How to calculate LCL W/M for multiple cartons, crates, and pallets

Create one line per handling-unit type

For each carton, crate, or pallet type, record finished outside length, width, height, quantity, and gross weight per piece. Convert centimetres to metres or divide cubic centimetres by 1,000,000, then multiply volume and weight by quantity.

Do not add carton cube and palletised cube for the same cargo. Once freight is tendered on pallets, use the palletised outside envelope when that is what the consolidator must handle.

Compare the shipment totals

Suppose ten 100 × 80 × 80 cm crates weigh 420 kg each. Total volume is 6.4 CBM and total gross weight is 4,200 kg, or 4.2 metric tonnes. Under a common 1 CBM to 1,000 kg W/M comparison, 6.4 is the larger number, so volume is the base charging measure.

Add unlike lines before making the shipment-level comparison unless the tariff explicitly prices them separately.

• Keep all dimensions in one unit.
• Use gross, not net, weight.
• Round according to the quote after totals are built.

Reconcile a warehouse remeasurement

Keep the line calculation with photographs or packing records. If the consolidator changes CBM or gross weight, request the measurement sheet and compare the affected line rather than disputing only the invoice total.