---
title: "What does CBM (cubic metre) mean in logistics | SSL"
description: "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"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-cbm-cubic-metre-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-cbm-cubic-metre-mean-in-logistics/
updated: 2026-11-11
lang: en-IN
publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited
---

[Logistics terms](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/glossary/) · 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](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

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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](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#cbm)

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

## Related questions

- [What does CFT (cubic foot) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-cft-cubic-foot-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does LCL (less than container load) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-lcl-less-than-container-load-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Volumetric weight mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-volumetric-weight-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does 32 ft container truck mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-32-ft-container-truck-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Chargeable weight mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-chargeable-weight-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Consolidation mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-consolidation-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

- [Logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#cbm)
- [CBM (cubic metre): related page](https://safeandsecure.in/tools/volume-weight-calculator/)

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---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-cbm-cubic-metre-mean-in-logistics/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-11-11). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/