Have you ever wondered why you pay top rates for you freight shipping costs or why sometimes, the rates keep on fluctuating? Well, there are a number of factors which come to the scene when it comes to determining the shipping rates.
Here is a look at some of them:
The intended destination
This is by far one of the most important factors when it comes to the determination of freight shipping costs. It simply implies that the longer the journey, the higher the shipping rates will be and the shorter the journey the lower the rates you will have to pay.
Service charges
Service charges are those extra levies imposed by the port authorities. In most cases, they will be passed onto the shipper which will in turn affect the freight shipping costs.
The currency
Currently, the common currency used in international shipping is the American dollar. Freight quotes depend on the fluctuating rates of exchange, and if you happen to ship when the dollar is weak relative to your home currency, then you will enjoy slightly lower rates, compared to when shipping at times when the dollar is stronger relative to your home currency.
The container capacity
If the shipper can’t find enough goods to fill up a whole container, then the freight charges will be higher, and this may be partly dependent upon the season. However, if the shipper finds enough goods to fill the container to optimum capacity, then the rates will be slightly lower.
Terminal Fees
There will always be terminal fees to be paid at the port once the goods reach the intended destination. These are usually paid while embarking on the journey and they will always be reflected in the final freight quote.
