Bulk Shipment Profitability Calculator
Estimate margin per MT and total profit on a bulk cargo shipment, including freight, quality penalties, inspection, finance and insurance cost, plus breakeven sale price.
Overview & methodology
Numerical Example: Iron Ore Trade Margin
These are the calculator's default inputs. Total cost = purchase + freight + quality penalty + 0.15% insurance + inspection ($8,000) + other costs ($15,000) + finance on that sum. At a $105 sale price the same trade would lose about $0.03/MT, which shows how thin bulk margins are.
Method note: calculations run in your browser using the formulas and published rule books cited on this page. Results are free estimates for planning, with no login required, and should be confirmed with your bank, broker or the official source before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate margin per tonne on a bulk cargo?
Start from the sale price (FOB or CFR), deduct purchase cost, ocean freight, quality penalties, inspection, finance cost over the working-capital days, insurance and other trade costs. The residual is margin per MT; multiply by the cargo quantity for the shipment result.