GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Assured Carrier Capacity Agreements
An Assured Carrier Capacity Agreement is a binding contract between a shipper and a carrier – ocean line, airline, or road and rail operator – under which the carrier commits to reserving a defined volume of transport capacity for the shipper over a fixed period, typically measured in TEU, metric tonnes, or freight tonne-kilometres.
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Source: https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/assured-carrier-capacity-agreements/
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Definition & Explanation
An Assured Carrier Capacity Agreement is a binding contract between a shipper and a carrier – ocean line, airline, or road and rail operator – under which the carrier commits to reserving a defined volume of transport capacity for the shipper over a fixed period, typically measured in TEU, metric tonnes, or freight tonne-kilometres. The shipper gains reliable access to space even during peak seasons or tight markets; the carrier secures predictable load factors and steady revenue in return. These agreements are most prevalent in container shipping and air freight, where capacity constraints have an immediate impact on supply chains. Unlike spot bookings, both parties are contractually bound: if the shipper fails to lift the agreed volumes, a shortfall fee applies. For companies with consistent, high-volume shipment flows, such agreements are a key instrument for capacity planning and cost control.
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