Freight Cost Calculator

Work out freight cost instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Freight Cost Calculator

Freight cost is rate times chargeable weight, plus a fuel surcharge applied to the base rate, plus fixed documentation and handling charges. The all-in cost per kilogram is the only comparable figure between quotes, since surcharge structures differ.

Formula

Freight cost

total = weight x rate x (1 + fuel surcharge) + fixed charges

Worked example

With the default values below, Freight Cost Calculator returns Total freight cost of $1,634.35. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Shipment weight: 850 kg
Rate per kilogram: 1.45
Fixed charges and documentation: 180
Fuel surcharge: 18 %

Results

Total freight cost: $1,634.35
Weight-based charge: $1,232.50
Fuel surcharge: $221.85
All-in cost per kilogram: $1.9228

Step by step

1Values used
2Freight cost
3Total freight cost= 1,634.35
4Weight-based charge= 1,232.50
5Fuel surcharge= 221.85
6All-in cost per kilogram= 1.9228

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is fuel surcharged separately?

It lets carriers hold base rates stable while passing through volatile fuel prices. It is applied to the base rate, not the total.

What else appears on a freight invoice?

Terminal handling, security screening, customs entry, and accessorials such as waiting time or residential delivery. Always ask for an all-in quote.