Full Container Load (FCL)
Shipping a full container load (FCL) can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This guide will provide you with the important information you need to calculate the cost of your FCL shipment from one geographic location to another.
Identify the Necessary Information for Calculations.
Before you can begin to calculate your FCL shipment cost, you will need to have the necessary information on hand. This includes the origin and destination of your goods, the number of containers needed, the type of goods being transported (bulk or general cargo), shipment size, and the desired transit time. Having this information ready will make the freight cost calculation process simpler and more efficient.
Choose an Appropriate Pricing Model.
After you have gathered all the necessary information, you need to determine which pricing model will work best for you. Depending on your shipment size and budget considerations, an FCL shipment may require using either a spot rate or a contract rate. A spot rate is a one-time price that is based on current market conditions, while a contract rate gives shippers more cost-saving options since the agreed-upon rate is locked in for the duration of their contract term.
Analyze Shipping Relevant Costs and Fees.
Once you’ve established the freight rate for your full container load shipment, you will need to review and analyze the relevant costs related to shipping. This includes any taxes, duties, and excise fees. Depending on your destination/origin point, certain taxes and/or customs duties may apply; take into consideration port charges as well as weight or dimension-related fees associated with transporting goods by truck, plane, or ship. It’s also good to get familiar with international cargo insurance rates, as this can further impact your total cost of freight forwarding services.
Compare Quotes from Different Carriers.
Getting quotes from multiple carriers is a must to ensure you find the most competitive rate and best service for your full container load shipment. Take into account not only the actual freight rate, but all additional fees related to taxes, duties, customs clearance, and cargo insurance associated with each offer. This can be a time-consuming process but it’s worth researching before making any commitments – after all this should lead to the realization of cost savings in terms of both price and delivery quality!
Calculate an Average Freight Cost per Container Load.
To get an average freight cost for a container load, you’ll need to factor in the total weight and dimensions of the shipment. Once you’ve got that information, use a full container load freight calculator to estimate pricing, taking into account any additional fees and taxes your goods may incur on their journey. At this point, you can select an average price that works best for your budget. From there, start working with reputable shipping companies who give you reliable quotes you can count on in advance.
