LCL vs FCL Freight Forwarding from Bali: Understanding CBM and Shipping Costs
Understanding CBM in Sea Freight
When shipping furniture, homewares, handicrafts or commercial goods from Bali, choosing between Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) can significantly affect overall shipping costs.
CBM, or cubic metre, measures the volume occupied by cargo and is an important factor in international sea freight pricing.
At RIM Cargo, established in 1998, our freight forwarding team helps international buyers calculate shipment volumes, consolidate supplier orders and select suitable container options.
How Is CBM Calculated?
CBM is calculated by multiplying an item's length, width and height in metres.
Length × Width × Height = CBM
For example, a wooden table measuring 2 m × 1 m × 0.8 m occupies 1.6 CBM before export packaging.
For multiple purchases, each item's packed dimensions are measured to calculate the total shipment volume.
LCL vs FCL: Which Is More Cost Effective?
LCL allows smaller shipments to share container space, while FCL provides a dedicated shipping container.
Shipping Method | Approximate Cargo Volume | Best Suited For |
LCL Sea Freight | 1–12 CBM | Smaller orders and boutique purchases |
LCL/FCL Comparison | 13–15 CBM | Comparing total shipping costs |
20ft FCL | 15–28 CBM | Furniture and villa furnishing shipments |
40ft FCL | 30–60 CBM | Commercial imports and wholesale orders |
40ft High Cube FCL | Up to 70 CBM | Large furniture and homeware shipments |
Volumes are indicative and depend on cargo dimensions, weight, packaging and container loading requirements.
When Should You Switch from LCL to FCL?
For shipments approaching 13–15 CBM, comparing LCL and FCL quotations becomes particularly important.
Although LCL is generally economical for smaller orders, destination handling charges and other fees can make a dedicated 20ft container more competitive as shipment volume increases.
The actual break even point depends on the destination, freight rates, cargo characteristics and local charges.
Freight Forwarding and Warehouse Consolidation in Bali
RIM Cargo coordinates supplier collections throughout Bali and Java, bringing purchases together for measurement, packing and export preparation.
Our services include:
Multi supplier cargo collection and consolidation
CBM calculation and container planning
Custom timber crating and protective export packing
LCL and FCL sea freight forwarding
Export documentation and customs coordination
Fumigation and applicable timber certification
Cargo is prepared at our Bali warehouse before onward transportation to the appropriate Indonesian export port.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CBM mean in shipping?
CBM stands for cubic metre, the standard measurement used to calculate cargo volume for international freight shipping.
How many CBM fit in a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft shipping container generally provides approximately 30 CBM of practical cargo space, depending on the items being shipped.
Is LCL or FCL cheaper from Bali?
LCL is generally more economical for smaller shipments. As cargo approaches 13–15 CBM, a dedicated FCL container may become more cost effective, depending on the shipping route and destination charges.
Can RIM Cargo combine purchases from different Bali suppliers?
Yes. RIM Cargo coordinates collections from multiple suppliers across Bali and Java, consolidating goods for international freight forwarding.
Plan Your Shipment with RIM Cargo
Whether shipping a small collection of Balinese homewares or furnishing an entire property overseas, RIM Cargo can help determine the appropriate shipping method.
Contact RIM Cargo for a CBM calculation and international sea freight quotation.
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