Freight Calculator - Choose Air, Ocean LCL, FCL, or Truck
Answer: A freight calculator should first choose the freight mode, then estimate the billable metric and route the shipment to the right specialist calculator for a quote-ready number.
Use LCL when the shipment is too large for courier but not large enough to justify a full container.
A freight calculator should first identify whether the shipment belongs in air, ocean LCL, ocean FCL, or truck/LTL, then estimate the billable metric before you move into a specialist quote calculator.
How the calculation works
This page is a broad freight planning selector, not a single-mode quote engine. Enter the shipment volume, weight, rate, fixed charges, and unit count, then choose the mode:
- Air freight uses the higher of gross weight and known chargeable weight, then multiplies by a rate per kg.
- Ocean LCL uses W/M revenue tons: max(CBM, gross kg / 1000), then multiplies by a rate per revenue ton.
- Ocean FCL uses a flat container quote plus fixed charges.
- Truck or LTL planning uses a flat shipment, pallet, or truck quote plus fixed charges.
After the broad estimate, use the linked specialist tool for the next step: Air Freight Cost Calculator, LCL Ocean Freight Calculator, Container Shipping Cost Calculator, FCL vs LCL Calculator, or Freight Class Calculator.
FAQ
What is the best use for this freight calculator?
Use it when you are still deciding the freight mode or checking whether a shipment should be planned as air, LCL, FCL, or a US-side truck/LTL move.
Is this an all-in door-to-door freight quote?
No. It is a planning estimate. Door pickup, customs duty, customs bond, exams, storage, demurrage, final-mile delivery, and marketplace fees may still apply.
How is air freight estimated here?
Air freight is estimated from chargeable weight. If you already know chargeable weight, enter it directly. If not, use the linked air or chargeable-weight tools to calculate dimensional weight first.
How is ocean LCL estimated here?
LCL is estimated on revenue tons, where 1 CBM is compared with 1000 kg. The larger value is multiplied by the rate per revenue ton, then fixed charges are added.
How is FCL different from LCL in this tool?
FCL is treated as a flat container quote because the container has one main ocean freight line. LCL scales by revenue ton and usually has more local CFS and handling charges.
When should I compare FCL vs LCL?
Compare FCL vs LCL when cargo is roughly 12-18 CBM or higher, when destination CFS fees look heavy, or when cargo handling risk matters more than the lowest linehaul price.
Why include a truck or LTL mode?
Cross-border sellers often need US-side delivery after import, such as port to 3PL, 3PL to Amazon FBA, or warehouse to wholesale customer. That leg may need freight class, pallet dimensions, and accessorial review.
What should I do after this broad estimate?
Use the specialist calculator that matches the selected mode, then request a live quote with origin, destination, cargo dimensions, gross weight, ready date, incoterm, and delivery requirements.
Comparison table
| Freight mode | Best for | Main billable metric | Specialist tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air freight | Urgent replenishment, launch inventory, high-value cargo | Chargeable kg | Air freight cost |
| Ocean LCL | 2-15 CBM shipments that do not fill a container | W/M revenue ton | LCL ocean freight |
| Ocean FCL | Larger shipments or cargo needing less handling | Flat container quote | Container shipping cost |
| FCL vs LCL | Break-even checks near the volume crossover | LCL total vs FCL total | FCL vs LCL |
| Truck/LTL | Port, 3PL, prep center, or FBA delivery legs | Pallet, shipment, or freight class | Freight class |
Dated facts
As of May 13, 2026, general China to US air freight planning often still uses the 6000 cm3/kg divisor for standard air cargo, ocean LCL planning commonly uses 1 CBM = 1 revenue ton, and US LTL planning still depends heavily on density freight class plus carrier tariff rules. Shenzhen to Los Angeles 40HQ ocean spot quotes can move by hundreds of dollars within a month, so treat any broad freight calculator output as a planning range until a forwarder confirms space, sailing, and destination charges.
Frequently asked questions
- What does this freight calculator estimate?
- It estimates a broad planning total from the freight mode, billable metric, rate, fixed fees, and unit count, then points the shipment to the specialist calculator that should be used next.
- When should I use the air freight option?
- Use air when speed matters, the shipment is usually under a few cubic meters or a few thousand kilograms, and chargeable weight is the main pricing driver.
- When should I use LCL instead of FCL?
- Use LCL when the cargo is too large for courier or air but not large enough to justify a full container. The billable metric is usually revenue tons: max(CBM, gross kg / 1000).
- When does FCL make sense?
- FCL makes sense when the shipment can absorb a flat container quote, needs less cargo handling, or is large enough that LCL local charges become inefficient.
- Does this replace a live freight quote?
- No. It is a planning selector. Use the linked specialist calculators and then request a live quote with exact origin, destination, cargo details, ready date, and service level.
- Which specialist tool should I use next?
- Use the air freight cost calculator for air, the LCL ocean freight calculator for less-than-container ocean cargo, the container shipping cost calculator for FCL, and the freight class calculator for US LTL planning.