Freight Rate Calculator

On September 10, 2026, Drewry WCI assessed Shanghai–Los Angeles at US$7,352 and Shanghai–New York at US$9,726 per 40ft container, as published in our FCL container rates guide. These are dated CY-to-CY spot benchmarks: add only the costs they exclude, such as inland transport or customs services. Use the calculator above for your exact lane, then send it to us for a firm, partner-sourced quote.

Freight cost starts with your mode and lane. Ocean FCL is priced per container, while LCL, air and express are priced on chargeable weight, the greater of actual and volumetric weight. The calculator then adds surcharges, handling, documentation and customs to estimate an all-in range.

The calculator uses 2026 market-average rates, adjusted for your lane, season and commodity. Treat the result as a planning estimate, not a contract. Real rates move daily with capacity, fuel and demand. For a firm number you can book, send the lane and cargo details and our partner network returns a quote for your lane.

FCL is priced per full container and suits large or heavy shipments. LCL is priced per cubic metre and fits smaller ocean cargo. Air freight is priced per chargeable kg and moves in days. Express courier costs the most per kg but delivers fastest, door to door. The calculator compares all four so you can weigh cost against speed.

Air freight usually runs $2.50-$8.00 per chargeable kg in 2026, depending on the lane and season. Because airlines bill on chargeable weight, low-density cargo can cost more than its actual weight suggests. Specialized cargo such as pharma or dangerous goods sits at the higher end.

The estimate reflects average market rates, while a quote reflects carrier capacity on your exact dates. Spot rates during peak season can sit well above contracted rates, and your commodity, packaging, insurance and any special handling also shift the final number. That is why we confirm every estimate with a firm quote before you book.

You always choose the origin, the destination and the type of goods. For Ocean FCL, add the container size and the number of containers. For Ocean LCL, enter the total weight and total volume of the shipment. For Air and Express, the weight is required; add the volume so light, bulky cargo is priced on chargeable weight. The size fields describe one unit, so use total volume for several pieces.

Click “Turn this into a firm quote” under your result. The quote form opens with your route and mode already set. After a single-mode estimate, it also carries the container size and count, or the weight and volume you typed. The form offers 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft High Cube, so after a 45 ft High Cube estimate you choose the size there. After a comparison, only the weight and volume you typed travel, never the sample values. You then add the cities, the goods, your ready date and your contact details, and our partner network returns a quote for that shipment.

The headline price is freight only. Open “View Cost Breakdown” to see the base rate, fuel surcharge, origin and destination handling, documentation and an estimate of customs clearance fees. Insurance is shown as optional and is not added to the total. The estimate does not include import duties or taxes. For ocean and air, it also leaves out trucking from your supplier or to your door, storage and inspections.

Pick your route, enter the real weight and volume, then click “Compare all four modes”. You see Ocean FCL, Ocean LCL, Air and Express side by side, each with its cost range and transit days. The cheapest option is marked as the best value. If you leave weight or volume empty, the comparison fills the gap with sample cargo, so the ranges will not match your shipment.