Freight Pricing Basics: Weight, Volume Weight, and Capacity Units Transport pricing is driven by a simple constraint: capacity is limited (space and weight). Carriers therefore charge based on either: actual gross weight, or volume/chargeable weight (a conversion of space into an equivalent weight), or capacity units...
Download the ready-to-use resources that accompany Mastering Logistics RFQs for Global Supply Chains (2026–2028)— designed to help you execute a complete freight RFQ with stronger governance, better comparability, and faster implementation....
WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED ? Sea freight is typically the most cost-efficient option for international trade, but it is also the most document-driven. A single missing or inconsistent data point (shipper/consignee details, HS code, cargo description, weights, Incoterms®, or compliance references) can trigger customs holds, rolling...
Dangerous Goods (Hazardous Materials) What is “dangerous” in use vs. dangerous in transport (2026 refresh) Dangerous goods (often called hazardous materials in the USA) can be pure chemicals, mixtures, manufactured products, or articles that may pose a risk to people, property, or the environment if they are...
Avoid “Low Quote” Traps: Control Accessorial Charges A common pricing tactic in freight is the “bare-bones quote”: the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) or carrier offers an attractive base rate for a standard service, then invoices additional accessorial charges later (handling, documentation, special equipment, delivery constraints, waiting...
WHAT IT IS, HOW IT WORKS, AND WHAT IT CHANGES FOR SUPPLY CHAINS Blockchain continues to attract strong interest across industry because it addresses a recurring business problem: multiple parties need to share the same transaction record, but they do not fully trust each other, and...
Incoterms® (ICC) — International Commercial Terms (Incoterms® 2020 remains the current ICC edition) The most widely used rules for interpreting trade terms in international commerce are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are known as Incoterms®. (ICC - International Chamber of Commerce) Incoterms® clarify to...
Check Your Carrier’s Liability Limits (Before You Ship) Before you allow a carrier to move your freight, you need to understand the liability limit that applies if cargo is lost, damaged, or delayed. Do not assume you will be reimbursed 100%—even when the carrier is at...
IMPROVE FREIGHT TAIFFS BY SELECTING THE RIGHT PARTNER Reducing and consolidating the number of carriers and/or appointing a dedicated freight forwarder can materially improve both tariffs and service control—provided it is done with clear governance. Fragmented carrier panels increase administration, dilute volume leverage, and create inconsistent...
HOW SPOT PRICING INTERACTS WITH LONG-TERM CONTRACTS The spot freight market in liner (container) shipping has expanded significantly over the past decade and now plays a structural role alongside annual or semi-annual carrier contracts. In practice, most shippers operate in a hybrid environment where long-term agreements...
