When I first started shipping goods via ocean freight from China to the Philippines for my business, calculating the Cubic Meter (CBM) was a real headache. I remember getting hit with unexpected charges because I didn’t calculate it correctly. But over time, I’ve figured out the ins and outs, and I’m happy to share my experience with you.
Understanding What CBM Is
First things first, CBM is a measure of the volume of your cargo. Ocean freight rates for shipping to the Philippines often depend on this volume, along with the weight of your goods. Many sea shipment provider China to Philippines and freight forwarding service China to Philippines base their pricing on either the weight (in kilograms) or the CBM of your shipment, whichever is higher. So, getting an accurate CBM calculation is crucial to avoid overpaying or underestimating your shipping costs.
Measuring Your Cargo
The process of calculating CBM starts with measuring your goods. If you’re shipping standard – sized boxes or packages, it’s relatively straightforward. I use a measuring tape to get the length, width, and height of each individual package in meters. For example, if I have a box that measures 0.5 meters in length, 0.3 meters in width, and 0.2 meters in height, I multiply these three numbers together: 0.5 x 0.3 x 0.2 = 0.03 CBM.
But what if you have irregular – shaped items? I’ve shipped some unique handicrafts from China to the Philippines that didn’t have a standard shape. In such cases, I try to measure the item as if it were enclosed in a rectangular box that just fits it. I take the longest, widest, and tallest points of the item for the measurements. It might not be 100% accurate, but it gives me a close estimate that the shipping companies usually accept.
Calculating for Multiple Items
Most of the time, I’m shipping multiple packages or items. When that’s the case, I calculate the CBM for each individual item first, just like I described above. Then, I add up all those individual CBM values to get the total CBM for my entire shipment. Let’s say I have three boxes with CBM values of 0.03, 0.05, and 0.02. The total CBM for my shipment would be 0.03 + 0.05 + 0.02 = 0.1 CBM.
Double – Checking and Getting Expert Help
After I calculate the CBM, I always double – check my measurements and calculations. A simple mistake can lead to incorrect CBM values and, in turn, inaccurate freight quotes. Sometimes, if I’m still unsure or if I’m dealing with a large and complex shipment, I reach out to my freight forwarding service China to Philippines. They have experts who can review my calculations and offer advice. They’ve also helped me understand how different shipping companies might calculate CBM slightly differently, so I can be prepared for any variations in quotes.
Calculating CBM for ocean freight to the Philippines doesn’t have to be a mystery. With a bit of practice and attention to detail, you can get accurate calculations that will help you budget for your shipments better. If you’re looking for a reliable partner to assist with your shipping needs from China to the Philippines, China Top Forwarder is a great choice. Their freight forwarding service China to Philippines not only offers competitive rates but also provides expert guidance on everything from calculating CBM to navigating the complex world of customs broker for Philippines import shipping. Don’t let shipping calculations stress you out. Contact China Top Forwarder today and make your shipping process smoother and more cost – effective.