After adding a pallet or crate, or changing package counts, enter the final weights and dimensions for the revised register and recalculate. Send both results and the reason for the change to the team, then confirm how the revision affects the offer. Calculator output does not replace a confirmed rate, minimum charge or dispatch approval.
Illustrative calculation summary
Assumed divisor 6,000; per-package comparison before minimums and rounding.
Scroll the table horizontally to see all columns.
| Type | Count | Volume (m³) | Actual kg | Comparison kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 | 0.240 | 24 | 40 |
| B | 1 | 0.036 | 15 | 15 |
| Total | 3 | 0.276 | 39 | 55 |
Reference for measurement principles. This article uses an assumed divisor; the source establishes no PersiaCargo tariff, cargo acceptance or carrier relationship.
Published by PersiaCargo · Educational content
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