What makes up the freight price
Many think the price is just fuel. In fact fuel is about half of the trip cost. The rest is depreciation and maintenance, the driver’s salary, road tolls and eco-charges in the EU, insurance, paperwork and the logisticians’ work.
- Distance and route (tolls, ferries, borders)
- Trailer type: curtainsider, reefer, flatbed, lowbed
- Weight, volume and loading method
- Urgency and weekends
- Backhaul availability for the truck
- Extras: loaders, insurance, customs clearance
How to save on freight
- Plan ahead — urgent trucks cost more
- Send small lots as groupage
- Be flexible with dates — it’s easier to find a truck with a backhaul
- Sign a contract for regular shipments — regular clients get better rates and payment terms