1. Getting Started

The Freight Rate Converter is a free online tool for anyone involved in shipping, trade, or logistics. It helps you calculate weights, volumes, chargeable weights, freight costs, container loads, demurrage charges, and currency conversions — all in one place.

The calculator is organised into tabs across the top. Click any tab to switch. On mobile, tabs appear as a dropdown.

All calculations happen instantly in your browser. No accounts, no sign-ups, no data stored.

2. Unit Converter

The Unit Converter tab combines three converters under one roof. Use the pill selectors at the top of the tab to switch between Weight, Volume, and Currency.

Weight

Convert between KG, LB, Metric Ton (MT), Short Ton (ST), and Long Ton (LT).

1. Enter the weight value.
2. Select the From unit.
3. Select the To unit.
4. The result appears instantly.

Volume

Convert between Cubic Metres (CBM) and Cubic Feet (CFT). 1 CBM = 35.31 CFT.

Currency

Convert between 13 major shipping currencies using live exchange rates. The rate and last-updated timestamp are shown below the result. Click Refresh Rates to fetch the latest.

3. Chargeable Weight Calculator

Carriers charge you based on whichever is higher: the actual weight of your cargo or the volumetric weight (how much space it takes up). This calculator works it out for you.

How to Use

1. Select the freight mode: Air, Sea LCL, or Courier/Express.
2. Enter the number of packages.
3. Enter dimensions for one package: Length, Width, Height. Toggle between CM and Inches.
4. Enter the actual gross weight of the entire shipment (KG or LB).
5. Click Calculate.

Reading the Results

Volumetric Weight Formulas

4. Rate Calculator

Calculate the total freight cost from a quoted rate. Handles different rate bases and converts between currencies.

How to Use

1. Select the freight mode: FCL 20′, FCL 40′, FCL 40’HC, LCL, Air, or Breakbulk.
2. Enter the rate and select the currency (e.g. 4.50 USD).
3. Choose the rate basis: Per KG, Per CBM, Per W/M, Per Container, or Per MT.
4. Enter the quantity (e.g. chargeable weight in KG, number of containers).
5. Optionally select a different output currency.
6. Click Calculate.

Rate Basis Explained

5. Surcharges

In the Rate Calculator tab, below the base rate inputs, you’ll find an expandable “Add Surcharges” section. This lets you add common freight surcharges on top of the base rate to get a complete cost breakdown.

Using Presets

The fastest way to add surcharges is to load a preset. Select one from the “Load Preset” dropdown and the surcharge table auto-fills with typical rates for that trade lane:

All preset rates are editable — adjust any value to match your carrier’s actual charges.

Adding Individual Surcharges

Use the quick-add dropdown to add surcharges one at a time. They’re grouped by category: Fuel, Terminal, Security, Seasonal, Documentation, Special Cargo, and Miscellaneous.

You can also click “+ Add Custom Surcharge” to create one with your own name.

Common Surcharges Explained

6. Download as PDF

After calculating a rate (with or without surcharges), a “Download as PDF” button appears in the results. Click it to save a clean calculation summary to your device.

What’s in the PDF

• Freight Calculation Summary header with date and reference number
• Cargo details (if you used the Chargeable Weight tab first)
• Base freight rate with quantity and total
• Each surcharge as a separate line item (if any were added)
• Currency conversion with exchange rate shown
• Grand total

The PDF generates instantly in your browser — no account or login needed. Use it to compare quotes, share with colleagues, or keep for your records.

7. Container Load Planner

Find out how many cartons, pallets, or crates fit inside a standard shipping container.

How to Use

1. Select the package type: Carton, Pallet, Crate, Drum, or Custom.
2. Select the container type: 20′ Standard, 40′ Standard, 40′ High Cube, etc.
3. Enter package dimensions (Length, Width, Height) in CM or Inches.
4. Enter weight per package.
5. Enter the number of packages you have.
6. Set stacking (Yes/No) and max layers if applicable.
7. Click Calculate.

Results

The results show how many packages fit in one container, whether you’re limited by volume or weight, utilisation percentages for both, and how many containers you need if your packages exceed one.

Container Sizes

8. Demurrage & Detention

Estimate the charges you’ll incur for keeping cargo at the port (demurrage) or holding a container beyond the free period (detention).

What’s the Difference?

How to Use

1. Select the calculation mode: Demurrage Only, Detention Only, or Combined.
2. Enter the relevant dates (discharge, collection, return).
3. Set the free days allowed.
4. Choose flat rate or tiered rate and enter the daily charges.
5. Enter the number of containers.
6. Click Calculate.

Results show the total days, chargeable days, cost per container, and total charges. A timeline visualisation shows the free period versus the chargeable period.

9. Incoterms 2020 Reference

An interactive guide to the 11 Incoterms 2020 rules showing who pays for what and where risk transfers between buyer and seller.

Single Term View

Select any Incoterm from the dropdown to see a full breakdown: visual cost responsibility bar, risk transfer point, insurance obligations, what it’s suitable for, and common mistakes to avoid.

Comparison View

Compare two Incoterms side by side to see exactly which cost responsibilities shift between them. Only the differences are highlighted.

The 11 Incoterms

10. Supported Currencies

11. Quick Reference

Weight Conversions

Chargeable Weight Formulas

Chargeable Weight = whichever is HIGHER — actual weight or volumetric weight.

Revenue Tons (W/M) = MAX(Weight in Metric Tons, Volume in CBM). Used for LCL and breakbulk.

12. Frequently Asked Questions