Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does CBM (cubic metre) mean in logistics?

Short answer

The standard metric unit of cargo volume: length × width × height in metres. One CBM is about 35.3 cubic feet.

Used for sea freight (especially LCL, typically charged per CBM or per tonne, whichever is higher) and for warehouse and container planning. Indian road PTL quotes more often use CFT. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
cubic metre, m³
Category
Operations & tech
Related terms
CFT (cubic foot), LCL (less than container load), Volumetric weight, ISO container (20 ft, 40 ft, 40 ft HC)

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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