Revenue Ton (W/M)
The sea-LCL charging unit — the greater of volume tons (CBM) and weight tons (kg÷1000), with a 1-ton minimum.
Revenue ton (RT; also freight ton, or W/M = Weight or Measurement) is the charging unit for sea LCL and some break-bulk cargo. The rule is RT = max(volume tons, weight tons), where volume tons = total CBM (1 CBM = 1 RT) and weight tons = total kg ÷ 1000 (1000 kg = 1 RT); most forwarders apply a 1 RT minimum. Freight = RT × rate (USD/RT) + local charges.
Key points:
- Sea's "1 CBM to 1000 kg" is completely different from air's "1 CBM ≈ 167 kg" — never apply the 6000/5000 divisor here.
- The heavier basis wins: bulky cargo bills on volume tons, dense cargo on weight tons.
- RT sets only the ocean-freight base; THC, documentation, and destination charges are billed separately.
Common pitfall: a tiny LCL shipment is still charged at least 1 RT, so sub-1-CBM loads are poor value. Near the break-even point, compare LCL (per RT) against FCL (per container).
Sea LCL Revenue Ton (W/M)
RT = max(volume in CBM, weight in tonnes), min 1 RT.
Under 1 ton — billed at the 1-ton minimum
Calculations follow common industry rules and are for reference only; actual billing/liability is governed by your carrier, forwarder and contract.
FAQ
- Is a revenue ton the same as air volumetric weight?
- No. Sea RT takes the greater under 1 CBM = 1000 kg; air volumetric weight is L×W×H÷6000 (~167 kg/CBM). The two rules are not interchangeable.
- My cargo is only 0.3 CBM — how is it charged?
- LCL is typically charged at a 1 RT minimum, so 0.3 CBM still bills as 1 RT plus local charges. For small loads, compare the all-in cost of courier or air.
- When does weight tons apply versus volume tons?
- Compare and take the larger: dense cargo above 1000 kg/CBM bills on weight tons; lighter cargo below that bills on volume tons.
Related terms
Sources: https://www.maersk.com/logistics-explained · https://www.iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/