What is LCL W/M?
Less-than-container-load ocean freight is commonly rated using weight or measurement, written W/M. The shipment's cubic volume is compared with its gross weight in metric tonnes.
Under the common comparison, one cubic metre represents one measurement revenue ton and 1,000 kilograms represents one weight revenue ton.
LCL chargeable W/M formula
The larger result is the common planning basis before any quotation-specific minimum, rounding rule or surcharge is applied.
LCL calculation example
Suppose a shipment measures 6.4 CBM and has a gross weight of 420 kg.
Because 6.4 is greater than 0.42, measurement is the chargeable basis and the pre-minimum result is 6.4 W/M.
Weight-rated LCL cargo
Dense cargo can be rated by weight rather than volume. For example, a shipment measuring 2 CBM and weighing 3,500 kg produces:
The common planning basis is therefore 3.5 W/M on weight.
What happens when weight and volume are equal?
A shipment of 2 CBM weighing 2,000 kg produces 2 measurement RT and 2 weight RT. The calculator labels this result as equal because neither basis is larger.
LCL minimum W/M
Freight quotations can include a minimum chargeable quantity. The calculator starts with a planning value of 1 W/M, but you can replace it with the minimum shown on your actual quotation or tariff.
A minimum is not a universal substitute for the forwarder's tariff. Different charge lines can also have different minimums.
Optional freight-rate estimate
If you already have a quoted ocean rate per W/M, enter it to estimate the base freight.
The calculator does not retrieve live freight rates. The currency selector only labels your entered rate and does not perform foreign-exchange conversion.
Shipment density
Shipment density can help show why a cargo is being rated on volume or weight.
Under the common 1 CBM to 1,000 kg W/M comparison, shipments below 1,000 kg/m³ tend to be measurement-rated, while shipments above that point tend to be weight-rated.
W/M vs. air chargeable weight
Ocean LCL W/M should not be confused with air-freight volumetric weight. Air freight commonly compares actual weight with a volumetric weight calculated from package dimensions and an applicable divisor.
For air cargo, use the Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator.
W/M vs. CBM
CBM measures physical shipment volume only. W/M adds the shipment's gross weight and compares the two charging bases.
If you still need to calculate cubic volume from carton dimensions and quantities, use the CBM Calculator.
LCL vs. full-container loading
LCL cargo shares container space with other shipments and can be rated by W/M. Full container shipments are generally quoted using the container equipment and route rather than this simple W/M calculation.
For carton capacity in common container sizes, use the Container Loading Calculator.
Gross weight matters
Use final packed gross weight, including packaging, pallets, crates and other material that forms part of the shipment. Using product net weight can understate the weight basis.
Charges not included
An ocean freight rate per W/M is not necessarily the complete shipment cost. A quotation can include origin handling, destination handling, documentation, terminal charges, customs-related fees, security charges, pickup, delivery and other surcharges.
The optional freight result on this page should therefore be treated as a base-rate calculation only.
Related shipping calculations
Calculate physical shipment volume with the CBM Calculator.
Calculate air-cargo billing weight with the Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator.
Estimate cartons per dry container with the Container Loading Calculator.
This calculator applies the common ocean LCL comparison of cubic metres with gross metric tonnes. Actual tariffs can use different minimums, increments, rounding rules, commodity terms and additional charges. Always follow the applicable freight quotation or carrier tariff.
Frequently asked questions
What does W/M mean in ocean freight?
It means weight or measurement. A common LCL method compares shipment CBM with gross metric tonnes and uses the larger value.
Is 1 CBM equal to 1,000 kg for LCL W/M?
In the common W/M comparison used by this calculator, one measurement unit is 1 CBM and one weight unit is 1 metric tonne, or 1,000 kg.
Does 6 CBM always mean 6 W/M?
Not always. If the gross weight exceeds 6 metric tonnes, weight would become the larger basis. A quoted minimum can also affect the final chargeable amount.
Does the calculator provide a live LCL rate?
No. Enter your own quoted rate if you want a base freight estimate.
Are destination charges included?
No. The optional cost result only multiplies the calculated W/M by the rate you enter.
Using this calculator effectively
The LCL Chargeable Volume Calculator compares shipment cubic metres with gross weight in metric tonnes to estimate the common ocean LCL weight-or-measure basis. It can also apply a quotation minimum and an optional user-entered rate per W/M.
Common uses
- Checking whether an LCL shipment is likely to be rated by measurement or gross weight.
- Verifying the W/M quantity shown on an ocean-freight quotation or invoice.
- Applying a quoted minimum and base rate to estimate the ocean-freight line before additional charges.
Tips for a better estimate
- Use final packed CBM and final gross shipment weight, including pallets, crates and packaging.
- Replace the default planning minimum with the minimum stated on the applicable quotation or tariff.
- Treat the optional freight amount as a base-rate estimate because local charges, surcharges, rounding and tariff rules can differ.
Related calculations
Air Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator · Dimensional Weight Calculator · CBM Calculator