Estimate freight cost from your own charging quantity, rate and additional fees. Choose the tariff basis and currency, then review the calculation. CBM3 does not retrieve a live carrier quote, apply tariff minimums automatically or convert currencies automatically.
Precision logistics calculator
Freight Shipping Cost Calculator
Estimate total freight costs including fuel surcharges and accessorial fees.
Schematic planning preview
Build an estimate from the quoted tariff
Start with the charging quantity and unit used in your provider’s offer. Supported rate bases are per kg, per lb, per m3, per cubic foot and a flat shipment price. A number without its billing unit is not a usable tariff. Pallet-position and loading-metre tariffs are not dedicated rate bases in this tool; calculate and verify such a base separately before using a flat amount. Confirm the applicable minimum and which additional charges are included.
- Choose the charging basis that matches the quotation.
- Enter the corresponding quantity and rate in one currency.
- Add applicable fuel-percentage and fixed charges in the supported fields. Check minimum-charge rules separately; if needed, verify the applicable base independently and enter it as a flat rate.
- Review the formula trace and individual charge lines before using the total.
Worked freight-cost example
Assume an entered billing quantity of 100 kg at 2 USD/kg. Base freight is 200 USD. If a 10% fuel charge applies to that 200 USD base, it adds 20 USD. A fixed handling fee of 15 USD makes the example total 235 USD.
This is an arithmetic example, not a market rate or an offer. If your agreement applies a fuel surcharge to a different subtotal, has a minimum, or treats another fee differently, reproduce only the conditions the calculator supports and check the detailed output. Do not assume excluded taxes or charges are zero.
Prepare the right charging quantity
Use the Chargeable Weight Calculator when the tariff requires a comparison of actual and volumetric weight. Use the CBM Calculator for shipment volume and the Freight Density Calculator for mass per occupied volume. A density-based freight-class estimate is a separate task from pricing.
What the estimate does not include automatically
Enter or independently check costs such as customs duties, taxes, insurance, port or terminal fees, storage, detention, demurrage, delivery restrictions and exchange-rate effects where relevant. The calculator does not discover these from a route, provide live carrier availability or reserve transport.
All monetary inputs must use the selected currency. Changing a currency label is not a foreign-exchange calculation. Obtain the carrier’s written quote and verify the total before booking.
Cost is not a loading plan
A freight-price estimate does not validate vehicle capacity, cargo securing, door clearance or item placement. Use the Container Loading Calculator & 3D Load Planner to inspect physical placement under your cargo rules. Check any unplaced items and actual weight separately.
Common questions
Does this tool compare live carrier prices?
No. It calculates from the quantities, rates and charges you enter. Request a current quotation from your freight provider.
Can I combine rates in different currencies?
Not directly. Convert them using an independently verified applicable rate before entry, or keep separate estimates. The selected currency does not perform conversion.
Estimate only, not a binding quotation, invoice or transport approval. Explore all CBM3 tools.