Compare international freight rates from independent freight forwarders and cargo carriers in three simple steps.
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Whether moving a single pallet, oversized machinery, or multi-container consignments, Freightnet connects you with the right carrier service.
The fastest shipping solution for time-critical, high-value, or perishable international merchandise.
Cost-effective global maritime transport for commercial volume shipments and bulky commodities.
Reliable regional trucking and cross-border transport connecting key industrial centers and maritime ports.
Freight shipping charges are determined by more than just distance. Logistics carriers apply standard industry formulas to calculate chargeable weight, evaluate handling requirements, and establish responsibility using international trade terms.
Airlines and ocean carriers price freight based on whichever is higher: the actual gross scale weight or the volumetric (dimensional) weight. This ensures carriers are compensated fairly for lightweight, high-volume cargo that consumes valuable cargo space.
| Mode | Volumetric Formula | Standard Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 6,000 |
1 CBM = 167 kg |
| Air Express | (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5,000 |
1 CBM = 200 kg |
| Ocean LCL | L × W × H in meters |
1 CBM = 1,000 kg |
| Road Freight | L × W × H in meters × 333 |
1 CBM = 333 kg |
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) establish exactly which party pays for origin handling, main carriage freight, customs duties, and final delivery:
Ocean container shipping relies on standardized ISO dimensions. For ocean cargo measuring under 13–15 CBM, Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation is typically most economical. For cargo exceeding 15 CBM, booking a full 20ft container (FCL) generally offers lower unit freight costs and avoids groupage deconsolidation delays.
| Container | Internal Dimensions | Max Payload | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard (20' ST) | 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 28,250 kg (62,280 lbs) | 33.2 m³ (1,172 cu.ft) |
| 40' Standard (40' ST) | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 26,740 kg (58,955 lbs) | 67.7 m³ (2,390 cu.ft) |
| 40' High Cube (40' HC) | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.70 m | 26,580 kg (58,602 lbs) | 76.4 m³ (2,698 cu.ft) |
| 20' Reefer | 5.44 m × 2.27 m × 2.28 m | 27,400 kg (60,410 lbs) | 28.3 m³ (1,000 cu.ft) |
| 40' Reefer | 11.56 m × 2.27 m × 2.25 m | 27,700 kg (61,070 lbs) | 59.3 m³ (2,094 cu.ft) |
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