Finding the best container shipping rates can be complex, but with our advanced calculators pricing is in seconds. Our container shipping rates calculators give you instant and actionable shipping quotes for Shipping a Full Container Load (FCL), Less Than Container Load (LCL), or exploring Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) options for vehicles.
Our platform offers several calculators to help you get the most accurate rates:
Export Container Shipping Rates Calculator: Use our Container Shipping Rates Calculator to get immediate quotes for FCL and LCL shipments.
Less-Than-Container-Load Calculator: Shipping smaller cargo, use our LCL Export Calculator to find the best rates for consolidating your shipment with others.
RORO Calculator: For vehicles and other wheeled cargo, the RORO Calculator offers fast quotes for Roll-On/Roll-Off services.
Import Container Shipping Rate Calculator: Bringing goods into the USA? Use our Container Import Calculator for precise import shipping rates.
Container shipping rates depend on several factors, including the type of container, the size of the shipment, the route, and the method of transportation. Our calculators provide instant pricing for both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipments, allowing you to make informed decisions about your shipping strategy.
Container shipping rates are often contracted through long-term agreements, typically lasting from six months to one year. These contracts allow shippers and carriers to establish stable, predictable pricing for the duration of the agreement. Such contracts are especially valuable for businesses that regularly ship large volumes of goods, as they provide protection from market fluctuations, which can lead to cost uncertainty.
When these contracts are set, they are negotiated based on factors like the volume of goods, trade routes, container types (FCL or LCL), and the duration of the agreement. Shippers benefit from fixed rates, while carriers can count on steady business during the contract period. These agreements typically include key performance indicators (KPIs) such as transit times and service reliability.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which regulates international shipping to and from the United States, plays a key role in ensuring fairness in such agreements. The FMC oversees contracts between shippers and carriers, ensuring transparency, competitiveness, and adherence to maritime law. According to FMC regulations, carriers are required to file service contracts and amendments with the commission. This oversight helps protect shippers from sudden rate hikes and ensures that carriers uphold their contractual obligations.
In addition, FMC regulations require that shippers and carriers disclose any surcharges or fees, such as bunker fuel costs, that might be passed on to the shipper during the contract term. This transparency enables shippers to understand their total costs and avoid hidden charges. By adhering to FMC guidelines, both parties can operate within a fair, regulated system that supports long-term planning and business growth in international trade.
Our Freight Calculator simplifies the process of obtaining container shipping rates. With our easy-to-use platform, you can compare shipping options, choose the best rate, and plan your logistics efficiently. Whether you are shipping goods internationally or domestically, our tool gives you real-time quotes.
BL: A Bill of Lading (B/L) is a document that serves as proof of shipment and outlines the terms of transportation between shipper and carrier.
Bunker Fuel: The fuel used by ships, often a significant part of shipping costs.
Drayage: The transport of goods over a short distance, often from a port to a nearby warehouse or distribution center.
Dunnage: Materials used to protect cargo and keep it stable during transport.
EIN: Employer Identification Number, used by businesses shipping internationally.
Insurance: Coverage for the goods being shipped, protecting against damage or loss during transit.
Pre-Pull: The process of pulling a container from a port or terminal in advance of the delivery schedule.
Drop and Pick: A trucking service where the container is dropped at the destination and picked up later.
SED: Shipper Export Declaration, a form required by the U.S. government for certain types of exports.