Tools

Freight rate calculator

Estimate the cost of shipping from China to the UAE or Saudi Arabia in seconds.

Indicative cost
$104
Transit: 25-35 days
Chargeable: 2 CBM
Base freight: $90 + DDP: $14
  • · LCL is charged on the greater of volume (CBM) and weight (1 metric ton ≈ 1 CBM).
  • · DDP surcharge covers 5% common duty, 5% VAT (UAE), clearance, and last-mile delivery.
  • · Estimate ±20%. Final quote requires HS code, destination ZIP, and live carrier rates.
Indicative only. Final pricing requires a manager review of your specific cargo (HS code, packing, hazmat), origin port, sailing schedule, and current emergency surcharges (Hormuz / Red Sea).
Get a real quote How sea freight works

How rates are calculated

Sea LCL is priced per cubic metre. The carrier charges the higher of actual volume in CBM and weight in tonnes (1 tonne = 1 CBM equivalent). For most general goods volume is the binding factor.

Sea FCL is a flat rate per container regardless of how full it is. A 20 foot container holds about 28 CBM and 25 tonnes; a 40 foot high cube holds about 68 CBM and 26 tonnes.

Air freight is priced per chargeable kilogram, which is the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric kilograms equal CBM multiplied by 167 (or length x width x height in cm divided by 6,000).

Rates updated May 2026. Real prices fluctuate within roughly 20 percent depending on season, fuel and carrier surcharges.

Ready to ship? Request a written quote within 24 hours, or learn more about our sea freight service.

Calculator FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is this calculator? +
Rates are within roughly 20 percent of the final quoted price. Final cost depends on exact origin, destination, dates, fuel surcharges and product category. Use the calculator for budgeting and request a written quote before booking.
Why is LCL based on volume but air on chargeable weight? +
LCL carriers price per CBM because containers fill on volume first. Airlines charge by chargeable weight, which is the higher of actual kilograms and volumetric kilograms (CBM x 167) because aircraft are constrained by both weight and volume.
When does FCL become cheaper than LCL? +
A 20 foot container holds about 28 to 30 CBM usable. At LCL $45 per CBM, breakeven against a $1,750 FCL 20 foot is around 38 to 40 CBM. In practice FCL becomes the better choice from roughly 14 to 15 CBM once handling and per-CBM destination charges are included.
Do these prices include duty and VAT? +
No. Calculator output is freight only, all-in to port or airport of destination. Customs duty (5 percent in UAE and KSA on most goods) and VAT (5 percent UAE, 15 percent KSA) are separate and depend on declared CIF value and HS code.