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.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/freight-rate.asp
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
117
Mentioned in
–
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.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Related News
Companies
Descartes Acquires Tai for $100 Million – Dispatch Operations Set for Greater Automation
Sep 1, 202623671 min
Operational Alerts
1.7 Million TEU Shortage: Port Congestion Consuming Capacity Like a Major Shipping Line
Aug 27, 202622451 min
Regulatory
EU Small Consignment Duty Slows Air Freight from Hong Kong by 24 Percent
Jul 28, 202682381 min
Operational Alerts
India: Container Congestion and Freight Rates Rise
Jul 22, 2026104402 min
Companies
Hapag-Lloyd Raises Outlook Due to Strong Demand
Jul 19, 202690401 min
Regulatory
New Port Fees in the USA Could Shift Trade Flows
Jul 14, 202670271 min
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.