Frakten

Frakten is the fee charged for transporting goods from one location to another. In practice, frakten covers the costs of carriage and handling, and in some cases may include insurance or other services. The term is commonly used in Nordic contexts and appears on quotes and invoices to indicate the shipping charge, which can be paid by the buyer or the seller depending on the agreement.

The size and structure of frakten depend on several factors. The transport mode (sea, air, road, or rail), the distance between origin and destination, and the chosen service level all influence price. Charges are often calculated from weight, volume, or a dimensional weight, and may be affected by surcharges for fuel, peak seasons, and special handling. Additional accessorial fees can apply for services such as loading, unloading, palletization, or destination handling.

Different freight arrangements produce different pricing. In maritime logistics, full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) pricing differ significantly. In air freight, density and speed are key factors. Inland freight pricing depends on route, vehicle type, and tolls. Quotations may specify prepaid or postpaid (collect) terms for frakten.

Incoterms play a central role in determining who bears the frakten and how transport is arranged. Common terms such as FOB, CIF, DAP, and DDP outline responsibilities and payment obligations for buyer and seller. Documentation often includes a bill of lading, airway bill, or freight tariff, which formalize the terms and price of the transport.

Frakten is a fundamental element of logistics planning, affecting delivery times, overall cost, and competitiveness in trade and e-commerce.