What is a freight cost estimator?▾
A freight cost estimator calculates the approximate cost to ship goods between two locations by factoring in weight, volume, transport mode, Incoterms, insurance, and additional surcharges.
What is the difference between air, sea, and road freight?▾
Air freight is fastest (1–5 days) but most expensive. Sea freight is slowest (20–40 days) but cheapest per kg. Road freight bridges the gap with 1–10 day transit times at moderate cost.
What is chargeable weight in freight?▾
Chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (L×W×H÷6000 for air). Carriers bill based on whichever is higher to account for cargo that takes up space but weighs little.
What are Incoterms and which should I use?▾
Incoterms are international trade terms that define responsibility for freight, insurance, and customs. EXW gives buyers full control. DDP simplifies delivery. FOB is most common for sea freight. Choose based on your customs expertise and risk tolerance.
What does FCL vs LCL mean in sea freight?▾
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares space with others. FCL is more economical above ~15 CBM; LCL is better for smaller shipments.
What is a fuel surcharge in shipping?▾
A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable fee added to base freight rates to compensate carriers for fuel price fluctuations. It typically ranges from 10–25% of the base rate and changes monthly.
How is freight insurance calculated?▾
Marine cargo insurance is typically 0.3–0.5% of the declared cargo value. Under CIF Incoterms, the seller provides minimal coverage — many buyers purchase their own all-risk policy for better protection.
What are customs clearance costs?▾
Customs clearance fees include broker fees ($50–200+), import duties (0–30%+ of cargo value depending on HS code and country), VAT/GST, and any inspection fees. Under DDP Incoterms, the seller covers these costs.
How do I reduce my freight costs?▾
Consolidate shipments to reach FCL thresholds. Optimize packaging to reduce CBM. Ship during off-peak seasons. Negotiate volume contracts. Use Less Than Truckload (LTL) for road shipments. Consider slower but cheaper sea freight over air.
What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a freight broker?▾
A freight forwarder manages the entire logistics process including documentation, customs, and cargo movement. A freight broker focuses on connecting shippers with carriers for transport only. Forwarders are more comprehensive for international shipments.
What documents do I need for international shipping?▾
Standard documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air), Certificate of Origin, and potentially Import/Export Licenses. DDP shipments also require customs broker authorization forms.
What is the carbon footprint of different shipping modes?▾
Sea freight emits ~10g CO₂ per tonne-km. Road freight: ~90g. Rail: ~50g. Air freight: ~500–600g per tonne-km — roughly 50× more carbon-intensive than sea shipping. Increasingly, businesses track Scope 3 emissions including freight.