Quantity Calculations

Introduction

Quantity Calculations determine how the billable or cost-relevant quantity is derived for a specific service or cost line from a contract or quotation. This calculated quantity, multiplied by the unit price, determines the line amount.

FMS provides a library of standard calculation methods to cover common forwarding scenarios, ranging from fixed amounts to calculations based on weight, volume, chargeable weight, container count, or loading meters.

Choosing the correct Quantity Calculation method on rate lines (Contracts, Quotations) is essential for accurate pricing.

Selecting Quantity Calculation Methods

Quantity Calculation methods are typically selected directly on the rate definition lines within:

Contract Detail Lines: When defining rates for long-term agreements (See Contracts).
Quotation Lines: When defining rates for spot offers (See Quotations).

The selection determines which input fields from the shipment (e.g., Gross Weight, Volume, Container details) will be used to derive the quantity for rating.

Standard Calculation Methods Library

The following standard methods are commonly available:

Method Name	Description
Fixed	Used for fixed/lump sum charges. The calculated quantity defaults to 1.
Total Quantity	Calculates based on the total number of packages (e.g., Outer or Inner Packages specified on the shipment).
Gross Weight	Calculates based on the total Gross Weight of the shipment or relevant lines.
Net Weight	Calculates based on the total Net Weight of the shipment or relevant lines.
Volume	Calculates based on the total Volume of the shipment or relevant lines.
Volumetric Weight	Calculates the volumetric weight (dimensional weight) based on shipment dimensions and a predefined volumetric factor (often specific to the Mode of transport).
Chargeable Weight	Calculates based on the chargeable weight, which is typically the higher of the Gross Weight or the Volumetric Weight. Specific rules might apply based on setup or contract.
Custom Volume	Calculates volume based on specific dimensions provided, potentially with parameters for minimums or division factors.
Per Container	Calculates based on the number of containers on the shipment. Parameters might allow filtering by specific Container Sizes or types (e.g., count only 40ft Reefers).
Loading Meters	Calculates based on the loading meters occupied by the cargo, often used in Road Freight. Calculation factors might be configurable.

Note

The exact behavior and available parameters for each method may depend on the specific FMS version and configuration.

Warning

Modifying the underlying logic of standard quantity calculation methods (if possible through customization) can have widespread effects on existing contracts and pricing. Proceed with caution.