Basic Billing Units for LCL Freight
Unlike FCL (full container) shipping billed per container, LCL freight is calculated based on the actual volume or weight of the cargo.
CBM (Cubic Meter)
CBM stands for cubic meter. Formula: CBM = Length(m) × Width(m) × Height(m) × Number of pieces
Example: 10 boxes, each 50cm × 40cm × 30cm → CBM = 0.5 × 0.4 × 0.3 × 10 = 0.6 CBM
TON (Metric Ton)
Actual weight of the cargo in metric tons. 1 ton = 1,000 kg.
RT (Revenue Ton)
RT is the core billing unit for LCL freight. RT = the greater of CBM or TON. This is known as the W/M (Weight or Measurement) principle.
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Light Cargo (volume exceeds weight)
Furniture: 2 CBM, 500 KG (0.5 TON) → RT = max(2, 0.5) = 2 RT → Freight = 2 × $50 = $100
Example 2: Heavy Cargo (weight exceeds volume)
Hardware: 0.5 CBM, 2 TON → RT = max(0.5, 2) = 2 RT → Freight = 2 × $50 = $100
Cost Breakdown
Total LCL Cost = Ocean Freight + Origin Charges + Destination Charges
Origin Charges (China)
- Customs clearance: approx. ¥300-500
- Documentation: approx. ¥200-300
- Warehouse handling (THC): approx. ¥400-600/CBM
- LCL service fee: approx. ¥100-200/CBM
Destination Charges (Spain)
- Deconsolidation: approx. €20-30/CBM
- Customs clearance: approx. €80-150/shipment
- Import duty: based on HS code tariff rate
- VAT (IVA): 21%
- Delivery: based on address and weight
How to Save on LCL Freight?
- Optimize packing: Reduce unnecessary packaging volume to lower CBM
- Consolidate shipments: Combine multiple orders to spread fixed costs
- Choose the right port: Fees vary between ports
- Book early: Avoid peak season price increases