1. Freight forwarders are mainly concerned with liner freight rates.

2. The freight rates and the insurance premium are not included in the price.

3. Regulation of freight rates by the Interstate Commerce Commission was removed for most cargoes, provided they could go by road.

4. China railway raised freight rates to offset domestic oil price rise.

5. Freight rates are based on three factors, namely, distance, shipment and competition.

6. Restocking by retailers late last year as the global economy stabilised and shipping firms taking vessels out of service to help ease oversupply have fuelled freight rates.

7. Even the coastal trades were by a lack of vessels, by blockades by wartime freight rates.

8. The movement of grain and soybeans back recently leading to a weakening in barge freight rates.