Freight Rate Per KG Calculator
Enter total freight cost, actual weight, and chargeable weight to calculate the effective freight rate per kilogram. Optionally add fuel surcharge and handling fees for the all-in rate. Supports USD, GBP, EUR, AUD and SGD.
Enter the total freight cost, actual weight, and chargeable weight to calculate the effective freight rate per kilogram. Optionally add fuel surcharge and handling fees to see the all-in rate.
Base freight charge, before surcharges
Gross weight of the shipment
The weight the carrier actually billed on
Formula
Rate per KG = (Base Cost + Fuel Surcharge + Handling) ÷ Weight | Use chargeable weight for the billed rate, actual weight for the gross rate
The freight rate per kg converts a total freight invoice into a per-kilogram cost. Using chargeable weight gives the rate the carrier is billing on; using actual weight shows the effective cost per kilogram of real cargo — useful when comparing carriers whose volumetric multipliers differ.
Worked Example
Air freight invoice: $1,200 base + $180 fuel surcharge + $60 handling = $1,440 total. Actual weight 300 kg, chargeable weight 380 kg.
Total cost = $1,200 + $180 + $60 = $1,440
Rate per chargeable kg = $1,440 ÷ 380 = $3.79 per kg
Rate per actual kg = $1,440 ÷ 300 = $4.80 per kg
The difference between $3.79 (chargeable) and $4.80 (actual) shows the volumetric uplift cost. If you compare a second carrier quoting $4.00 per chargeable kg, you would need to check their volumetric divisor — a higher divisor reduces the chargeable weight and may produce a lower total cost despite the higher stated rate.
Use this in your workflow
Calculate chargeable weight first using the Freight Chargeable Weight Calculator. Then use the rate per kg here for carrier comparison. Feed the result into the Landed Cost Calculator for full import cost per unit. Calculate shipment volume first with the CBM Calculator. Browse all Free Business Calculators.
When to use this calculator
- →Comparing two carrier quotes for the same shipment on a like-for-like rate per kg basis
- →Reviewing a freight invoice to verify that the stated rate per kg matches the contract
- →Checking the all-in rate when a carrier separates base rate, fuel surcharge, and handling
- →Tracking freight cost per kg over multiple shipments to identify rate trends
Worked example: carrier comparison
A useful reference before entering your own figures above.
| Item | Carrier A | Carrier B |
|---|---|---|
| Base freight rate | $3.20/kg | $4.00/kg |
| Chargeable weight | 380 kg | 300 kg |
| Fuel surcharge | $180 | $60 |
| Handling fees | $60 | $0 |
| Total freight cost | $1,456 | $1,260 |
| All-in rate per chargeable kg | $3.83 | $4.20 |
Carrier A has a lower stated rate per kg but a higher chargeable weight (higher volumetric divisor), making the total cost $196 more. Compare carriers on total cost for the same actual shipment — not on stated rate per kg alone.
Limitations
Freight rate per kg is a planning and comparison metric — it does not reflect transit time, service reliability, or carrier liability limits. Always compare carriers on total cost for the same actual shipment, using the same chargeable weight basis. Rates shown are calculated from the data entered and are not market benchmarks. These results are for planning purposes only — consult your freight forwarder for binding freight quotations.
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Frequently asked questions
What is freight rate per kilogram?
Freight rate per kilogram is the total freight cost divided by the chargeable or actual weight. It is used to compare carriers on equal terms and to calculate the freight component of landed cost.
What is the difference between actual weight and chargeable weight?
Actual weight is the gross weight on a scale. Chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight. For bulky goods, chargeable weight exceeds actual weight — always use chargeable weight when comparing air freight rates.
What is a typical air freight rate per kg?
Rates in major lanes typically range from $3–8 per kg for consolidated general cargo under normal conditions. Express services and peak periods cost more. Rates vary significantly by lane and carrier.
What is a fuel surcharge?
Fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable component added to the base freight rate to cover carrier fuel costs. It changes regularly and should be included for a like-for-like carrier comparison.
How does freight rate per kg relate to landed cost?
Total freight cost divided by units shipped gives freight cost per unit — one key input to landed cost per unit, alongside product cost, import duty, and VAT/GST.
Can I use this for sea freight rates per CBM?
Yes — enter total LCL freight cost and CBM as the weight field. The result shows the effective rate per CBM.