GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Carrier Freight Payment

Timely and accurate settlement of transport costs is what carrier freight payment is about.

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.gartner.com/doc/2776618/what-carrier-freight-payment-auditing

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Definition & Explanation

Timely and accurate settlement of transport costs is what carrier freight payment is about. Once a shipment is delivered, the shipper or freight forwarder receives the carrier's invoice and verifies it against the bill of lading, agreed rate schedules, and actual shipment data before authorising payment. Terms such as prepaid, freight collect, or net-30 govern who bears the cost and when funds must be transferred. Accessorial charges—fuel surcharges, detention, customs disbursements—appear as separate line items and are reconciled in the same process. Carrier freight payment is distinct from the rate agreement and the transport document: those instruments define the obligation; payment fulfils it.

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Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Check demurrage/detentionCalculate standing charges and free timeOpen Check sea freight costEstimate FCL/LCL costOpen

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