In today's international trade, container transportation plays a very important role. This transportation method, one of the fundamental elements like shipping, enables the movement of goods and services worldwide. In this process, freight calculation is also a frequently used method.
What is freight, how is it calculated, questions are among the most curious topics about this important transportation method. The question "What is freight?" generally refers to a term representing the cost of transportation service. Transportation companies determine the cost of transportation services through freight calculation methods. This calculation is made based on factors such as the type of goods to be transported, quantity, transportation distance, and duration.
Freight calculation is very important for the effective conduct of international trade. An accurate freight calculation process helps both transportation companies and trading individuals keep costs under control. Therefore, freight calculation methods are of great importance in the transportation sector.
What Does Freight Mean?
The question "What does freight mean?" is frequently encountered in the maritime transportation sector and is a very important concept. Freight, which refers to the fee paid for transporting products in maritime transportation, is one of the fundamental elements of maritime activities. The calculation of freight is generally determined based on factors such as the weight of the cargo, volume, distance to be traveled, type of shipment, and the supply and demand balance in the maritime market. The concept of freight in maritime transportation is regulated through contracts between parties and is important for the healthy conduct of commercial relations and the smooth progress of the transportation process.
What Is a Freight Contract?
In the maritime transportation sector, Freight Contract is considered a very critical document in transportation transactions. This contract officially documents the agreement regarding transportation operations between the exporter and importer. The issue of freight payment is also detailed in this contract. Especially, which party will pay this fee must be clearly specified in the contract.
Freight payments are generally made in two different ways. These are called “freight prepaid” and “freight collect”. In the “freight prepaid” case, the shipping fee is paid by the sender, while in the “freight collect” case, the shipping fee is paid by the recipient.
The bill of lading included in the freight agreement is a document covering various transportation methods. This document includes modes such as road transport document, air transport document, and multimodal bill of lading. Additionally, details such as declarations and indications within the scope of the contract help clarify the agreement between the buyer and seller, and as a result, the buyer does not need to make an additional payment.
How Is Freight Cost Calculated?
To determine freight costs, first, the product to be transported is specified. Since freight rates vary for each transportation method, this is necessary. During the transportation process, factors such as the weight of the goods, volume, and distance are considered to determine the freight fee. Different logistics companies and transportation types also play an effective role in calculating freight costs. For example, different calculation methods are used for land and sea transportation. Therefore, freight cost calculations should be performed carefully.
Freight Calculation Formula
Freight Calculation Formula is a mathematical formula used to determine the volume of the cargo. If the cargo container is not fully filled, the formula is applied as follows:
Pallet size (80×120) x container height (2.4) x number of pallets (5) x 1000m m³. The result is compared with the actual weight for accurate calculation.
Sea Freight Calculation
Sea transportation is the most suitable option for transporting large quantities of cargo. During the transportation of such loads, volumetric weight is important in freight calculations. Distance and volumetric weight are among the factors considered in freight pricing. Certain criteria are taken into account when calculating elements such as weight and volume.
The freight calculation process in maritime transportation can vary depending on the type and amount of cargo to be transported. It may change based on full container shipping, partial load shipping, or Ro-Ro transportation. Therefore, the freight calculation process should be carried out carefully, and all details should be handled meticulously.
Air Freight Calculation
This is the most suitable method for transporting valuable items, especially for high-value goods that require security standards. Additionally, when calculating freight for the transportation of perishable goods that can spoil quickly, the volumetric weight should be considered first to reduce cooling costs.
What classification does the cargo fall under? Dangerous goods, live animals, or valuable items? After these criteria are determined, calculations are made considering factors such as whether the material can be stacked, its dimensions, and gross weight.
Road Freight Calculation
Road transportation is frequently preferred in the logistics sector because it offers flexibility and various options. This transportation method is carried out as partial or full load. In full load shipments, freight is determined by considering the weight of the cargo and the distance to the delivery point. For partial loads, in addition to the weight, the volume of the cargo is also taken into account.
Factors Affecting Freight Prices
Freight prices are a frequently discussed and important topic in the sector. Factors such as the volumetric or actual weight of the cargo, the distance to be traveled, the transportation method used, the operation of the transportation route, and transit time play a decisive role in determining freight prices. Especially, the type of container and the transportation route used are among these factors. In the freight transport sector, as competition increases, companies must carefully evaluate these factors when setting freight prices. Pricing should consider not only transportation costs but also potential delays and risks that may occur during shipping.
By taking these factors into account and performing accurate freight pricing, both companies can increase their profitability and offer customers high-quality and reliable services.