GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026

Freight Credit Note

A freight credit note is issued when previously billed transport charges need to be partially or fully reversed.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.logistik-lexikon.de/definition/frachtgutschrift.html

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

112

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

A freight credit note is issued when previously billed transport charges need to be partially or fully reversed. Typical triggers include overcharges arising from incorrect weight or dimensional data, service failures such as damage or late delivery, and pricing corrections agreed after the original invoice was raised. In accounting terms, it functions as a negative invoice, reducing the carrier's outstanding receivable and the shipper's corresponding payable. Shippers and forwarders often request credit notes proactively when a shipment has not been delivered as contractually agreed. Where freight costs form part of the customs value, a corrected charge may also affect the dutiable value declared and could require an amendment to the customs entry.

Next steps

Matching tools and partners

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen Calculate transport costWork out freight / road costOpen Find a matching partnerFreight forwarders and logistics partners worldwideOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Credit note due to delay

A credit note due to delay allows a transport or logistics provider to compensate a customer financially for a proven service fail…

Learn more

transport document

Unlike a delivery note, which merely confirms the handover of goods between buyer and seller, a transport document evidences the c…

Learn more

Abbreviations of transport documents

Freight forwarders, shippers, and customs authorities rely on standardized abbreviations for transport documents every day – in sh…

Learn more

Reimbursement

Reimbursement in freight and customs contexts means the direct repayment of an amount that was overpaid, charged in error, or adva…

Learn more

Sea Freight Bill of Lading

A sea freight bill of lading is the primary document governing ocean cargo, fulfilling three distinct legal roles at once: it serv…

Learn more

Electronic Freight Documents

Electronic freight documents replace paper originals with legally valid digital equivalents, allowing transport contracts, cargo d…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.

Freight Credit Note

Next steps

Related Terms

Credit note due to delay

transport document

Abbreviations of transport documents

Reimbursement

Sea Freight Bill of Lading

Electronic Freight Documents

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers