In freight shipping, particularly air freight, the figure of 167 kg for 1 CBM (Cubic Meter) is a specific value used in calculating dimensional weight. It's not a physical conversion like density but rather a factor representing a minimum chargeable weight per volume unit.
Understanding Dimensional Weight
Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: the actual weight of your shipment or its dimensional weight. Dimensional weight is a calculation that accounts for how much space a shipment occupies on a vehicle or aircraft, as bulky, lightweight items can take up significant space even if they don't weigh much.
The 1:167 DIM Factor Explained
According to the provided reference, the value of 167 kg for 1 CBM comes into play specifically when using the formula to calculate dimensional weight based on volume:
CBM x DIM Factor = Dimensional Weight
The reference states, "when we use the first formula (CBM x DIM Factor = Dimensional Weight), then the DIM factor is 1:167, where 1 m³ = 167 kg."
This means that for every cubic meter your shipment occupies, its dimensional weight is considered to be at least 167 kg for the purpose of calculating the chargeable weight in certain air freight contexts.
Why This Specific Number (167 kg/m³)?
This number is derived from standard industry ratios used to convert volume to weight. While the reference mentions a general air freight ratio of 1:6000, the 1:167 factor is the corresponding metric conversion for the DIM Factor in the CBM-based formula.
- A common standard for air freight volumetric calculation is 1 kilogram for every 6000 cubic centimeters (cm³).
- Since 1 cubic meter (m³) equals 1,000,000 cubic centimeters (cm³), we can calculate the equivalent kilograms per cubic meter:
- 1,000,000 cm³ / 6,000 cm³/kg ≈ 166.67 kg/m³
- This value is often rounded to 167 kg, which is then used as the "DIM Factor" per CBM in the dimensional weight formula as indicated in the reference.
Therefore, 1 CBM equals 167 kg conceptually in this specific calculation because 167 kg is the standardized dimensional weight assigned to one cubic meter of volume for calculating chargeable weight in air freight using the specified formula.
Dimensional Factors Vary by Freight Type
It's important to note that this dimensional factor is specific to air freight and the stated formula. As the reference points out, other modes of transport use different ratios:
| Freight Type | Ratio | Metric Equivalent (approximate kg per m³) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight (DIM Factor in CBM formula) | 1:167 | 167 kg / m³ |
| Air Freight (General) | 1:6000 | ~167 kg / m³ (derived) |
| Courier/Express | 1:5000 | ~200 kg / m³ (derived from 1,000,000/5000) |
| Road Freight (LTL) | 1:3000 | ~333 kg / m³ (derived from 1,000,000/3000) |
These different factors reflect the typical density of goods shipped via each mode and the economics of carrying volume vs. weight for different carriers.
In Summary
The statement "1 CBM is 167 kg" is accurate in the context of calculating dimensional weight for air freight using the formula CBM x DIM Factor = Dimensional Weight, where the DIM Factor is set at 167 kg/m³, as specified by the provided reference. It is a standardized industry conversion for volume into a potentially chargeable weight, rather than a physical density measurement.
