How Freight Charges are Calculated and What Affects Them?

Freight, also known as goods, is transported through various modes, such as air, water, and roadways. Freight transportation has become the cornerstone of facilitating global trade. However, whatever mode is used to transport freight from one place to another, there is a cost involved.
This cost is known as freight charges, and it plays a vital role in efficient supply chain management. Therefore, businesses need to know what freight charges are and how they can be calculated. In today’s article, we will examine how freight charges are calculated and the factors that affect them.
What Are Freight Charges?
Freight charges are the costs associated with moving goods from the point of origin to the destination. These charges include various expenses, such as the actual movement of goods, the cost of safety, and the cost of timely delivery.
Businesses must know how freight charges are calculated to optimise shipping strategies and reduce expenses.
How to Calculate Freight Charges?
There are various methods through which businesses calculate their freight charges. Below are the four ways in which freight charges are calculated:
Gross Weight and Volume
Calculating freight charges on the basis of weight and volume is one of the traditional forms. Since it is one of the most influential factors, it is more prominently used for the calculation of freight charges.
The gross weight is the total weight of the whole shipment, including the packaging. The volume is calculated by converting the space the shipment occupies into a weight measurement using a dimensional weight formula.
In this method, the freight rate is based on whichever weight is the highest.
Freight Rate As Per Weight and Distance
For bulk shipments, the charges are primarily calculated using the freight rate per tonne per km formula. This rate represents the cost of transporting one tonne of goods over one kilometre.
Below is the formula that is used:
Freight Charges = Freight Rate per Tonne Per Km x Distance (Km) x Weight (Tonnes)
Flat Rate
Some carriers may also use zone-based pricing or flat rates, which are defined as per selected areas and routes. The freight rate remains the same, irrespective of the weight of the shipment.
Freight Charges Calculator
Nowadays, carriers have an inbuilt freight charge calculator on their websites. You enter details about your shipment, such as the destination and total weight, and a freight charge is calculated based on the inputs.
Related – What is Freight Forwarding in Logistics: Types, Process, & Key Functions
Factors Affecting Freight Charges
Businesses need to understand the factors that affect freight charges. Understanding these factors can help businesses develop more innovative shipping strategies while maintaining profitability. Below are some of the factors that significantly affect freight charges.
Transportation Mode
Freight charges drastically vary depending upon the mode of transportation. Air freight is definitely faster but also more expensive. However, it is more suitable for fragile goods or high-value goods.
Then there is sea freight, which provides an effective shipment but is slower comparatively. However, it is one of the most common options that businesses select for global trade.
Type of Cargo
Certain cargoes incur additional charges due to the nature of the cargo. Fragile items, perishable goods, and hazardous materials often require special conditions and exceptional handling, which increases the overall shipping freight rates.
Weight and Volume
As the weight and volume of the shipment increase, the freight charges will also increase as fuel and space costs increase. Thus, the heavier the cargo, the higher the freight charges, and vice versa.
Route and Distance
Different routes will have different terrain, traffic, and connectivity. If the shipment is being shipped via a route with rough terrain and traffic congestion, the shipping freight rates will increase considerably. Similarly, the more distance there is, the higher the freight charges will be.
Cost of Fuel
The cost of fuel is directly proportional to freight rate. Fluctuations in fuel prices will also impact freight charges. Rising fuel costs will automatically increase freight rates.
Seasonal Rates
Freight charges may increase during peak seasons. However, during off-peak, transportation demand is less, and hence, freight rate can decrease.
Freight Extra
Freight extra is any additional charge applied to a shipment. It includes charges for handling oversized cargo, loading or unloading, customs clearance, and documentation.
Insurance
The shipping insurance cost is automatically added to the overall freight cost. It covers any potential damage or risk that may occur while the ship is in transit.
Economic and Political situations
Different economic and political situations can also impact charges. In times of inflation, freight rate will likely increase to accommodate current prices. A country’s political situation may also complicate logistics, resulting in additional charges for transporting freight.
Demand and Supply
Fluctuations in supply and demand can also impact freight rate. When demand for freight services increases, the price of the services also increases. Likewise, when there is low demand, freight charges also drop.
How Can Businesses Reduce Freight Rates?
To maintain the profitability of any business, it is essential to keep the freight rate at the minimum. Below are some methods that can help businesses to keep the freight rate low:
- Introduce efficient packing that does not increase the weight of the shipment to utilise space better. Consolidating smaller shipments can also help optimise the packaging.
- Select the transportation routes carefully.
- Measure the shipment dimensions accurately.
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Conclusion
Knowing how to calculate the freight rate is crucial for businesses to save on shipping charges and increase profits. Accurate freight charges will eventually help shipping businesses choose the carrier that can provide them with the lowest freight charges without compromising the safety of the shipment. Considering factors like the weight, volume, type of cargo, and destination, the charges can be calculated, and businesses can thereby make an informed decision about which shipping carrier to select.
Alsoc check – Top 10 Freight Forwarding Companies in India
FAQs about Freight Charge Calculation
What are the main types of freight transportation?
There are three main types of freight transportation: roadways, seaways, and airways.
Why is the freight charge primarily based on the weight of the shipment?
The density of the shipment’s weight ensures the calculation’s accuracy. It also helps avoid unnecessary charges.
How can I use a freight charges calculator?
To use the freight charges calculator, you will need to provide the necessary details, such as the shipment’s weight, dimension, origin, destination, and mode of transportation, to get an estimate.
How can charges be reduced to increase profitability?
In order to increase profitability, it is necessary to create strategies like consolidating shipments, optimising the packaging, and choosing efficient routes.
What are the factors that can affect shipping freight rates internationally?
Shipping carriers or container sizes, the charges at the port, the currency exchange rate, and the fuel cost are the factors that affect shipping freight rates during an international trade.