GlossaryRates and surcharges
Negotiated rates
Shipping prices below a carrier's published rates, agreed under a contract, usually based on volume and shipping profile.
Negotiated rates, also called contract or discounted rates, are prices a carrier agrees to give a specific shipper that are lower than its published list rates. They are usually expressed as discounts off list rates and surcharges, and sometimes as minimum charges.
Carriers base these terms on shipping volume, package profile, service mix and destinations. Agreements often include tiers that depend on meeting volume commitments, so effective rates can change if volume drops.
Shippers who have negotiated rates generally access them by connecting their own carrier account to their shipping software.
Learn more in our Multi-carrier shipping articles.
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