API Documentation | FreightUtils.com

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Overview

The FreightUtils API is a free, stateless REST API. Every calculator on this site has a corresponding API endpoint. No authentication is required. Responses are JSON. CORS is enabled for all origins.

Base URL: https://www.freightutils.com/api

Download OpenAPI 3.0 Spec (JSON)

Reliability & Support

FreightUtils APIs are hosted on Vercel's global edge network with automatic SSL and CDN caching.

Status

APIs are actively maintained and monitored.

Support

contact@freightutils.com — corrections and API issues typically addressed within 2 business days.

Versioning

Reference endpoints (ADR, HS, airlines) include a meta object with data source and edition information. Breaking changes will be announced via the API docs page.

Open Access Tier

No authentication required for casual use. Rate limit: 25 requests per day per IP. Free API keys available for 100/day.

Commercial Access

For production integrations with higher limits, subscribe via RapidAPI or contact us directly.

Need higher limits? See our plans →

MCP Server — AI Agent Integration

FreightUtils is available as a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, giving AI agents direct access to all 18 freight calculation and reference tools. The first and only freight MCP server.

Install via npm

npx freightutils-mcp

Or connect via URL

https://www.freightutils.com/api/mcp/mcp

Claude Desktop Configuration

Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{ "mcpServers": { "freightutils": { "command": "npx", "args": ["freightutils-mcp"] } } }

What AI agents can do

“Calculate loading metres for 20 Euro pallets on an artic trailer”

“Look up UN 1203 and check if 200 litres qualifies for ADR exemption”

“What's the chargeable weight for 2 boxes 120×80×100cm at 500kg?”

“Find the airline with AWB prefix 176”

“How many boxes 40×30×25cm fit on a Euro pallet?”

npm GitHub

Get Started in 2 Minutes

// FreightUtils API — JavaScript example
// Calculate loading metres for 10 Euro pallets

const response = await fetch(
  'https://www.freightutils.com/api/ldm?pallet=euro&qty=10'
);
const data = await response.json();

console.log(`LDM: ${data.ldm}`);
console.log(`Utilisation: ${data.utilisation_percent}%`);
console.log(`Fits: ${data.fits}`);

All endpoints work the same way. No auth, no signup. Full reference below ↓

POST/api/shipment/summaryShipment Summary (Composite)

Flagship Endpoint

Composite endpoint that chains CBM, chargeable weight, LDM, ADR compliance, and UK duty/VAT estimation into a single call. Accepts a unified Shipment object and returns comprehensive results based on transport mode.

Mode Parameter

Mode	Calculations Included
`road`	CBM, LDM, pallet spaces, trailer utilisation, road chargeable weight (1 LDM = 1,750 kg), vehicle suggestion
`air`	CBM, volumetric weight (1 CBM = 167 kg), air chargeable weight
`sea`	CBM, revenue tonnes (W/M at 1 CBM = 1,000 kg), container suggestion
`multimodal`	All of the above — road, air, and sea calculations combined

Example Request

Mixed 3-item road shipment with a DG item and HS code:

curl -X POST "https://www.freightutils.com/api/shipment/summary" \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{ "mode": "road", "origin": { "country": "DE", "locode": "DEHAM" }, "destination": { "country": "GB", "locode": "GBFXT" }, "incoterm": "CIF", "freight_cost": 850, "insurance_cost": 120, "items": [ { "description": "Machine parts on Euro pallets", "length": 120, "width": 80, "height": 110, "weight": 480, "quantity": 6, "stackable": false, "pallet_type": "euro", "hsCode": "847989", "customs_value": 12000 }, { "description": "Cleaning solvent (DG)", "length": 60, "width": 40, "height": 50, "weight": 25, "quantity": 4, "unNumber": "1993" }, { "description": "Spare filters", "length": 40, "width": 30, "height": 20, "weight": 8, "quantity": 10, "stackable": true } ] }'

Example Response

{
  "mode": "road",
  "item_count": 3,
  "totals": {
    "pieces": 20,
    "grossWeight": 3060,
    "volumeCBM": 7.28,
    "chargeableWeight": 3060,
    "billing_basis": "weight"
  },
  "modeSpecific": {
    "loadingMetres": 4.0,
    "pallet_spaces": 10,
    "trailerUtilisation": 29.41,
    "suggested_vehicle": "13.6m Artic Trailer",
    "chargeable_weight_road": 7000
  },
  "compliance": {
    "hasDangerousGoods": true,
    "adrFlags": {
      "unNumbers": ["1993"],
      "totalPoints": 300,
      "exemptionApplicable": true
    }
  },
  "customs": {
    "hsCodesPresent": true,
    "canEstimateUkDuty": true,
    "dutyEstimate": {
      "cif_value": 12970,
      "duty_rate": "1.7%",
      "duty_amount": 220.49,
      "vat_rate": "20%",
      "vat_amount": 2638.1,
      "totalTaxes": 2858.59
    }
  },
  "warnings": [],
  "disclaimer": "Estimates only — verify with carrier and customs broker",
  "dataVersion": {
    "adr": "UNECE ADR 2025",
    "hs": "WCO HS 2022",
    "duty": "GOV.UK Trade Tariff API"
  }
}

Pro tier endpoint. Free tier: 25 calls/day. Subscribe for higher limits.

GET/api/ldmLoading Metres Calculator

Calculate the loading metres (LDM) required for a consignment on a UK/EU road freight trailer.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description	Default
`length`	number	Yes*	Pallet length in millimetres	—
`width`	number	Yes*	Pallet width in millimetres	—
`pallet`	string	No*	Preset: `euro`, `uk`, `half`, `quarter`. Replaces length/width.	—
`qty`	integer	No	Number of pallets	1
`stackable`	boolean	No	Whether pallets can be stacked	false
`stack`	2 or 3	No	Max stack height (used when stackable=true)	2
`weight`	number	No	Weight per pallet in kg	null
`vehicle`	string	No	`artic`, `rigid10`, `rigid75`, `luton`, `us53` (53ft US/Canada), `us48` (48ft US), `custom`	artic
`vehicle_length`	number	No	Custom vehicle length in metres (required when vehicle=custom)	—

* Either pallet (preset ID) or both length and width must be provided.

Example Requests

12 Euro pallets on an artic:

GET /api/ldm?pallet=euro&qty=12&vehicle=artic

Custom dimensions, stackable, with weight check:

GET /api/ldm?length=1200&width=1000&qty=5&stackable=true&stack=2&weight=300&vehicle=rigid10

cURL example:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/ldm?pallet=euro&qty=12&vehicle=artic"

US 53ft trailer:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/ldm?pallet=euro&qty=20&vehicle=us53"

Response

{
  "ldm": 4.8,
  "vehicle": {
    "name": "13.6m Artic Trailer",
    "length_m": 13.6,
    "max_payload_kg": 24000
  },
  "utilisation_percent": 35.29,
  "pallet_spaces": {
    "used": 12,
    "available": 33
  },
  "total_weight_kg": null,
  "fits": true,
  "warnings": [],
  "meta": {
    "inputs": {
      "length_mm": 1200,
      "width_mm": 800,
      "qty": 12,
      "stackable": false,
      "stack_factor": 2,
      "weight_per_pallet_kg": null,
      "vehicle": "artic"
    }
  }
}

GET/api/cbmCubic Metres Calculator

Calculate the cubic metre (CBM) volume of a shipment. Returns total CBM plus equivalents in cubic feet, litres, and cubic inches.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description	Default
`l`	number	Yes	Length of one piece in centimetres	—
`w`	number	Yes	Width of one piece in centimetres	—
`h`	number	Yes	Height of one piece in centimetres	—
`pcs`	integer	No	Number of identical pieces	1

Example Request

5 boxes, 120×80×100 cm each:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/cbm?l=120&w=80&h=100&pcs=5"

{
  "cbm_per_piece": 0.96,
  "total_cbm": 4.8,
  "total_volume_m3": 4.8,
  "cubic_feet": 169.5106,
  "litres": 4800,
  "cubic_inches": 292913.8,
  "pieces": 5,
  "meta": {
    "inputs": {
      "length_cm": 120,
      "width_cm": 80,
      "height_cm": 100,
      "pieces": 5
    }
  }
}

GET/api/chargeable-weightAir Freight Chargeable Weight

Calculate air freight chargeable weight — whichever is higher between actual gross weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight. Supports custom volumetric factors for all carriers.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description	Default
`l`	number	Yes	Length of one piece in centimetres	—
`w`	number	Yes	Width of one piece in centimetres	—
`h`	number	Yes	Height of one piece in centimetres	—
`gw`	number	Yes	Total gross weight of all pieces in kg	—
`pcs`	integer	No	Number of identical pieces	1
`factor`	integer	No	Volumetric divisor: `6000` (IATA standard), `5000` (express carriers)	6000

Example Request

2 pieces, 120×80×100 cm, 500 kg total, IATA factor:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/chargeable-weight?l=120&w=80&h=100&gw=500&pcs=2&factor=6000"

{
  "chargeable_weight_kg": 500,
  "basis": "actual",
  "gross_weight_kg": 500,
  "volumetric_weight_kg": 320,
  "volumetric_weight_per_piece_kg": 160,
  "cbm": 1.92,
  "ratio": 3.84,
  "factor": 6000,
  "pieces": 2,
  "meta": {
    "inputs": {
      "length_cm": 120,
      "width_cm": 80,
      "height_cm": 100,
      "gross_weight_kg": 500,
      "pieces": 2,
      "factor": 6000
    }
  }
}

GET/api/palletPallet Box Fitting Calculator

Calculate how many boxes fit on a pallet using a layer-based algorithm. Returns boxes per layer, number of layers, total boxes, orientation used, and volume/weight analysis. Optional weight constraint caps the result at the pallet's maximum payload.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description	Default
`pl`	number	Yes	Pallet length in centimetres	—
`pw`	number	Yes	Pallet width in centimetres	—
`pmh`	number	Yes	Maximum total stack height in centimetres (floor to top of cargo)	—
`bl`	number	Yes	Box length in centimetres	—
`bw`	number	Yes	Box width in centimetres	—
`bh`	number	Yes	Box height in centimetres	—
`ph`	number	No	Pallet board/deck height in cm — deducted from usable height	15
`bwt`	number	No	Weight per box in kg — enables weight constraint calculation	—
`mpw`	number	No	Maximum pallet payload weight in kg — caps result if weight exceeded	—
`rotate`	boolean	No	Allow 90° rotation of boxes for best fit. Pass `false` to disable.	true

Example Request

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/pallet?pl=120&pw=80&pmh=220&bl=40&bw=30&bh=25&bwt=5&mpw=1500"

{
  "boxes_per_layer": 8,
  "layers": 8,
  "total_boxes": 64,
  "orientation": "original",
  "boxes_per_row": 3,
  "boxes_per_col": 2,
  "usable_height_cm": 205,
  "utilisation_percent": 62.5,
  "total_box_volume_cbm": 0.192,
  "pallet_volume_cbm": 1.968,
  "wasted_space_cbm": 1.776,
  "weight_limited": false,
  "total_weight_kg": 320,
  "remaining_weight_capacity_kg": 1180,
  "meta": {
    "inputs": {
      "pallet_length_cm": 120, "pallet_width_cm": 80,
      "pallet_max_height_cm": 220, "pallet_height_cm": 15,
      "box_length_cm": 40, "box_width_cm": 30, "box_height_cm": 25,
      "box_weight_kg": 5, "max_payload_weight_kg": 1500,
      "allow_rotation": true
    }
  }
}

GET/api/adrADR 2025 Dangerous Goods Lookup

Look up ADR 2025 dangerous goods by UN number, search by substance name, or filter by hazard class. The dataset contains 2,939 entries from the ADR 2025 Dangerous Goods List (Table A). Responses are cached for 1 hour (s-maxage=3600).

Query Modes

Parameter	Type	Description	Max results
`un`	string	Exact UN number lookup. Accepts `1203`, `UN1203`, or `01203`.	1
`search`	string	Case-insensitive partial match on the proper shipping name. Min 2 characters. Also accepts `q` as an alias.	50
`class`	string	Filter by ADR hazard class (e.g. `3`, `6.1`, `1.1`).	100

Provide exactly one parameter per request. Omitting all parameters returns a 400 with usage hints.

Example Requests

Exact UN number lookup:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/adr?un=1203"

{
  "count": 1,
  "results": [
    {
      "un_number": "1203",
      "proper_shipping_name": "MOTOR SPIRIT or GASOLINE or PETROL",
      "class": "3",
      "classification_code": "F1",
      "packing_group": "II",
      "labels": "3",
      "special_provisions": "243 534 664",
      "limited_quantity": "1 L",
      "excepted_quantity": "E2",
      "transport_category": "2",
      "tunnel_restriction_code": "(D/E)",
      "hazard_identification_number": "33",
      "variant_index": 0,
      "variant_count": 1
    }
  ],
  "meta": {
    "source": "UNECE ADR 2025, licensed from Labeline.com",
    "edition": "ADR 2025",
    "entries": 2939
  }
}

Search by substance name:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/adr?search=acetone"

{ "count": 3, "results": [ ... ] }

Filter by hazard class:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/adr?class=3"

{ "count": 50, "results": [ ... ] }

GETPOST/api/adr-calculatorADR 1.1.3.6 Exemption Calculator

Calculate whether the ADR 1.1.3.6 small load exemption applies to a dangerous goods consignment. Supports single-substance GET queries and multi-substance POST requests. Checks both total points threshold (1,000) and per-substance quantity limits per ADR 1.1.3.6.3.

GET — Single Substance

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`un`	string	Yes	UN number (e.g. `1203`)
`qty`	number	Yes	Quantity in kg or litres

Example — 200 litres of petrol:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/adr-calculator?un=1203&qty=200"

{
  "items": [
    {
      "un_number": "1203",
      "proper_shipping_name": "MOTOR SPIRIT or GASOLINE or PETROL",
      "class": "3",
      "transport_category": "2",
      "quantity": 200,
      "multiplier": 3,
      "points": 600
    }
  ],
  "total_points": 600,
  "threshold": 1000,
  "exempt": true,
  "has_category_zero": false,
  "has_quantity_exceedance": false,
  "warnings": [],
  "message": "1.1.3.6 exemption applies"
}

POST — Multi-Substance Load

Request body:

POST /api/adr-calculator
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "items": [
    { "un_number": "1203", "quantity": 200 },
    { "un_number": "1090", "quantity": 50 }
  ]
}

Response structure is identical to the GET endpoint, with multiple items in the array.

Response Fields

Field	Type	Description
`transport_category`	string	ADR transport category (0–4)
`multiplier`	number \| null	Points multiplier for the category (null for cat 0)
`points`	number \| null	quantity × multiplier
`total_points`	number	Sum of all substance points
`exempt`	boolean	true if total ≤ 1,000 AND no cat 0 AND no quantity exceedance
`has_category_zero`	boolean	true if any substance is transport category 0
`has_quantity_exceedance`	boolean	true if any substance exceeds its per-category max quantity
`warnings`	string[]	Human-readable warning messages for limit violations

POST/api/adr/lq-checkADR Limited & Excepted Quantity Checker

Check whether dangerous goods qualify for ADR Limited Quantity (Chapter 3.4) or Excepted Quantity (Chapter 3.5) concessions. Accepts up to 20 items per request and returns per-item pass/fail status against ADR Table A limits.

Request Body

Field	Type	Required	Description
`mode`	string	No	`lq` (default) or `eq`
`items`	array	Yes	1–20 items to check
`items[].un_number`	string	Yes	UN number (e.g. `1203`)
`items[].quantity`	number	Yes	Quantity per inner packaging
`items[].unit`	string	No	`ml`, `L` (default), `g`, or `kg`
`items[].inner_packaging_qty`	number	No	Number of inner packagings per outer (EQ mode only)

Example — check LQ for 0.5 L of petrol:

curl -X POST https://www.freightutils.com/api/adr/lq-check \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{"mode":"lq","items":[{"un_number":"1203","quantity":0.5,"unit":"L"}]}'

{
  "mode": "lq",
  "overall_status": "qualifies",
  "items": [
    {
      "un_number": "1203",
      "substance": "MOTOR SPIRIT or GASOLINE or PETROL",
      "class": "3",
      "packing_group": "II",
      "lq_limit": "1 L",
      "lq_limit_value": 1,
      "lq_limit_unit": "L",
      "eq_code": "E2",
      "quantity_entered": 0.5,
      "unit_entered": "L",
      "status": "within_limit",
      "reason": "0.5 L is within the LQ limit of 1 L per inner packaging"
    }
  ],
  "summary": {
    "total_items": 1,
    "qualifying": 1,
    "exceeding": 0,
    "not_permitted": 0
  },
  "references": {
    "adr_chapter": "3.4",
    "table": "3.2 Column 7a"
  }
}

Response Fields

Field	Type	Description
`mode`	string	`lq` or `eq`
`overall_status`	string	`qualifies`, `does_not_qualify`, or `partial`
`items[]`	array	Per-item results with substance info, limits, and pass/fail
`items[].status`	string	`within_limit`, `exceeds_limit`, or `not_permitted`
`summary`	object	Counts of qualifying, exceeding, and not-permitted items
`references`	object	ADR chapter and table references

GET/api/airlinesAirline Codes & AWB Prefix Lookup

Search airlines by name, IATA code, ICAO code, AWB prefix, or country. The dataset contains6,352 airlines including 390 cargo airlines with AWB prefixes.

Query Modes

Parameter	Type	Description	Match
`q`	string	General search — matches name, codes, prefix, country. Smart: 2–3 digits match prefix only, 2–3 letters match IATA/ICAO only, 4+ chars search all fields.	Smart
`iata`	string	IATA 2-letter code (e.g. `EK`)	Exact
`icao`	string	ICAO 3-letter code (e.g. `UAE`)	Exact
`prefix`	string	AWB 3-digit prefix (e.g. `176`)	Exact
`country`	string	Country name (e.g. `Germany`)	Partial

Example Requests

AWB prefix lookup:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/airlines?prefix=176"

{
  "count": 1,
  "results": [
    {
      "slug": "emirates",
      "airline_name": "Emirates",
      "iata_code": "EK",
      "icao_code": "UAE",
      "awb_prefix": ["176"],
      "callsign": "EMIRATES",
      "country": "United Arab Emirates",
      "has_cargo": true,
      "aliases": ["Emirates SkyCargo"],
      "verified": true
    }
  ],
  "meta": {
    "source": "Public IATA/ICAO data, cross-referenced",
    "airlines": 6352,
    "last_verified": "April 2026"
  }
}

IATA code lookup:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/airlines?iata=EK"

Name search:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/airlines?q=emirates"

Response Fields

Field	Type	Description
`slug`	string	URL-friendly identifier
`airline_name`	string	Official airline name
`iata_code`	string \| null	2-character IATA designator
`icao_code`	string \| null	3-character ICAO designator
`awb_prefix`	string[] \| null	3-digit AWB prefix(es) — array, some airlines have multiple
`callsign`	string \| null	Radio callsign for ATC communication
`country`	string \| null	Country of registration
`has_cargo`	boolean	true if airline has AWB prefix(es)
`aliases`	string[] \| null	Alternative names (e.g. cargo division name)
`verified`	boolean	true if prefix confirmed from multiple independent sources

GET/api/incotermsINCOTERMS 2020 Lookup

Look up INCOTERMS 2020 trade terms. Returns all 11 terms by default, or filter by code or transport category. Each term includes seller/buyer responsibilities, risk and cost transfer points, insurance obligations, and practical guidance.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Description
`code`	string	INCOTERM code (e.g. `FOB`, `CIF`, `DDP`)
`category`	string	Filter by transport mode: `any_mode` or `sea_only`

Omit all parameters to return all 11 INCOTERMS 2020 terms.

Example Requests

Single term lookup:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/incoterms?code=FOB"

{
  "code": "FOB",
  "name": "Free on Board",
  "slug": "fob-free-on-board",
  "category": "sea_only",
  "summary": "Seller delivers goods on board the vessel at port of shipment. One of the most commonly used terms.",
  "seller_responsibility": "Deliver goods on board the vessel at named port. Export clearance. Loading costs.",
  "buyer_responsibility": "Main sea freight, insurance, import clearance, duties.",
  "risk_transfer": "When goods are on board the vessel at port of shipment.",
  "cost_transfer": "At port of shipment, once loaded on board.",
  "insurance": "No obligation on either party.",
  "export_clearance": "Seller.",
  "import_clearance": "Buyer.",
  "best_for": "Sea freight where buyer wants to arrange their own shipping and insurance. Very commonly used in international trade.",
  "watch_out": "Sea and inland waterway ONLY. Despite being widely used, FOB is technically incorrect for containerised cargo..."
}

Filter by transport category:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/incoterms?category=sea_only"

All terms:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/incoterms"

GET/api/containersContainer Capacity Reference

Shipping container specifications — internal/external dimensions, weights, door openings, and pallet capacity for all 10 standard ISO container types. Optionally calculate how many items fit in a specific container.

Query Modes

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`type`	string	No	Container slug (e.g. `20ft-standard`, `40ft-high-cube`). Omit to list all.
`l`	number	No	Item length in cm (requires type + w + h)
`w`	number	No	Item width in cm
`h`	number	No	Item height in cm
`wt`	number	No	Item weight in kg
`qty`	integer	No	Number of items

Example Requests

List all containers:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/containers"

Single container specs:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/containers?type=40ft-high-cube"

Loading calculation — how many 60×40×40cm boxes fit in a 40ft HC:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/containers?type=40ft-high-cube&l=60&w=40&h=40&wt=15&qty=500"

{
  "container": { "name": "40ft High Cube", "slug": "40ft-high-cube", ... },
  "loading": {
    "fits_lengthwise": 20,
    "fits_widthwise": 5,
    "fits_height": 6,
    "max_items": 600,
    "requested_qty": 500,
    "fits": true,
    "total_weight_kg": 7500,
    "within_payload": true,
    "utilisation_percent": 63.2
  }
}

GET/api/convertUnit Converter

Convert between freight-relevant units — weights, volumes, lengths, and freight-specific conversions (CBM to chargeable weight, CBM to freight tonnes).

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`value`	number	Yes	The number to convert
`from`	string	Yes	Source unit code
`to`	string	Yes	Target unit code

Supported Unit Codes

Group	Codes
Weight	`kg`, `lbs`, `oz`, `tonnes`, `short_tons`, `long_tons`
Volume	`cbm`, `cuft`, `cuin`, `litres`, `gal_us`, `gal_uk`
Length	`cm`, `inches`, `m`, `feet`, `mm`
Freight	`chargeable_kg` (target only, from=cbm), `freight_tonnes` (target only, from=cbm)

Example Requests

Standard conversion:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/convert?value=100&from=kg&to=lbs"

{
  "input": { "value": 100, "unit": "kg", "name": "Kilograms" },
  "result": { "value": 220.462442, "unit": "lbs", "name": "Pounds" },
  "formula": "Kilograms × 2.204624 = Pounds"
}

CBM to chargeable weight (IATA 6000 divisor):

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/convert?value=10&from=cbm&to=chargeable_kg"

{
  "input": { "value": 10, "unit": "cbm", "name": "Cubic Metres" },
  "result": { "value": 1666.7, "unit": "chargeable_kg", "name": "Chargeable Weight (kg)" },
  "formula": "Cubic Metres × 166.67 = Chargeable Weight (kg)",
  "note": "IATA volumetric weight: 1 CBM = 166.67 kg (divisor 6000)..."
}

CBM to freight tonnes (W/M rule):

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/convert?value=5&from=cbm&to=freight_tonnes"

GET/api/hsHS Code Lookup

Search and browse Harmonized System (HS 2022) commodity codes. Supports text search by product description, exact code lookup with ancestor chain, and section browsing. Covers all 6,940 codes across 21 sections and 97 chapters.

Query Modes

Parameter	Type	Description	Max results
`q`	string	Case-insensitive search on descriptions and codes. Min 2 characters.	50
`code`	string	Exact HS code lookup (2, 4, or 6 digit). Returns full details with ancestor chain and children.	1
`section`	string	Browse by section (Roman numeral, e.g. `II`). Returns all chapters in that section.	All

Provide exactly one parameter per request. Omitting all parameters returns a 400 with usage hints.

Example Requests

Search by description:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/hs?q=coffee"

{
  "query": "coffee",
  "results": [
    {
      "hscode": "0901",
      "description": "Coffee, whether or not roasted...",
      "level": 4,
      "section": "II",
      "parent": "09"
    }
  ],
  "count": 12
}

Code lookup with ancestors:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/hs?code=090111"

{
  "hscode": "090111",
  "description": "Coffee; not roasted, not decaffeinated",
  "level": 6,
  "section": "II",
  "parent": "0901",
  "ancestors": [
    { "hscode": "09", "description": "Coffee, tea, mate and spices", "level": 2 },
    { "hscode": "0901", "description": "Coffee, whether or not roasted...", "level": 4 }
  ],
  "children": [],
  "sectionName": "Vegetable products"
}

Browse section:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/hs?section=II"

POST/api/consignmentMulti-Item Consignment Calculator

Calculate total CBM, gross weight, LDM, and chargeable weight across multiple mixed items in a single consignment. Supports road, air, and sea modes with mode-specific chargeable weight calculations.

Request Body (JSON)

Field	Type	Required	Description
`mode`	string	No	`road` (default), `air`, or `sea`
`items`	array	Yes	1–50 item objects (see below)

Item Object Fields

Field	Type	Required	Description
`length`	number	Yes	Length in cm
`width`	number	Yes	Width in cm
`height`	number	Yes	Height in cm
`quantity`	integer	No	Number of items (default: 1)
`grossWeight`	number	No	Gross weight per item in kg
`stackable`	boolean	No	Whether items can be stacked (default: false)
`pallet_type`	string	No	`euro`, `uk`, `us`, `custom`, `none`
`description`	string	No	Item description

Example Request

curl -X POST "https://www.freightutils.com/api/consignment" \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{ "mode": "air", "items": [ { "length": 120, "width": 80, "height": 100, "quantity": 4, "grossWeight": 300 }, { "length": 60, "width": 40, "height": 50, "quantity": 10, "grossWeight": 15 } ]}'

{
  "mode": "air",
  "item_count": 2,
  "totalPieces": 14,
  "totalGrossWeight": 1350,
  "totalCBM": 5.04,
  "chargeableWeight": 1350,
  "billing_basis": "weight",
  "volumetricWeight": 841.68,
  "items": [ ... ]
}

POST/api/dutyUK Import Duty & VAT Estimator

Estimate UK import duty and VAT for a commodity code using live GOV.UK Trade Tariff data. Accepts customs value, origin country, freight/insurance costs, and INCOTERM for CIF adjustment.

Request Body (JSON)

Field	Type	Required	Description
`commodity_code`	string	Yes	HS/tariff code (min 6 digits)
`origin_country`	string	Yes	ISO 2-letter country code (e.g. `CN`, `DE`)
`customs_value`	number	Yes	Goods value in GBP
`freight_cost`	number	No	Freight cost in GBP (added to CIF value)
`insurance_cost`	number	No	Insurance cost in GBP (added to CIF value)
`incoterm`	string	No	INCOTERM (e.g. `FOB`, `CIF`, `EXW`)

Example Request

curl -X POST "https://www.freightutils.com/api/duty" \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{ "commodity_code": "847989", "origin_country": "CN", "customs_value": 10000, "freight_cost": 500, "insurance_cost": 50, "incoterm": "FOB" }'

{
  "commodity_code": "847989",
  "origin_country": "CN",
  "cif_value": 10550,
  "duty_rate": "1.7%",
  "duty_amount": 179.35,
  "vat_rate": "20%",
  "vat_amount": 2145.87,
  "totalTaxes": 2325.22,
  "preferentialRate": false,
  "meta": {
    "source": "GOV.UK Trade Tariff API",
    "licence": "Open Government Licence v3"
  }
}

GET/api/unlocodeUN/LOCODE Lookup

Search and look up UN/LOCODE transport locations — 116,129+ seaports, airports, rail terminals, inland depots, and border crossings worldwide. Responses are cached for 24 hours.

Query Modes

Parameter	Type	Description
`code`	string	Exact UN/LOCODE lookup (e.g. `GBLHR`, `NLRTM`)
`q`	string	Search by name (e.g. `rotterdam`, `heathrow`)
`country`	string	Filter by country code (e.g. `GB`, `NL`)
`function`	string	Filter by function: `port`, `airport`, `rail`, `road`, `icd`, `border`
`limit`	integer	Max results (1–100, default: 20)

Example Requests

Search by name:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/unlocode?q=rotterdam"

{
  "query": "rotterdam",
  "count": 3,
  "results": [
    {
      "locode": "NLRTM",
      "name": "Rotterdam",
      "country": "NL",
      "subdivision": "ZH",
      "functions": ["port", "rail", "road"],
      "coordinates": { "lat": 51.92, "lon": 4.48 }
    }
  ],
  "meta": {
    "source": "UNECE UN/LOCODE 2024-2 (PDDL)",
    "total_entries": 116129
  }
}

Exact code lookup:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/unlocode?code=GBLHR"

Filter by country and function:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/unlocode?country=GB&function=port&limit=10"

GET/api/uldAir Freight ULD Types

Look up air freight Unit Load Device (ULD) specifications. 15 types including LD3 (AKE), PMC main deck pallet, temperature-controlled containers, and more. Returns dimensions, weights, volume, and aircraft compatibility.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Description
`type`	string	ULD code or slug (e.g. `AKE`, `PMC`). Omit to list all.
`category`	string	Filter: `container`, `pallet`, or `special`
`deck`	string	Filter by deck: `lower` or `main`

Example Requests

Single ULD lookup:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/uld?type=AKE"

Filter by category:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/uld?category=pallet"

All ULD types:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/uld"

GET/api/vehiclesVehicle & Trailer Types

Look up road freight vehicle and trailer specifications. 17 types covering articulated trailers, rigid trucks, and vans. Returns internal dimensions, payload limits, pallet capacity, and features.

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Description
`slug`	string	Vehicle slug (e.g. `standard-curtainsider`). Omit to list all.
`category`	string	Filter: `articulated`, `rigid`, or `van`
`region`	string	Filter: `EU` or `US`

Example Requests

Single vehicle lookup:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/vehicles?slug=standard-curtainsider"

Filter by category:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/vehicles?category=articulated"

Filter by region:

curl "https://www.freightutils.com/api/vehicles?region=EU"

HTTP Status Codes

Code	Meaning
200	Success — calculation result returned as JSON
400	Bad Request — missing or invalid parameters. Check the error message in the response.
404	Not Found — no results for the given query (airlines and ADR endpoints)
405	Method Not Allowed — only GET (or POST for /api/adr-calculator, /api/adr/lq-check, /api/shipment/summary) is supported
500	Internal Server Error — unexpected error, please report via GitHub

Field Naming

All endpoints use snake_case field names in responses (e.g. internal_length_cm, max_gross_kg). POST request bodies on /api/duty and /api/consignment accept either casing for backwards compatibility — snake_case is the documented form.

Rate Limiting

The API is free to use. Anonymous rate limit: 25 requests per day per IP. Free API key: 100 requests per day. Pro: 50,000 requests per month.

Error Responses

All endpoints return standard HTTP error codes with a descriptive JSON error message:

400Bad Request— Missing or invalid parameters

{"error": "Missing required parameter: l (length in cm)"}

404Not Found— Resource does not exist

{"error": "No ADR entry found for UN number 9999"}

500Server Error— Unexpected error

{"error": "Internal server error"}

Platform Commitments

Five pages that spell out what you can rely on:

Changelog

Every release, with an RSS feed.

Status

Current health plus 24h and 7d uptime.

Roadmap

Shipped, in progress, and what’s next.

Versioning Policy

Breaking-change contract and semver.

Deprecation Policy

3-month minimum notice with migration guides.

Source Code & Issue Reporting

FreightUtils is open source. Report bugs, request features, or contribute on GitHub: github.com/SoapyRED/freighttools. For data corrections or API support, email contact@freightutils.com.