CBM Calculator for China → UK
Work out the cubic metres of your shipment, the LCL cost per CBM to the UK and how many cartons fit in a 20ft or 40ft container — already pre-loaded with a sample China-to-UK booking.
Key takeaways
- LCL from China to the UK runs roughly $70–110 /CBM in 2026 example rates.
- Chargeable volume is the greater of CBM and weight/1000 (W/M rule).
- UK importers also budget for import VAT (20%) and duty on the landed value, separate from freight.
- A 20ft box holds about 28 CBM usable; a 40ft HC about 68 CBM.
LCL rates: China to the UK
Example 2026 ranges — confirm the live number with your forwarder.
| Lane | Example rate | Typical minimum |
|---|---|---|
| China → UK (Felixstowe / Southampton) | $70–110 /CBM | ~$85 /shipment |
| Rates move with fuel, peak-season and customs surcharges. Treat them as planning bands, not a quote. | ||
The calculator below is pre-set to the UK lane at ~$80/CBM with an $85 minimum. Type your forwarder's rate in the custom field to model your real booking.
Worked example — 50 cartons to the UK
Each carton 60 × 40 × 40 cm, 18 kg.
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| Per-carton volume | 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.4 = 0.096 m³ |
| Total volume (× 50) | 4.80 CBM |
| Total weight (× 50) | 900 kg → 0.90 CBM-equivalent |
| Chargeable volume (W/M rule) | 4.80 CBM (volume wins) |
| LCL cost @ $80/CBM | 4.80 × 80 = $384 |
| 20ft container fill | 4.80 / 28 ≈ 17% used |
Because the cargo is light for its size, the carrier bills on volume (CBM), not weight — that is the W/M rule. At 4.8 CBM, LCL is the right call; a full container only pays off above roughly 15 CBM. Remember UK import VAT (20%) and duty land on top of this freight.
China → UK shipping FAQs
The freight questions before you book.
How much is LCL shipping from China to the UK per CBM?+
Example 2026 rates run about $70–110 /CBM, often with a minimum charge around $85 per shipment. These are illustrations only — confirm the live number with your forwarder, as UK peak-season surcharges move the rate.
Does the CBM calculator include UK import duty and VAT?+
No — this tool sizes the freight (CBM, LCL cost, container load). UK import VAT (20%) and duty are calculated on the customs value separately; pair this with our Import Duty guide for the landed-cost picture.
CBM or weight — which does the carrier charge on?+
On LCL the carrier charges the greater of CBM or weight in tonnes (weight/1000) under the W/M rule. Bulky light goods pay on volume; dense goods pay on weight.
How many CBM fit in a container to the UK?+
A 20ft holds roughly 28 CBM usable, a 40ft about 58 CBM, and a 40ft High Cube about 68 CBM. Your packed volume is usually a little under the nominal figure.
Calculate your China → UK shipment
Pre-set to sea / LCL, UK lane, 50 sample cartons. Change anything and the CBM, cost and container fill update.
CBM Calculator
Rates are example ranges for planning only. LCL is billed on the greater of volume (1 CBM = 1,000 kg) and weight — the W/M rule. Confirm the firm quote with your freight forwarder.
Container counts are theoretical stacking estimates at the load factor above. Real loading usually runs 80–90% after pallets and carton shape. LCL costs are planning estimates only. Confirm both with your freight forwarder before booking.
More CBM Calculator guides
Sources & further reading
Disclaimer
SellHandy isn't a freight forwarder. The rates shown are example 2026 planning bands gathered from public sources, not a quote — your forwarder's booking confirmation sets the real number. CBM, W/M and container figures are calculated exactly; the dollar amounts are estimates to plan with. This tool sizes freight only and does not include UK import VAT or duty.