Many LCL ocean-freight charges use weight or measure (W/M). Under the common one-CBM-versus-one-metric-tonne convention, the chargeable revenue quantity is whichever is greater.
Basic planning rule
W/M = max(shipment CBM, shipment kilograms ÷ 1,000)
A 6 m³ shipment weighing 2,000 kg rates at 6 W/M on this basis. A 2 m³ shipment weighing 5,000 kg rates at 5 W/M.
Minimums still matter
Forwarder or lane quotes can impose minimum chargeable W/M or a minimum monetary ocean-freight charge. The LCL Freight Cost Calculator and LCL vs FCL Calculator expose those minimums rather than hiding them.
Always read the actual quote because CFS, documentation, security, pickup, delivery, customs and destination charges can sit outside the ocean W/M line.
Source & review
Reference provenance
- Primary source
- DHL Global Forwarding — LCL rate cost drivers
- Primary source link
- Open source
- Additional sources
- Last reviewed
- September 28, 2026
Operational standards, tariffs and equipment can change. CargoToolsHub maps each table or method to the cited review basis where possible and still recommends checking the exact carrier, operator or standard that applies to your shipment.