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Freight Rate Per Tonne Calculator

Work out freight rate per tonne instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Freight Rate Per Tonne Calculator

Freight rate per tonne is total freight divided by cargo lifted, and dividing again by distance gives the rate per tonne-mile that allows voyages of different lengths to be compared. Setting freight against voyage cost gives the contribution, the figure that matters when choosing between competing cargoes.

Formula

Freight metrics

rate per tonne = freight / cargo; per tonne-mile = freight / (cargo x distance)

Worked example

With the default values below, Freight Rate Per Tonne Calculator returns Freight rate per tonne of $12.92. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Total freight
620,000
Cargo quantity
48,000 t
Voyage distance
4,200 nm
Total voyage cost
470,000

Results

Freight rate per tonne
$12.92
Rate per tonne-mile
$0.00308
Voyage contribution
$150,000.00
Cost per tonne
$9.79

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Freight metrics
  3. 3Freight rate per tonne= 12.92
  4. 4Rate per tonne-mile= 0.00308
  5. 5Voyage contribution= 150,000.00
  6. 6Cost per tonne= 9.79

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 5 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Marine results are planning estimates only. Verify against the vessel's approved stability booklet, loading manual, class society rules and applicable maritime regulations before loading or sailing.

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

Marine results are planning estimates only. Verify against the vessel's approved stability booklet, loading manual, class society rules and applicable maritime regulations before loading or sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is time charter equivalent?

Voyage contribution divided by voyage days. It converts a voyage charter into a daily rate so it can be compared with the time charter market.

Why compare per tonne-mile?

Because a short voyage at a low per-tonne rate can be more profitable per day than a long voyage at a high one.

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