Below are given guidelines for calculating the freight cost per unit or taxable weight.

Each mode of transport, land,sea, airplane, or rail, partial loads (containers, trucks or wagons) use a different system for calculating the freight cost per unit, the base on which the shipping cost is calculated.

Maritime Freight

W/M rate: the rate usually applies to the weight W calculated in metric tons (1,000 kg) or to the volume M (measurement), calculated in cubic metres (CBM), whichever is greater, in favour of the shipping company.
W rate: in some cases it is calculated only on weight W.
ML rate: a rate per linear metre is sometimes applied when transporting vehicles on RORO ships.

Air Freight

This rates is calculated on the weight (kg), with a maximum weight/measurement ratio of 1,000 kg: 6 CBM; if the volume of the goods exceeds this ratio (1:6) the freight cost for the unit is obtained by dividing the volume by 6.

Land Freight

This rates is calculated in 100s of kg, with a maximum weight/measurement ratio of 1000 kg: 3 CBM; if the volume of the goods exceeds this ratio (1:3) the freight cost for the unit is obtained by dividing the volume by 3.

Land Freight

This rate is calculated on weight, but it varies depending on the characteristics of the goods.

Calculation of freight cost per unit