Modes and equipment
Chargeable weight (W/M)
The billing quantity in LCL sea freight: the greater of the cargo's weight in tonnes or its volume in CBM.
In four languages
W/M stands for weight or measure. In LCL sea freight, 1 CBM is treated as equal to 1,000 kg, and the consolidator charges whichever figure is higher. Light, bulky goods are charged on volume, while heavy, compact goods are charged on weight. A minimum, usually 1 CBM, applies, and many destination charges are also billed per W/M. Knowing the rule helps you compare quotes and decide how to pack. Example: 6 CBM weighing 2,000 kg is 2 tonnes against 6 CBM, so it is charged as 6 W/M. A shipment of 3 CBM of steel parts weighing 4,500 kg is 4.5 tonnes against 3 CBM, so it is charged as 4.5 W/M. Road and air freight use their own volume-to-weight ratios, so always ask which basis a quote uses.
Questions
What does W/M mean on an LCL quote?
Weight or measure: you pay on whichever is greater, the gross weight in tonnes or the volume in CBM.
Is there a minimum chargeable quantity?
Yes, LCL usually has a minimum of 1 CBM, so very small shipments are charged as at least 1 W/M.