LCL Freight Calculator

How the LCL Freight Calculator works

LCL (less than container load) sea freight is charged per revenue ton, using weight or measure (W/M). The calculator compares the cargo's volume in CBM with its weight converted to revenue tons, takes the greater, applies your rounding and minimum, and multiplies by your rate. Origin, destination and other charges are added to give the total.

The default is the common 1 CBM = 1,000 kg convention; you can change it, along with the rate, minimums and charges. The rate is always the one you enter: the calculator does not look up market rates.

Formula

Volume basis      = CBM
Weight basis      = gross weight (kg) ÷ 1,000
Revenue tons      = max(volume basis, weight basis)
Chargeable RT     = revenue tons, rounded up to the increment, at least the minimum
Base freight      = chargeable RT × rate, at least the minimum charge
Total             = base freight + origin + destination + other charges

Worked example

6.2 CBM, 2,400 kg, rate 45 per W/M, minimum 1 RT
Volume basis = 6.2 RT, weight basis = 2.4 RT
Chargeable   = 6.2 RT (volume)
Base freight = 6.2 × 45 = 279.00
+ origin 120.00 + destination 160.00
Total        = 559.00

When to use it

• Checking an LCL quote or invoice.
• Seeing how much origin and destination charges add to a small shipment.
• Preparing the LCL side of a comparison in the LCL vs FCL Calculator.

Limitations

Results are estimates based on the values and rates entered. Forwarders apply their own minimums, rounding, surcharges and currency adjustments, and some charge destination fees per shipment, per CBM or per bill of lading. Check the quote's terms.