LCL freight calculator
Enter the pieces, then the ocean rate per W/M from your consolidator. You get the W/M with the 1 W/M minimum, the freight with its minimum charge, local charges, and the sell price after your markup or margin.
How to calculate LCL freight
Ocean freight = max(W/M × rate per W/M, minimum charge)
Buy cost = ocean freight + local charges per W/M × W/M + fixed fees
Sell = buy × (1 + markup) or buy ÷ (1 − margin)
Worked example: 3 pallets to Jebel Ali
Each pallet is 120 × 80 × 150 cm and weighs 280 kg. The consolidator quotes USD 45 per W/M, minimum USD 45, with CFS and terminal charges of USD 12 per W/M. Documentation is USD 35. You add a 15% markup.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 120 × 80 × 150 × 3 ÷ 1,000,000 | 4.32 CBM |
| Weight | 280 × 3 ÷ 1000 | 0.84 t |
| W/M | max(4.32, 0.84) | 4.32 W/M |
| Ocean freight | 4.32 × 45 (above the 45 minimum) | USD 194.40 |
| Local charges | 4.32 × 12 | USD 51.84 |
| Fixed fees | documentation | USD 35.00 |
| Buy cost | 194.40 + 51.84 + 35 | USD 281.24 |
| Sell price | 281.24 × 1.15 | USD 323.43 |
Your profit is USD 42.19: a 15% markup, which is a 13.0% margin. With a 15% margin instead, the sell price is 281.24 ÷ 0.85 = USD 330.87. See margin vs markup.
Small shipments and the 1 W/M minimum
A carton of 0.4 CBM weighing 150 kg is 0.4 W/M by volume, but it is charged as 1 W/M. At USD 45 per W/M the ocean freight is USD 45, and the local charges per W/M also apply to the full 1 W/M.
| Cargo | CBM | Tons | Charged W/M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light cartons | 0.40 | 0.15 | 1.00 (minimum) |
| 3 pallets, general cargo | 4.32 | 0.84 | 4.32 (volume) |
| Steel parts, 2 crates | 1.10 | 2.40 | 2.40 (weight) |
Last updated 5 October 2026.
Price it per W/M, send the quote.
In QUAY, any cost line can be a rate per W/M with a minimum. The app works out the W/M, adds your margin or markup and shares a PDF quote that shows your client the sell prices only.
QUAY is in closed testing on Google Play and opens to everyone in mid-October 2026. To try it now: join the beta group with your Google account, then open the tester page and tap "Become a tester".
What are local charges in LCL?
CFS (container freight station), terminal handling and similar charges at origin or destination. They are usually quoted per W/M with a minimum, plus fixed documentation fees.
Is W/M rounded?
Most consolidators round W/M up to two decimals: 2.341 becomes 2.35.
When should I quote FCL instead?
Usually above 13 to 15 CBM. Compare the LCL total with a 20 ft container quote.
Does it convert currencies?
No. The currency is a label. Enter every amount in the same currency as your rate.