LCL charges calculator (W/M and CFS)
Enter the volume and weight of your LCL shipment and the rates from your forwarder's quote to see the revenue tons (W/M) and each charge: freight, CFS handling, documentation and storage.
Your cargo
Rates from your quote
The figures filled in are examples, not real rates. Rates differ by forwarder, CFS warehouse and port: replace them with your own quote.
CFS warehouse storage
An estimate from the rates you enter. Forwarders and CFS warehouses set their own minimums, rounding, counting of days and extra charges (for example terminal handling, delivery orders or surcharges); check the final invoice terms with your forwarder.
Guides on this topic
What W/M (revenue ton) means
LCL (less than container load) cargo is usually charged per revenue ton, written W/M (weight or measurement): 1 cubic metre or 1,000 kg, whichever gives the larger figure. 3.2 CBM weighing 1,450 kg is 3.2 W/M; 1.5 CBM weighing 2,400 kg is 2.4 W/M.
What CFS charges are
A CFS (container freight station) is the warehouse where LCL cargo is received and packed into a shared container at origin, and unpacked at destination. CFS handling is often charged per W/M at both ends, and storage is charged per W/M per day once the free days end.
How to keep LCL costs down
Measure and weigh the cartons before booking so the W/M on the quote matches, pack to use the space well, send the documents early so customs clearance is done within the free storage days, and ask the forwarder which charges are included and which are billed at destination.
Common questions
How is LCL freight calculated?
Work out the volume in CBM and the weight in tonnes (kg ÷ 1,000), take the larger figure as the revenue tons (W/M), then multiply by the rate per W/M. If the result is below the forwarder's minimum charge, the minimum is billed.
Are the rates in this calculator real prices?
No. The numbers filled in are only examples so you can see how the calculation works. LCL rates, minimums, CFS fees and storage depend on the forwarder, the warehouse, the port and the date; use the figures from your own quote.
When should I switch from LCL to a full container?
When the LCL total gets close to the price of a 20-foot container for the same route, FCL is often cheaper and faster, with less handling. Compare both quotes; the container load calculator shows how much cargo fits in a container.
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