CBM stands for cubic meter, referring to the cubic capacity of the container. We can calculate the CBM using the volume formula. Measure the internal length, width, and height of the container. Multiply the values of the length, width and height meter to obtain the CBM.
Filling a 20-foot container with furniture can be a challenge, so it's best to have as many people on board as possible. Generally speaking, if the total volume of the cargo is less than 15 cubic meters, it is more cost-effective to opt for light transport. Although a 20-foot container is made of sturdy material, that doesn't mean that the items inside are 100% protected. LCL shipping occurs when multiple importers transport their products in one container; if you only have a small volume, you can share the space with other importers.
So how big is a 20-foot shipping container? Industry standards suggest that a one- or two-bedroom apartment or a standard passenger vehicle can usually fit in a 20-foot vehicle. While the total volume mentioned above, of 32.6 m³ or 1,172 cubic feet, is a good rule of thumb, keep in mind that you won't fill all this space unless you transport pallets or boxes that fit perfectly together. It normally takes about three hours to load a 20-foot container, so make sure to get plenty of rest the night before. The capacity of the 20-foot container (cubic feet of the 20-foot container) is 32.6 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet of material, but you'll probably want to consider the space needed to maneuver the stored materials.
If you think that a 20-foot container simply seems too big for the amount of cargo you want to carry, don't worry; shipping companies have a solution for this. Volume is an important factor when it comes to shipping goods. It's what your ocean freight rate is calculated with and it's also what determines whether or not it's more cost-effective to opt for light transport. Tall bucket containers cost slightly more than their standard counterparts due to their added volume and weight.
Sometimes, you may not ship enough to guarantee the use of a full container; knowing the volume of your products will allow you to obtain an LCL quote (lower than the container load).
