Capacity has a price. A freight rate is the charge assessed by a carrier or forwarder for transporting goods between two points.

Rates may be quoted per weight, per volume, per container, or as a lump sum. Fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, and seasonal adjustments commonly modify the base rate. Contract rates negotiated for volume commitments differ from spot rates paid for one-off shipments.

Shippers compare rates against transit time, reliability, and total landed cost. Carriers manage yield by adjusting rates to balance demand with available equipment. Transparent rate structures reduce disputes; complex surcharge regimes often increase them.

• Price charged for transporting goods
• May be weight-, volume-, or unit-based
• Includes base rate plus possible surcharges
• Negotiated under contract or paid on the spot market