While we prefer to keep orders at a minimum of 1 container load, there may be certain cases we can make exceptions. LCLs (Less Container Loads) are rated a bit differently and pretty much the way you describe it.The rate is divided in to 3 categories :
1) Pre carriage: From the time it’s ready at the factory in China until it’s loaded inside the container at the CFS terminal
2) Main Carriage: Port of departure to port/terminal/railhead of arrival
3) Beyond Carriage: From arrival port/terminal/railhead to door delivery location
1 & 3 are often based on the gross weight.
2 is almost always based on the volume as the chargeable weight calculation factor is 1cubic meter equals 1,000kg/2,204lbs
Meaning if the actual weight is less than 1,000kg / 2,204lbs per cubic meter then you would pay the ocean freight rate based on the cubic meter volume.