GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Freight Rate
When a shipper requests a quote, the freight rate is the starting point: it is the price a carrier charges for moving a shipment, expressed per unit of weight, volume, or a combination of both.
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Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/freight-rate.asp
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Definition & Explanation
When a shipper requests a quote, the freight rate is the starting point: it is the price a carrier charges for moving a shipment, expressed per unit of weight, volume, or a combination of both. In ocean freight, rates typically apply per container (TEU or FEU) or per weight/volume unit for LCL cargo; in air freight, billing is based on chargeable weight, which reconciles actual weight and volumetric weight into a single billing unit. Rates vary considerably by trade lane, season, carrier utilisation, and contracted service level. The freight rate is the core component of any transport quotation and should not be confused with the all-in transport cost, which also covers surcharges, customs fees, and handling charges.
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