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.
Size your cartons & container
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.