VGTRANSPORTSpedition i hela Europa

4 min read · Updated

What does transport cost? How freight is priced

Why does a transport cost what it does? Freight pricing is no accident – it's driven by a few clear factors. Understand them and you can both plan better and lower your cost.

Weight and volume

The price is based on whichever takes more – weight or volume (chargeable weight). Bulky but light goods are often priced by volume or loading metre, heavy goods by weight.

Distance and route

Longer distances cost more, but the route matters too – ferries, road tolls and how well the lane fits existing flows.

Urgency and setup

Planned is cheaper than urgent. Part load (LTL) is cheapest for little goods; full load (FTL) becomes better value the more you fill the truck.

Goods type and requirements

Temperature-controlled, dangerous goods (ADR) and oversized cargo require special equipment and cost more. For trade outside the EU, duty and import VAT apply.

How to lower the cost

Plan ahead, consolidate, fill pallets and trucks, and be clear about dimensions and weight. Send us your needs and we'll price the most cost-effective setup – often within minutes.

Common questions

What drives the freight price most?+

Weight or volume (whichever is more), distance, urgency and goods type. We help you find the cheapest setup.

Is part load or full load cheaper?+

Part load for little goods, full load when you fill a large share of the truck. See our LTL vs FTL guide.