What is the Freight Cost Calculator?
Exporters and importers choose between air, sea (LCL or FCL) and road freight by cost and time. The freight cost calculator takes your shipment's weight and volume and your rates for each mode, then shows the cost side by side.
Air freight bills chargeable weight (1 CBM = 167 kg); LCL bills per CBM or tonne; FCL bills per container. Get the volume first with the CBM Calculator and plan containers with the Container Loading Calculator.
How to use the Freight Cost Calculator
- Enter total weight and CBM.
- Enter your rates for air (per kg), LCL (per CBM) and FCL (per container).
- Add fixed charges such as documentation and handling.
- Compare the cost of each mode.
Formula
Air = max(kg, CBM × 167) × rate · LCL = max(CBM, tonnes) × rate · FCL = containers × rate
Example
A 2,400 kg, 9 CBM shipment: air bills 2,400 kg (vs 1,503 volumetric); LCL bills 9 W/M; a 20ft FCL holds it with room to spare. Enter your quotes to compare.
When to choose each mode
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| Air | Urgent, high-value, light goods |
| Sea LCL | Under about 15 CBM |
| Sea FCL | Over about 15 CBM or heavy cargo |
| Road | Domestic and cross-border to neighbours |
Related packaging and shipping tools
Packaging decisions are connected: the box size sets the volumetric weight, which sets the courier bill, and the carton size decides how many fit on a pallet or in a container. These related calculators help with the next step:
- Volumetric weight calculator: courier, air, sea and road.
- Dimensional weight calculator: DIM weight and chargeable weight.
- CBM calculator: cubic metres for a shipment.
- Shipping cost calculator: courier cost from your rate card.
- Package weight calculator: gross weight of a packed box.
Frequently asked questions
How is air freight charged?
Per kg of chargeable weight, the higher of actual and volumetric (1 CBM = 167 kg).
How is LCL charged?
Per CBM or per tonne, whichever is higher (W/M).
When is FCL cheaper than LCL?
Usually above 13–15 CBM.
Does it include customs duty?
No, only freight and the fixed charges you enter.
Are the rates built in?
No, enter your forwarder's current quotes.
Is the Freight Cost Calculator free to use?
Yes. The Freight Cost Calculator on Custom Converter is completely free, with no sign-up, no daily limit and no watermark.
Does the Freight Cost Calculator work on mobile phones?
Yes. It is built mobile-first and works on Android phones, iPhones, tablets and computers in any modern browser, with no app to install.