Rahtiyksiköt

Rahtiyksiköt, also known as freight units, are standardized measures used in the logistics and transportation industry to quantify and compare the volume or weight of goods being shipped. These units help in calculating shipping costs, planning cargo space, and ensuring efficient handling of goods. Different modes of transport and types of cargo often utilize specific rahtiyksiköt to simplify the process.

In maritime shipping, the most common rahtiyksikkö is the twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), which is based on the volume of a standard 20-foot shipping container. Larger containers, such as 40-foot containers, are equivalent to 2 TEUs. This standardization allows for easier comparison and management of containerized cargo on vessels.

For air freight, weight is typically the primary factor, and units are often expressed in kilograms or pounds. However, "chargeable weight" is a key concept, where the actual weight of the shipment is compared to its volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated based on the dimensions of the cargo, and the higher of the two is used for pricing.

Road and rail transport may use a variety of rahtiyksiköt, including weight (tonnes or kilograms), volume (cubic meters), or pallet units. Pallets themselves can be standardized, such as the EUR pallet, serving as a basic rahtiyksikkö. The specific units used often depend on the type of goods, the distance of travel, and the policies of the freight forwarder or carrier.

The adoption of rahtiyksiköt is crucial for the global supply chain, enabling clear communication between shippers, carriers, and receivers, and facilitating the smooth flow of goods across different regions and transportation networks.