---
title: Pricing and Rate Calculation Logic
description: "Parcel Freight provides instant pricing based on live data from partnered carriers. This allows users to view and compare freight costs before confirming a booking. Rates are calculated automatically using key shipment details and pre-configured carrier pricing rules. ### **How…"
url: "https://www.loadlinkconnect.com.au/help/pricing-and-rate-calculation-logic/"
updated: "2026-01-04"
category: Parcel Freight
---

# Pricing and Rate Calculation Logic

Parcel Freight provides instant pricing based on live data from partnered carriers. This allows users to view and compare freight costs before confirming a booking. Rates are calculated automatically using key shipment details and pre-configured carrier pricing rules.

### **How Pricing Is Calculated**

The system uses the following inputs to determine freight charges:

- Pickup and delivery postcodes
- Parcel dimensions (length, width, height)
- Weight (in kilograms)
- Number of items or cartons
- Service type (standard or express, if available)
- Any additional carrier-specific charges (e.g. regional delivery, manual handling)

These details are entered during the quoting process and used to return real-time rates from available carriers.

### **Cubic Weight vs Dead Weight**

Parcel Freight calculates freight charges using the greater of the two:

- **Dead weight**: The actual weight of the parcel
- **Cubic weight**: A volumetric calculation used to reflect the space a parcel occupies

**Cubic weight formula:**
Length × Width × Height (in cm) ÷ 4,000

For example, a parcel measuring 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm has a cubic weight of 15 kg.

If a parcel weighs 10 kg but its cubic weight is 15 kg, pricing will be based on 15 kg.

### **Pallet Pricing**

For palletised freight, pricing is based on:

- Weight of the pallet (up to 1,000 kg)
- Dimensions (up to 120 cm × 120 cm × 180 cm)
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Handling method (forklift-compatible)

Oversized or irregular pallet freight may not return rates automatically. In these cases, a manual quote may be required.

### **Additional Charges**

Some carriers may apply surcharges for:

- Remote area deliveries
- Residential addresses
- Manual handling
- Missed pickups
- Re-delivery requests

These charges are determined by the carrier and displayed where applicable during the quoting process.

### **GST and Invoicing**

All pricing shown includes GST. A tax invoice is provided upon booking and is accessible via your Parcel Freight dashboard.