Calculate LCL freight costs based on volume, weight, and surcharges
Freight Summary
Total Volume (CBM):0.00Chargeable Volume:0.00Base Freight:$0.00Surcharges (BAF/CAF):$0.00Fixed Fees:$0.00Estimated Total Cost:$0.00
* Note: Chargeable weight was adjusted because the weight-to-volume ratio exceeded 1000kg per 1 CBM.
Understanding Sea Shipping Rate Calculations
Calculating sea freight rates is essential for businesses engaged in international trade. Unlike air freight, which relies heavily on weight, sea freight (specifically Less than Container Load or LCL) is primarily calculated based on volume, measured in Cubic Meters (CBM). However, the "Weight or Measurement" (W/M) rule always applies.
1. The W/M Rule (Weight or Measurement)
In sea shipping, 1 CBM is generally considered equivalent to 1,000 kilograms (1 metric ton). The shipping line will charge you based on whichever is higher. If your cargo is small but extremely heavy, you will be charged by weight. If it is light but bulky, you will be charged by volume.
2. Common Surcharges Explained
BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor): This is a floating charge that accounts for fluctuations in global oil prices. It ensures the shipping line covers its fuel costs.
CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor): This surcharge offsets risks related to exchange rate fluctuations between the USD and other global currencies.
PSS (Peak Season Surcharge): Applied during high-demand months (typically before major holidays like Christmas or Chinese New Year).
3. LCL vs. FCL Rates
LCL (Less than Container Load): You share container space with other shippers. You pay per CBM. This is ideal for smaller shipments (under 15 CBM).
FCL (Full Container Load): You rent the entire container (20ft, 40ft, or 40ft High Cube). You pay a flat rate for the container regardless of how much is inside.
Practical Example
If you have 5 pallets, each 120cm x 100cm x 100cm, and each weighs 200kg:
Volume per unit: 1.2 * 1.0 * 1.0 = 1.2 CBM.
Total Volume: 1.2 * 5 = 6.0 CBM.
Total Weight: 200kg * 5 = 1,000kg (1.0 Ton).
Chargeable Volume: 6.0 CBM (since 6.0 is greater than 1.0).
function calculateShipping() {
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_length').value) || 0;
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_width').value) || 0;
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_height').value) || 0;
var units = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_units').value) || 0;
var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_weight').value) || 0;
var rate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_rate').value) || 0;
var baf = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_baf').value) || 0;
var caf = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_caf').value) || 0;
var extra = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ship_extra').value) || 0;
if (units <= 0 || (length <= 0 && weight totalCBM) {
chargeableCBM = weightMetricTons;
showWarning = true;
}
// Base Freight
var baseFreight = chargeableCBM * rate;
// Surcharges
var bafAmount = baseFreight * (baf / 100);
var cafAmount = baseFreight * (caf / 100);
var totalSurcharges = bafAmount + cafAmount;
// Final Total
var totalCost = baseFreight + totalSurcharges + extra;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('res_cbm').innerText = totalCBM.toFixed(3);
document.getElementById('res_chargeable').innerText = chargeableCBM.toFixed(3);
document.getElementById('res_base').innerText = '$' + baseFreight.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res_surcharge').innerText = '$' + totalSurcharges.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res_fixed').innerText = '$' + extra.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res_total').innerText = '$' + totalCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('shipping_result').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('weight_warning').style.display = showWarning ? 'block' : 'none';
}