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International Shipping Cost Calculator

How the Freightnet Quote System Works

Compare international freight rates from certified freight forwarders and cargo carriers in three simple steps.

Step 1

Specify Route & Cargo

Enter your origin, destination, cargo dimensions, weight, packaging format, and any special handling needs (hazardous, temperature-controlled, customs clearance).

Step 2

Matched to Forwarders

Your request is dispatched instantly to verified international freight forwarders who specialize in your specific trade lane and transport mode.

Step 3

Compare & Book with Your Forwarder

Receive competitive quotes in your Freightnet dashboard. Review company credentials, communicate directly, and book your shipment with your chosen freight forwarder with zero platform fees or commission.

Supported International Freight Modes

Whether moving a single pallet, oversized machinery, or multi-container consignments, Freightnet connects you with the right carrier service.

Air Freight Cargo

The fastest shipping solution for time-critical, high-value, or perishable international merchandise.

  • Airport-to-Airport & Door-to-Door: Flexible collection and delivery options worldwide.
  • Consolidation & Scheduled: Standard IATA scheduled services to optimize freight budgets.
  • Express & Charters: Priority cargo dispatch and dedicated aircraft charter options.
  • Temperature-Controlled: Specialized cool-chain logistics for pharmaceuticals and perishables.

Ocean Container Shipping

Cost-effective global maritime transport for commercial volume shipments and bulky commodities.

  • Full Container Load (FCL): Dedicated 20ft & 40ft standard, High Cube, Open Top, and Flat Rack containers.
  • Less than Container Load (LCL): Economical groupage consolidation for shipments not filling a full container.
  • Reefer Containers: Climate-controlled shipping for frozen and refrigerated goods.
  • Port Drayage: Inland intermodal haulage from ocean ports to final warehouse destinations.

Overland Road Haulage

Reliable regional trucking and cross-border transport connecting key industrial centers and maritime ports.

  • Full Truckload (FTL): Direct road freight using dedicated curtain-siders and box trailers.
  • Less Than Truckload (LTL): Palletized groupage networks across Europe, North America, and regional corridors.
  • Heavy Haul & Project Cargo: Low-loader and specialized transport for out-of-gauge machinery.
  • Cross-Border Customs: Bonded trucking and transit documentation (T1/TIR).

Understanding Freight Rates & Calculation Factors

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.

1. Chargeable Weight & Volumetric Ratios

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

2. Incoterms 2020: Defining Shipper & Buyer Costs

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) establish exactly which party pays for origin handling, main carriage freight, customs duties, and final delivery:

  • EXW (Ex Works): The buyer assumes all transportation costs and risks starting from the seller's factory door.
  • FOB (Free on Board): The seller covers loading and export clearance at the origin port. The buyer pays ocean or air freight onwards.
  • CIF / CFR (Cost, Insurance & Freight): The seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port. The buyer pays import customs and local haulage.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller assumes full responsibility, paying all freight, export/import clearance, customs duties, and door delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Freight Quotes

Get answers to the most common questions about freight rate calculations, transit options, and forwarder matching.

When you submit a quote request, Freightnet matches your route, cargo specifications, and transport mode with verified freight forwarders operating across those trade lanes. Qualified forwarders review your shipment details and respond directly to your dashboard with customized, competitive rates.

Yes, requesting freight quotes on Freightnet is 100% free for shippers, importers, and exporters. There are no platform commission fees, booking markups, or hidden charges. You negotiate and contract directly with your chosen freight forwarder.

FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo exclusively occupies a dedicated shipping container (such as a 20ft or 40ft standard container). LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidates smaller consignments from multiple shippers sharing space within a single container, making it an economical option for cargo volumes that do not fill a full container.

Airlines calculate charges based on whichever is greater: actual gross weight or volumetric (dimensional) weight. The international IATA standard volumetric formula is: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6,000 (or 5,000 for express services). Light, bulky cargo is charged based on volumetric weight, while dense cargo is charged on gross weight.

To receive accurate and timely quotes, provide your origin and destination addresses or ports, chosen transport mode (Air, Sea, or Road), cargo dimensions, gross weight, packaging format (pallets, cartons, crates, or containers), commodity description, and required Incoterms (e.g. FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP).

Matched freight forwarders are notified immediately upon submission. For standard international trade lanes, forwarders typically submit preliminary quotes within a few business hours.

Need Direct Contact with Forwarders or Logistics Companies?

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