Freight-All-Kinds (FAK)

What is Freight-All-Kinds (FAK)?

FAK is the abbreviation for Freight-All-Kinds, a term that refers to a method of combining various freight classes under one general rate. Rather than pricing each item based on its specific classification, goods are grouped together and assigned a single tariff. This means that whether a shipment contains tools, packaging materials, or non-fragile equipment, they can all travel under the same rate.

This approach is especially useful for mixed loads or consolidated shipments where a variety of products are moved together. By simplifying how goods are categorised for transport, FAK shipping makes it easier to move items efficiently and cost-effectively, especially in Less Than Truck Load (LTL), groupage, or LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight scenarios.

How FAK Works in Shipping

In practice, FAK shipping allows freight forwarders to combine multiple commodities, each potentially with its own classification, and apply a unified shipping rate. Instead of assigning rates per item class, the average characteristics of the combined load are used to determine one flat rate.

FAK is especially relevant in:

• LTL (Less Than Truck Load) shipping within the UK and Europe
• Groupage services where goods from different senders are packed into one vehicle
• LCL (Less than Container Load) for international sea freight
• Air freight consolidation, where goods share cargo space on scheduled flights

Rates are typically negotiated based on factors like average density, dimensions, handling requirements, and how well the load can be stowed. These considerations help carriers set fair, predictable prices for a variety of goods shipped together.

Benefits of FAK for Businesses

For UK businesses shipping varied goods in smaller volumes, FAK offers several practical benefits. By removing the need to classify each item separately, it helps reduce admin time and simplifies the shipping process from start to finish.

Key benefits include:

• Reduces paperwork and administrative errors
• Streamlines invoicing and documentation
• Optimises space in trucks and containers
• Offers predictable, flat-rate shipping costs
• Facilitates easier consolidation of shipments
  

These advantages are particularly appealing to companies that ship regularly but don’t fill a full truck or container with each load.

When is FAK Most Suitable?

FAK is well-suited to businesses that move a mix of goods in the same shipment. This includes manufacturers with diverse product lines, wholesalers, and suppliers handling a variety of stock.

To qualify for FAK, shipments typically need to share similar traits in terms of weight, size, and stowability. Freight forwarders will also assess if the goods require the same level of liability coverage.

Considerations and Limitations

While FAK is convenient for many shipments, it’s not suitable for everything. Fragile, regulated, or high-value items often require specialised handling, insurance, or dedicated pricing. These should be quoted separately to ensure proper coverage and care.

It’s important to review FAK terms with your freight provider, especially for goods that may fall outside standard criteria. Rates might be slightly higher than item-specific pricing due to the averaged nature of FAK, but many businesses find this offset by time and admin savings.

FAK and Barrington Freight’s Approach

We use FAK to provide clear, cost-effective shipping options for UK businesses moving diverse goods. Whether it’s LTL for road freight, LCL shipments by sea, or air freight consolidation, we make it easy to ship without worrying about classifications for every item.

Our experienced team offers friendly advice and tailored support, ensuring your shipments are booked at competitive rates with no unnecessary delays. With transparent pricing and efficient service, we help clients make the most of FAK shipping.