Fracht

Fracht is a German term used in logistics and transport to denote both the goods being transported (the cargo) and the charges for moving those goods. In everyday use, Fracht refers to the weight or volume of goods carried as well as the price paid to a carrier for transporting them. The word is widely used in German-speaking countries and in international logistics contexts that involve German terminology.

In professional usage, Fracht encompasses several related concepts. Fracht is the cargo or shipment itself, while the Frachtpreis or Frachtentgelt refers to the freight charge due for transportation. A Frachtführer is the carrier responsible for moving the goods, and a Frachtvertrag is the contract that governs the carriage arrangement between shipper and carrier. Documentation associated with Fracht includes the Frachtbrief (bill of lading in maritime transport) and other waybills or transport documents that prove entitlement to the goods and describe the terms of transport.

Legal and regulatory frameworks vary by mode and jurisdiction. International road transport is often governed by the CMR Convention, while maritime transport uses bills of lading and related conventions. Insurance for freight, known as Frachtversicherung, covers potential loss or damage during transit. In practice, Fracht arrangements can involve different payment terms, such as prepaid freight or freight collect, and may be affected by Incoterms that define risk and responsibility at various points in transit.

See also: Frachtbrief, Frachtführer, Frachtvertrag, Frachtversicherung, transport and logistics terms.