Freight Rates & Pricing: How Shipping Costs Are Calculated
Every shipment is different, so we quote each one individually. Here is what shapes your price — and how to get an accurate quote fast.
No hidden extras — just clear, itemised quotes
Freight rates move with fuel prices, seasons, carrier capacity and route conditions. Instead of publishing a price list that would quickly go out of date, we compare carriers and routes for your specific cargo and send a clear quotation showing what is included.
- Freight and carrier charges for the chosen mode
- Origin and destination charges, as requested
- Pick-up, delivery and handling
- Documentation and customs clearance (if required)
- Estimated transit time and quote validity
- Optional cargo insurance
Get an accurate freight quote
Share your shipment details and we will come back with the best available option.
Eight factors that shape your freight cost
Understanding these helps you plan shipments and compare quotations on a like-for-like basis.
Mode of transport
Sea is the most economical for volume, air is fastest, road suits GCC movements and courier suits small, urgent parcels.
Weight & volume
Carriers charge on chargeable weight or volume — whichever is greater — so packing efficiently matters.
Origin, destination & routing
Direct services, transhipment points, port pairs and inland legs all influence the rate.
Type of cargo
Dangerous goods, perishables, oversized and high-value cargo need special handling, equipment or approvals.
Incoterms & scope
Port-to-port, door-to-door, customs clearance and insurance change what is included in the price.
Season & capacity
Peak seasons, carrier capacity and fuel prices move rates up or down week to week.
Surcharges & local charges
Fuel (BAF), terminal handling, documentation and security fees are added by carriers and terminals.
Duties, VAT & permits
Most goods attract 5% UAE customs duty on CIF value plus 5% VAT; some need permits or approvals.
How chargeable weight is calculated
Carriers charge for the space your cargo occupies as well as its weight. That is why light but bulky goods are billed on volumetric weight. Use our CBM & volumetric weight calculator to check your shipment in seconds.
| Mode | How it is charged | Typical formula |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight | Greater of actual or volumetric weight | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6,000 |
| Courier / express | Greater of actual or volumetric weight | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5,000 |
| Sea freight LCL | Per cubic metre or per 1,000 kg (W/M), whichever is greater | 1 CBM = 1 m × 1 m × 1 m |
| Sea freight FCL | Per container | 20ft, 40ft or 40ft High Cube |
| Road freight (GCC) | Per truck (FTL) or by pallet, volume or weight (LTL) | Depends on route and vehicle |
Ways to lower your shipping cost
- Consolidate: combine smaller orders into one LCL or FCL shipment.
- Pack smart: reduce empty space to cut volumetric weight — see our cargo packing guide.
- Plan ahead: book early and avoid peak-season surcharges and urgent air freight.
- Choose the right Incoterm: control the legs where you can secure better rates.
Pricing FAQs
No. Freight rates change frequently with fuel prices, seasons and carrier capacity, so we quote each shipment individually to give you an accurate, current price.
We aim to respond quickly with a clear quotation once we have the key details: origin, destination, commodity, packages, dimensions, weight and cargo-ready date.
Duties and VAT are charged by customs authorities and depend on the commodity and its value. We can include an estimate and handle payment on your behalf as part of our customs clearance service.
Consolidate shipments, pack to minimise volume, book early outside peak periods and choose the right Incoterm. Read our guide on reducing freight costs for more ideas.
Ready to ship? Get a fast, no-obligation quote
Tell us what you are moving and where — our Dubai team will reply with the best route, transit time and price.