Freight Charges Calculator
Estimate your shipping costs by entering the shipment details below. Freight charges are typically based on either the actual weight or the volumetric (dimensional) weight, whichever is greater, plus additional surcharges.
Calculation Results:
Volumetric Weight: 0.00 lbs
Chargeable Weight: 0.00 lbs
Base Freight Cost: $0.00
Fuel Surcharge Amount: $0.00
Total Estimated Freight Charges: $0.00
Understanding Freight Charges
Freight charges are the costs associated with transporting goods from one location to another. These costs are influenced by a variety of factors, and understanding them is crucial for effective logistics and budgeting.
Key Factors in Freight Calculation:
- Actual Shipment Weight: This is the physical weight of your package or pallet, measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg). It's a straightforward measure of how heavy your shipment is.
- Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight: Carriers don't just charge by actual weight; they also consider the space your shipment occupies. Volumetric weight is a calculated weight based on the package's dimensions (length, width, height). If a package is light but takes up a lot of space, it will be charged based on its volumetric weight. The formula typically used is
(Length x Width x Height) / Volumetric Divisor. The divisor varies by carrier, service type (e.g., air vs. ground), and unit of measurement (inches vs. centimeters). Common divisors are 139 for air freight and 194 for ground freight when dimensions are in inches. - Chargeable Weight: This is the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. Carriers will always charge based on whichever value is higher, as it represents the greater impact on their capacity (either by weight limit or space limit).
- Base Rate per Chargeable Pound: This is the fundamental rate applied to your chargeable weight. It can vary significantly based on the origin, destination, service level (e.g., standard, expedited), and carrier.
- Fuel Surcharge: Due to fluctuating fuel prices, carriers often apply a fuel surcharge as a percentage of the base freight cost. This helps them cover the variable cost of fuel.
- Additional Service Fees (Accessorial Charges): These are extra charges for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. Examples include liftgate service, residential delivery, limited access delivery, re-delivery attempts, customs brokerage, hazardous materials handling, and more. These fees can add a significant amount to the total cost.
How to Use the Calculator:
Input your shipment's actual weight, dimensions, and the volumetric divisor relevant to your carrier and service type. Then, enter the base rate per chargeable pound, the current fuel surcharge percentage, and any known additional service fees. The calculator will determine the volumetric weight, chargeable weight, and provide an estimated total freight charge.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you have a package with the following details:
- Actual Shipment Weight: 100 lbs
- Package Dimensions: 24″ L x 18″ W x 12″ H
- Volumetric Divisor: 139 (for air freight)
- Base Rate per Chargeable Pound: $1.50
- Fuel Surcharge: 15%
- Additional Service Fees: $25.00 (for residential delivery)
Here's how the calculation would break down:
- Volumetric Weight: (24 * 18 * 12) / 139 = 5184 / 139 ≈ 37.30 lbs
- Chargeable Weight: Max(100 lbs, 37.30 lbs) = 100 lbs (Actual weight is greater)
- Base Freight Cost: 100 lbs * $1.50/lb = $150.00
- Fuel Surcharge Amount: $150.00 * 15% = $22.50
- Total Estimated Freight Charges: $150.00 + $22.50 + $25.00 = $197.50
This example demonstrates how the actual weight can sometimes be the chargeable weight, even with volumetric calculations. If the package were lighter but larger, the volumetric weight would likely be higher.