What is Freight All Kinds (FAK) in Shipping?

FAK is a shipping classification which enables the exporter to package several different cargo types into one shipment and charge for the consolidated rate. You can pool all the goods together to receive lower per-unit freight charges rather than paying individual rates for each type of goods.

How FAK Works:

Historically, each commodity has an individual freight rate that is determined by its classification, hazard and handling characteristics. A text box, an auto parts crate, and an electronics box would all be different rates. Under FAK, the freight forwarder lends a single container to multiple shippers, and takes advantage of these economies of scale by passing the savings to the shippers.

Why FAK Matters for Indian Exporters:

Seeing that its India Exports that are most impacted by FAK explains its importance.

India is a country of diversity in exports. There may be samples of pharmaceuticals, engineering components, textiles and handicrafts in the same container. The cost elimination is due to the fact that each is shipped separately, before which FAK will be present.

In real scenarios, a small export business may charge a cost of ₹50,000 per CBM for individual items and the prices are generally negotiated through the trade route. The cost of consolidation through a forwarder such as FAK Cargo would be ₹30,000-35,000 per CBM, which is a 30-40% saving.

FAK vs General Cargo – What’s the Difference?

Factor	FAK	General Cargo
Commodity mix	Mixed (textiles, auto parts, electronics)	Single commodity type
Rate structure	Unified lower rate	Individual commodity rates
Consolidation	Multiple shippers combined	Single shipper
Flexibility	High (accepts different items)	The blood test is used to diagnose limited to specific type.
Cost	Lower per unit	Higher per unit
Booking timeline	Consolidation (flexible)	Faster (book immediately)

When Should You Use FAK?

Then consolidation might not be the best option, and you should consider moving by small parcel.

If you have several small parcels of various products, you are not shipping DG (hazardous goods), cost is more important than speed (consolidation takes 5-10 days longer), you are shipping standard containerized goods (textiles, auto parts, handicrafts, electronics, FMCG), then small parcel may be the better solution.

There are some situations where FAK should not be used:

PLEASE NOTE: Time sensitive shipments, hazardous or dangerous goods, heavy breakbulk or project cargo, and extremely high value cargo (which require dedicated container space) will require additional specialized equipment.

FAK Cargo Examples – What’s Eligible?

Eligible for FAK:

Textiles and apparel

Spare parts and auto parts

This is where handicrafts and artisan items come in handy.

Electronic and consumer goods

Packaged products and FMCG

Machinery parts (non-hazardous)

Plastic products

Items made of ceramics and glass.

NOT eligible for FAK:

Chemicals (must have ISO tanks)

Pharmaceuticals (Temperature Controlled, DG classified)

Liquid or gas that can be set on fire.

Explosives

Radioactive materials

Cargo that is too large and heavy for standard shipping methods and containers, and requires a special conveyance.

How FAK Pricing Works:

The following will give you an idea of how FAK Pricing works:

The price of FAK is usually $/CBM or ₹/CBM, per cubic meter. They vary by:

The trade lane India-Southeast Asia, India-Europe and India-USA.

The two ports Mumbai and Singapore and Mundra and Dubai are being compared.

The amount of consolidation level (fullness of the container)

Demand, including seasonal demand and market conditions such as fuel surcharges and port congestion

Real FAK pricing (approximate, May 2026):

Freight rates from India vary by destination. Shipments heading to Vietnam are priced between $35–45 per CBM, while the UAE route comes in slightly lower at $25–35 per CBM. Europe commands a significantly higher rate, ranging from $120–150 per CBM.

Is FAK Right for Your Business?

Ask yourself:

Have a few different product types that I ship frequently?

Do my shipments contain less than 10 CBM in each shipment?

Will I be able to wait for 5-10 days to consolidate?

If there are goods, are they non-hazardous?

Do you need to save money?

If you responded “yes” to 4+ questions, then you are a good fit for FAK.

The FAK Advantage with Digital Integration:

With real-time tracking dashboards, modern logistics companies like FAK Cargo can give you a clear idea of when your consolidated shipment will leave, assuring transparency along the way. You will be able to track your goods together with other goods within the container, minimizing uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

FAK consolidates freight bills at 30-40% savings for Indian exporters, who have a diverse set of products to ship, and are ideal for non-hazardous products on flexible timelines, with real-time visibility on when you’ll know where your cargo ships are.

Looking to make your export expenses more efficient? Contact the consolidation specialists of FAK Cargo and discuss your shipment with them to determine the best FAK solution for you.

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FAQ’s

What does Freight All Kinds (FAK) mean in shipping?
Freight All Kinds (FAK) refers to different types of cargo grouped together under a single shipping rate. It simplifies pricing and logistics management for mixed shipments.

How is FAK different from general cargo?
FAK combines multiple cargo categories into one freight classification, while general cargo is usually classified separately by type. FAK offers simpler and more flexible pricing.

When is FAK used in logistics?
FAK is commonly used when shipping mixed goods in one container or shipment. It helps reduce complexity in freight classification and billing.

What are examples of FAK cargo?
Examples of FAK cargo include packaged consumer goods, electronics, textiles, machinery parts, and retail products shipped together in one container.

Is FAK suitable for all types of goods?
FAK is suitable for many non-hazardous and standard cargo types, but it may not apply to dangerous goods, oversized cargo, or highly regulated products.