Freight
The charge for the carriage of goods itself (by sea or air), without terminal fees, insurance or customs.
Definition
Freight is the charge for the carriage of goods itself (by sea or air), without terminal charges, insurance or customs. It can fluctuate strongly by season and route.
When comparing offers, do not look at bare freight but at the door-to-door rate including THC, delivery and clearance.
How it works in practice
Ocean freight is the most volatile part of the delivery cost: container rates from Asia can change several-fold within a year; from Europe they are more stable. Tranzit3 quotes freight for the shipping date and holds the rate in the quotation for 14 days.
Line surcharges are added to the base rate — the bunker adjustment factor (BAF), peak season surcharge (PSS), port congestion surcharge — so our offers show the final container price, not a “from” price with surprises. For groupage, freight is already spread across the cargo spaces.
Freight: frequently asked questions
What is an “all-in” rate?
Freight that already includes the line’s surcharges (fuel, currency, seasonal) and sometimes terminal charges. Convenient for comparison, but check whether THC at both ports and documentation fees are included.
Why does the rate differ between the enquiry and shipment?
Lines update their tariffs twice a month and introduce peak surcharges in season (August–October and before Chinese New Year). A rate is valid for the stated period; to hold it, we book space on the vessel immediately after confirmation.
Is freight the same under FOB and EXW?
The freight amount is the same, but under EXW it is increased by delivery to the port, export clearance and THC at the port of loading — costs which under FOB the seller has already included in the price of the goods.
Related terms and services
More in this section
Request a quote
Reply within 2 business hours