CBR is a lump sum payable for the carriage of a container stuffed with a particular commodity. FAK rates are non-discriminatory by treating all commodities the same way. In combined transport arrangements by one carrier under a through document, an intermodal freight rate is charged. This rate is the sum of charges in the port of loading, ocean freight rate, charges in the port of discharge, and the road or rail haulage to the final destination. Despite the existence of conferences and because of the increasing role of independent carriers in the liner trades, the rates actually charged vary widely and often deviate substantially from published tariffs.
Carriers offer loyalty bonuses and apply rebates in violation of conference agreements.
Service contracts are gaining importance whereby individual shippers pledge a minimum amount of cargo to be shipped during a certain period in return for specially discounted rates offered by the contracted carrier. The spreads are due to different arrangements, i.e., conference or non-conference carrier, etc., and the intensity of prevailing competition. Important are also exogenous factors, particularly risk. There are several sources which provide a track record of actually charged liner rates, such as Lloyd's Shipping Economist and Drewry's Shipping Statistics. Both are available in the Sectoral Library.