Ocean Freight Rates & Costs
Revenue ton (W/M), LCL cost calculator, spot vs. contract rates, all surcharges (BAF, PSS, ENS, THC, AMS, War Risk) – fully explained with total cost example.
The Revenue Ton (W/M) – the billing principle
Sea Freight LCL – Billing Formula
Revenue Tons = max(Weight/t, Volume/CBM)
1 CBM = 1 t (revenue ton) | Factor: 1.0
Example 1: Voluminous shipment
2 Boxes: 2.5 CBM, 600 kg
Weight: 600 kg = 0.6 revenue tons
Volume: 2.5 CBM = 2.5 revenue tons
→ Billed: 2.5 revenue tons (volume higher)
Example 2: Heavy shipment
1 Crate: 1.0 CBM, 1,800 kg
Weight: 1,800 kg = 1.8 revenue tons
Volume: 1.0 CBM = 1.0 revenue ton
→ Billed: 1.8 revenue tons (weight higher)
For FCL (Full Container Load), billing is per container (flat rate), not per W/M. The W/M principle applies primarily to LCL (groupage) and break-bulk cargo.
LCL Revenue Ton Calculator
Enter Shipment Data
Result
Plus THC, BAF, CFS handling and other surcharges. Base freight calculation only.
Ocean Freight Rate Structure
Ocean Freight Surcharges Overview
Total Cost Example (HAM → SHA, 20ft FCL)
Shipment: 1 × 20ft FCL, Hamburg (HAM) → Shanghai (SHA), benchmark values 2026
Customs clearance, pre/on-carriage, PSS (seasonal) and War Risk Surcharge (Red Sea route) not included. Benchmark values, prices can vary significantly.
Freight Prepaid vs. Freight Collect
Freight Prepaid
- Shipper pays ocean freight costs
- Standard for EXW, FCA, FAS, FOB
- Carrier invoices forwarder/shipper
- B/L shows "Freight Prepaid" notation
Freight Collect
- Consignee pays ocean freight costs
- Common for CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP
- Carrier holds cargo until payment
- B/L shows "Freight Collect" notation