Bulk Cargo
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.
Bulk CargoMarginBreakeven
Margin per MT
-$0.03
-0.03% margin
Total Margin
-$1,841.61
Breakeven Sale Price
$105.03/MT
Sale price at zero margin
Revenue
$5,775,000.00
Purchase Cost
$4,950,000.00
Freight Cost
$660,000.00
Quality Penalty Cost
$82,500.00
Insurance Cost
$8,415.00
Finance Cost
$52,926.61
45 days @ 7.5% p.a.
Total Cost
$5,776,841.61
Overview & methodology
What is a bulk shipment profitability calculator?
A shipment margin estimator calculates the total margin per MT and total profit for a bulk trade transaction. In 2026, it accounts for purchase/sale prices, freight, quality penalties, and the cost of working capital (finance) over the voyage duration.
Numerical Example: Iron Ore Trade Margin
The margin is calculated after deducting freight, insurance, and working capital interest.
Quantity55,000 MT
Freight$12/MT
Purchase Price$90/MT
Sale Price$105/MT
Net Margin$5.84/MT
Source: SSLT Global - Bulk Trade MethodologyOfficial Resource
Last reviewed: August 2026
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.
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