fraktes

Fraktes is a term used in logistics to refer to shipments of goods in transit and the transportation services that move them. In several European languages, frakt or frachte has cognates that correspond to the English word freight; fraktes can appear in non-English texts as a plural or related form describing cargo or transport charges. In practice, fraktes can denote both the cargo itself and the act of transporting it, depending on context.

Fraktes covers a wide range of cargo types and transportation modes. Shipments can be bulk goods, containerized cargo, breakbulk cargo, or project cargo that requires special handling. Transportation can occur via road, rail, sea, air, or combinations thereof in multimodal arrangements. The handling of fraktes includes packaging, labeling, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements for the specific cargo.

Costs and terms associated with fraktes are central to logistics. Freight charges are calculated based on factors such as weight, volume, distance, cargo type, and handling requirements. Common concepts include freight rates and freight bills. Incoterms and similar conventions define the allocation of costs and risks between seller and buyer, with examples such as EXW, FCA, CIF, and DAP shaping responsibilities for the fraktes during transit.

Documentation and parties involved are essential to the movement of fraktes. The shipper engages freight forwarders, carriers, and sometimes customs brokers to arrange pickup, routing, and delivery. Key documents include the bill of lading for maritime transport and the air waybill for air transport, along with packing lists, commercial invoices, and insurance certificates.

Historically, the efficiency and safety of fraktes improved markedly with containerization in the mid-20th century, enabling standardized handling and faster global trade. Today, fraktes remain a core concept in supply chains, emphasizing reliable movement, cost control, and regulatory compliance across modes of transport.