Perusrahtimaksu

Perusrahtimaksu, or basic freight charge, is a term used in Finnish logistics to denote the base fee charged by a carrier for the transportation of goods. It represents the core cost of moving cargo from origin to destination and is typically the starting point in freight pricing.

The calculation of the perusrahtimaksu varies by carrier and contract. Commonly it depends on factors such as the shipment’s weight or volume, the service class (economy, standard, express), the transport mode (road, rail, sea, air), and the distance or zone of travel. Some tariffs set a minimum charge, with incremental charges added as weight or size increases.

The perusrahtimaksu is usually complemented by additional charges and surcharges. These can include fuel surcharges, remote-area fees, terminal handling charges, special handling for hazardous or oversized goods, insurance, and fees for extra services (pickup, delivery beyond standard hours, or packaging). The exact composition and amount of these charges depend on the carrier, route, and contractual agreement.

In Finland, perusrahtimaksu is commonly used by logistics companies, freight forwarders, and postal operators as the base element in price quotes and invoices. Because tariffs can change over time and differ between operators, customers typically receive a breakdown showing the perusrahtimaksu separately from surcharges and service fees.