LCL Freight Calculator

About the LCL Freight Calculator

Calculates the chargeable basis for Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) ocean freight, which bills on whichever is greater: the cargo weight (in tonnes) or its volume (in cubic metres).

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the shipment weight in tonnes, or convert your weight to the unit used by your carrier.
2. Enter the shipment volume in cubic meters, using the outside dimensions of the cargo or cartons.
3. Compare the two values, then use the larger one as the chargeable weight.
4. Use that result to estimate the freight rate or to check a carrier quotation.

The formula explained

The formula \(chargeable = \\max(weight_t,\\ volume_{m^3})\) means the chargeable weight is whichever is larger, the actual weight in \(t\) or the volume measured in \(m^3\). This is a standard LCL rule for deciding whether weight-based or volume-based billing applies.

• chargeable = the billable value used for LCL freight pricing
• \(weight_t\) = the actual shipment weight in tonnes
• \(volume_{m^3}\) = the shipment volume in cubic meters

Step by step method

1. Measure or find the shipment weight and write it in \(t\).
2. Calculate the shipment volume in \(m^3\) if needed.
3. Compare \(weight_t\) and \(volume_{m^3}\), then take the larger value.
4. Report that larger value as the chargeable weight.

Worked example

Problem. An LCL shipment weighs \(1.8\) \(t\) and takes up \(2.4\) \(m^3\). What is the chargeable weight?

1. Compare the two values, \(1.8\) and \(2.4\).
2. The larger value is \(2.4\).
3. So the chargeable weight is \(2.4\) \(m^3\), or the billing basis for this shipment.

Tips and common mistakes

• Do not mix units, because the weight and volume must be in the units your carrier uses before comparing them.
• A common mistake is to add weight and volume, but for LCL pricing you usually take the larger value, not the sum.

Frequently asked questions