Enter rate per Freight Ton (CBM or Ton, whichever is greater)
Total Volume:0.000 CBM
Total Weight:0.000 Ton
Chargeable Units (Revenue Tons):0.000 w/m
Estimated Freight Cost
0.00
*Calculation assumes standard sea freight ratio of 1 CBM = 1000 kg.
function calculateLCL() {
// Get inputs
var l = parseFloat(document.getElementById("length").value);
var w = parseFloat(document.getElementById("width").value);
var h = parseFloat(document.getElementById("height").value);
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weight").value);
var qty = parseFloat(document.getElementById("quantity").value);
var rate = parseFloat(document.getElementById("rate").value);
// Validation
if (isNaN(l) || isNaN(w) || isNaN(h) || isNaN(weight) || isNaN(qty) || isNaN(rate)) {
alert("Please fill in all fields with valid numbers.");
return;
}
// 1. Calculate Total Volume in CBM
// (L*W*H in cm) / 1,000,000 = CBM per package
var singleVolCbm = (l * w * h) / 1000000;
var totalVolCbm = singleVolCbm * qty;
// 2. Calculate Total Weight in Metric Tons
// (Weight in kg) / 1000 = Tons per package
var singleWeightTon = weight / 1000;
var totalWeightTon = singleWeightTon * qty;
// 3. Determine Chargeable Volume (Revenue Tons)
// For standard LCL, compare CBM vs Tons. Take the higher number.
var chargeableUnits = Math.max(totalVolCbm, totalWeightTon);
// 4. Calculate Total Cost
var totalCost = chargeableUnits * rate;
// Display Results
document.getElementById("resVol").innerHTML = totalVolCbm.toFixed(3) + " CBM";
document.getElementById("resWeight").innerHTML = totalWeightTon.toFixed(3) + " Ton";
// Highlight which metric was used
var chargeLabel = chargeableUnits === totalVolCbm ? " (Based on Volume)" : " (Based on Weight)";
document.getElementById("resChargable").innerHTML = chargeableUnits.toFixed(3) + " W/M" + chargeLabel;
document.getElementById("resCost").innerHTML = totalCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block";
}
How to Calculate LCL Rates (Weight/Measure)
Calculating LCL (Less than Container Load) rates is a fundamental skill in logistics and supply chain management. Unlike FCL (Full Container Load) where you pay a flat fee per container, LCL shipments are charged based on the amount of space or weight the cargo occupies in a shared container.
This method of billing is known as W/M (Weight or Measure). It ensures that the carrier is compensated fairly whether the cargo is very heavy and dense (like steel) or very bulky and light (like cotton).
Understanding the W/M Formula
For standard sea freight consolidation, the industry standard conversion factor is:
1 Cubic Meter (CBM) = 1,000 Kilograms (1 Ton)
The freight carrier will calculate both the total volume (in CBM) and the total weight (in Metric Tons) of your shipment. The "Chargeable Volume" or "Revenue Tons" will be the higher of these two numbers.
Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
Follow these steps to determine your LCL costs manually:
1. Calculate Total Volume (CBM)
Measure the dimensions of your cargo in centimeters. Multiply Length × Width × Height to get the volume in cubic centimeters. Divide by 1,000,000 to convert to Cubic Meters (CBM). Multiply by the number of packages.
Take the gross weight of your cargo in kilograms and divide by 1,000.
Example: The pallet weighs 1,500 kg
1,500 / 1,000 = 1.5 Tons
3. Determine Revenue Tons
Compare the CBM (1.2) against the Tons (1.5). Since 1.5 is greater than 1.2, the shipment is considered "Heavy Cargo" and the chargeable weight is 1.5 W/M.
Conversely, if the pallet only weighed 500kg (0.5 Tons), the CBM (1.2) would be higher, and the chargeable volume would be 1.2 W/M.
4. Apply the Freight Rate
Multiply the Revenue Tons by the quoted freight rate.
Example Rate: $50 per W/M
1.5 Revenue Tons × $50 = $75.00 Total Freight Cost
Why is there a minimum calculation?
Most LCL consolidators have a minimum charge, often usually 1 CBM or 1 Ton. Even if your box is 0.2 CBM and 50kg, you will likely be charged for 1.0 W/M minimum.
Does this apply to Air Freight?
No. The calculator above uses the sea freight standard (1:1000). Air freight uses a different volumetric divisor (usually 1:167 or dividing cubic centimeters by 6000), resulting in a much higher chargeable weight for bulky items compared to sea freight.