Base Freight

Base Freight refers to the basic charge levied by the carrier for the fundamental transportation service of goods, typically excluding various surcharges (such as Bunker Adjustment Factor, Port Congestion Surcharge, Peak Season Surcharge, etc.). It is a major component of sea, air, or land freight, generally calculated based on the weight, volume, or value of the goods (e.g., W/M, Ad Valorem). It is commonly used in bills of lading, freight manifests, and freight clauses in trade contracts. Note: Base Freight only covers port-to-port or CY-to-CY transportation, excluding loading/unloading, storage, customs clearance, etc.; it varies significantly among carriers, routes, and cargo types, and must be distinguished from surcharges to avoid omissions in quotations. It differs from 'Total Freight' in that Total Freight = Base Freight + Surcharges; it also differs from 'Lump Sum Fee,' which often includes a package of services. Foreign trade practitioners must clarify the scope of services covered by Base Freight when calculating costs to avoid extra expenses.