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FreightUtils MCP Server

@SoapyRED

About FreightUtils MCP Server

17 free freight tools for AI agents — LDM/CBM/chargeable weight calculators, consignment calculator, pallet fitting, container capacity, ULD reference, vehicle types, ADR dangerous goods (2,939 entries), ADR exemption & LQ/EQ, HS codes (6,940), UK duty/VAT (live GOV.UK), INCOTERM

Config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

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

Tools

25

Calculate cubic metres (CBM) for a shipment from per-piece dimensions. CBM is the standard volume unit in international shipping: 1 CBM = 1m x 1m x 1m = 1,000 litres, and ocean freight prices per "freight tonne" (1 CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever is greater). Behavior: deterministic — identical inputs always return identical figures; total volume = pieces x per-piece CBM, with conversions to cubic feet, cubic inches and litres included. Missing or non-positive dimensions error with a validation message naming the parameter. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: cbm_per_piece, total_cbm, cubic_feet, litres, cubic_inches and pieces under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Related: chargeable_weight_calculator (air billing weight from the same dims), consignment_calculator (multi-line totals), unit_converter (single conversions), shipment_summary (full composite analysis).

Calculate air freight chargeable weight — the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric weight, which is what airlines bill. Volumetric weight (kg) = (L x W x H in cm) / divisor; the IATA-standard divisor is 6,000 (1 CBM = 166.67 kg), while express integrators (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically use 5,000. Behavior: deterministic; per-piece volumetric weight is rounded to 2 decimal places before totalling; basis reports which weight governs ("volumetric" = cargo is light for its size, "actual" = dense). Air mode only — sea W/M (1 CBM = 1,000 kg) is covered by consignment_calculator with mode=sea. Missing or non-positive inputs error with the failing parameter named. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: chargeable_weight_kg, basis, volumetric_weight_kg (total and per piece), gross_weight_kg, cbm, ratio, factor and pieces under result; normalized_input echoes the interpreted inputs and any defaults applied; plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Related: cbm_calculator (volume only), consignment_calculator (multi-line, all modes), uld_lookup (the equipment the freight flies in).

Calculate loading metres (LDM) for European road freight — how much trailer length a pallet load occupies. 1 LDM = 1 linear metre of a 2.4m-wide trailer; a standard artic is 13.6 LDM. Provide a pallet preset OR custom length_mm + width_mm — omitting both errors with a usage hint. Behavior: deterministic; stackable=true with stack_height 2 or 3 divides the floor footprint accordingly; fits reports whether the load fits the chosen vehicle's LENGTH (give weight_kg to also see total_weight_kg against the vehicle's max payload); utilisation_percent is of the vehicle's length. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: ldm, vehicle (name, length_m, max_payload_kg), utilisation_percent, pallet_spaces (used/available), total_weight_kg, fits and warnings under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Related: vehicle_lookup (the trailer specs behind the vehicle presets), pallet_fitting_calculator (boxes onto one pallet), consignment_calculator (mixed lines including LDM).

Look up European road dangerous-goods (ADR 2025) reference data for a substance: hazard class, classification code, packing group, labels, special provisions, limited/excepted quantities, transport category, tunnel restriction code and Kemler (hazard identification) number. Covers 2,939 entries across all 9 hazard classes, from UNECE ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352). Provide exactly ONE of: un_number (exact lookup — returns every packing-group variant of that UN number), search (case-insensitive partial match on the proper shipping name), or hazard_class (all entries in a class or division). un_number is normalised — "1203", "UN1203" and "un 1203" are equivalent, and normalized_input reports the correction; explosives keep their leading zero ("0004"). Behavior: read-only reference lookup; name searches return up to 50 entries, class filters up to 100. An unknown UN number or a search with no hits errors with the API's NOT_FOUND body and a retry hint. 28 Table A rows carry a scope remark instead of a packing group: those return packing_group null plus not_subject_to_adr (with conditions_ref, e.g. "5.5.3" for UN 1845 dry ice) or carriage_prohibited, and table_a_remark preserves the verbatim Table A text. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: count and results[] — per entry: un_number, proper_shipping_name, class, classification_code, packing_group, labels, special_provisions, limited_quantity, excepted_quantity, transport_category, tunnel_restriction_code, hazard_identification_number, variant_index/variant_count and, on scope-flagged rows, not_subject_to_adr/carriage_prohibited/conditions_ref/table_a_remark — under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: a factual compilation of the ADR table, not legal or compliance advice; classification remains the consignor's responsibility — verify against the current UNECE ADR text. Related: adr_lq_eq_check (checks quantities against the LQ/EQ values returned here), adr_exemption_calculator (1.1.3.6 small-load points), consignment_calculator (flags dangerous-goods lines by UN number).

Calculate ADR 1.1.3.6 "small load" exemption points for a dangerous-goods load. Each substance's transport category (0-4) sets a points multiplier (category 1 x50, 2 x3, 3 x1, 4 x0; the nine ADR 1.1.3.6.3 note-a entries UN 0081/0082/0084/0241/0331/0332/0482/1005/1017 are x20 with a 50 kg per-transport-unit cap); points = quantity x multiplier, and a load totalling 1,000 points or less qualifies for reduced ADR requirements. Transport category 0 substances can NEVER use this exemption — has_category_zero flags them. Provide un_number + quantity for a single substance, or items[] for a mixed load (items takes precedence if both are given). Quantities are in kg or litres per the substance's ADR unit. Multi-variant UNs: a UN number with more than one ADR Table A row (packing group / concentration variant — e.g. UN 1789 PG II vs PG III have different transport categories) needs packing_group (I|II|III) or variant_index (from adr_lookup) to pin one row. Without a disambiguator the tool returns blocking_errors[AMBIGUOUS_UN_VARIANT] + human_review_required + candidates[] (each candidate's variant_index, packing_group, proper_shipping_name, transport_category, multiplier) and NO verdict, rather than silently guessing a row. Single-row UNs are unchanged. Scope verdicts: Table A rows listed "NOT SUBJECT TO ADR" or "CARRIAGE PROHIBITED" never enter the points math. An all-not-subject load (e.g. UN 1845 dry ice) returns not_subject_to_adr true with a dedicated message ("Not subject to ADR (road). Section 5.5.3 applies: ...") and, for dry ice, conditions[] quoting the ADR 2025 section 5.5.3 requirements verbatim (ventilation, package marking, warning mark, documentation, training). A load containing a CARRIAGE PROHIBITED entry returns exempt false with carriage_prohibited true. In a mixed load, not-subject items are excluded from the points and the exclusion is stated in warnings. Behavior: deterministic points arithmetic over ADR 2025 reference data; a UN that cannot be found returns blocking_errors (NOT_FOUND); exempt is the overall verdict. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: items[] (each with packing_group, variant_index, transport_category, multiplier, points, and scope flags where applicable), total_points, threshold (1000), exempt, has_category_zero, has_quantity_exceedance, warnings, message and — on scope verdicts — not_subject_to_adr/conditions_ref/conditions[]/carriage_prohibited under result — or, when a UN is ambiguous, human_review_required + candidates[] with blocking_errors, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: a deterministic calculation over reference data, not legal advice — even exempt loads keep core duties (packaging, marking, documentation), and mixed-packing rules still apply; verify against the current UNECE ADR text. Related: adr_lookup (per-substance data incl. transport category + variant_index), adr_lq_eq_check (the LQ/EQ relief routes instead of 1.1.3.6).

Check whether dangerous goods qualify for ADR Limited Quantity (LQ, ADR 3.4) or Excepted Quantity (EQ, ADR 3.5) relief. LQ compares each item's per-inner-packaging quantity against that substance's LQ maximum; EQ resolves the substance's E-code (E0-E5) and checks the per-inner limit, plus the per-outer limit when inner_packaging_qty is given. Provide mode ("lq" or "eq") and 1-20 items, each with un_number, quantity and unit — ml or L for liquids, g or kg for solids; quantity is per INNER packaging, not the whole load. Multi-variant UNs: a UN number with more than one ADR Table A row (packing group / concentration variant — e.g. UN 1789 PG II LQ 1 L vs PG III LQ 5 L) needs packing_group (I|II|III) or variant_index (from adr_lookup) on that item to pin one row. Without a disambiguator the tool returns blocking_errors[AMBIGUOUS_UN_VARIANT] + human_review_required + candidates[] (each candidate's variant_index, packing_group, proper_shipping_name, limited_quantity, excepted_quantity) and NO verdict, rather than silently checking the wrong packing group. Single-row UNs are unchanged. Behavior: deterministic reference check; each item gets a status and reason (an LQ value of "0" or code E0 means the relief is not permitted for that substance), with overall_status and summary counts across the batch. Table A rows listed "NOT SUBJECT TO ADR" (e.g. UN 1845 dry ice) get item status not_subject — outside ADR scope, neither a pass nor a fail — and an all-not-subject batch returns overall_status not_applicable; "CARRIAGE PROHIBITED" rows are not_permitted with the prohibition stated in reason. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: mode, overall_status (qualifies | does_not_qualify | partial | not_applicable), items[] (un_number, variant_index, substance, class, packing_group, lq_limit or eq_code, quantity_entered, status, reason, and scope flags where applicable), summary {total_items, qualifying, exceeding, not_permitted, not_subject?} and the ADR chapter references under result — or, when a UN is ambiguous, human_review_required + candidates[] with blocking_errors, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: a quantity-threshold check only — LQ/EQ relief also requires packaging, marking and documentation conformity that this tool does not assess; not legal advice, verify against the current UNECE ADR text. Related: adr_lookup (the per-substance LQ/EQ values + variant_index), adr_exemption_calculator (the 1.1.3.6 load-points route instead).

Search 6,357 airlines by name, IATA code, ICAO code, AWB prefix, or country. AWB prefixes are the first 3 digits of an air waybill number and identify the issuing carrier (e.g. 176 = Emirates). Provide ONE parameter: query is a ranked fuzzy search across names and codes; iata / icao / prefix / country are exact filters. Behavior: read-only; fuzzy query hits report their match quality through the envelope's confidence (basis match_quality, score 0-1) with a FUZZY_BEST_MATCH advisory naming the matched field; a query with no hits returns count 0 with a NO_MATCH advisory rather than an error. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: count and results[] — per airline: airline_name, iata_code, icao_code, awb_prefix[], callsign, country, has_cargo, aliases and per-record verification fields — under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: this dataset's provenance is pending independent verification (the envelope's provenance_status says so) — confirm operationally critical codes with IATA/ICAO or the carrier. Related: airport_lookup (searches AIRPORTS, not carriers), validate (checks an AWB number's check digit and names its airline from this dataset).

Get ISO shipping-container specifications, with optional load-fit maths. Covers 10 types: 20ft/40ft standard, 40ft and 45ft high-cube, 20ft/40ft reefer, 20ft/40ft open-top and 20ft/40ft flat-rack. Provide type as a slug (e.g. "20ft-standard", "40ft-high-cube") for one container's record; omit it to list all 10. Add item dimensions (item_length_cm/width_cm/height_cm, optional item_weight_kg and item_quantity) to also compute how many such items fit. Behavior: read-only reference data with per-record provenance (sources, audited_at, decision_rationale); an unknown type errors with the valid slug list. Fit calculations are geometric best-effort — they do not model load distribution, securing or mixed cargo. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: the container record — internal/external/door dimensions (cm), capacity_cbm, tare_weight_kg, max_gross_kg, max_payload_kg and euro/GMA pallet counts — under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: manufacturer-typical specs, provenance pending independent verification (the envelope's provenance_status says so) — actual equipment varies by lessor and line; confirm against the carrier's equipment guide. Related: validate (checks a container NUMBER's ISO 6346 check digit — not specs), cbm_calculator / consignment_calculator (the cargo volume to fill it), uld_lookup (the air-freight equivalent).

Search 6,940 WCO Harmonized System (HS 2022) commodity codes — the 6-digit international customs classification layer. The first 2 digits are the chapter, 4 the heading, 6 the subheading. Provide ONE of: query (free-text description search, min 2 chars), code (2-6 digit lookup, returns the code plus its hierarchy), or section (Roman numeral I-XXI to browse a section). Behavior: read-only; description search is keyword-based against official HS descriptions, so everyday product words can return zero rows — count 0 with an empty results[] is a valid answer (e.g. "laptop" and "computers" find nothing; "automatic data" matches the official phrasing "automatic data processing machines"); prefer the formal tariff wording. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: the query/code echo, count and results[] (hscode, description and hierarchy context) under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: the 6-digit international level only — national tariff lines (8-10 digits) and duty rates are set per country; classification here is indicative, not a binding ruling. Related: uk_duty_calculator (duty/VAT for a code found here), ics2_check (EU ENS goods-description quality — a different check entirely).

Look up the 11 Incoterms 2020 trade rules — who pays for transport, insurance and customs clearance, and where risk transfers from seller to buyer. 7 rules work for any transport mode (EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP); 4 are sea/inland-waterway only (FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF). Provide code for one rule, category (any_mode | sea_only) for a filtered list, or neither to list all 11. Behavior: read-only reference; an unknown code errors with the valid code list. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: the rule record — name, category, summary, seller_responsibility, buyer_responsibility, risk_transfer, cost_transfer, insurance, export/import clearance, best_for and watch_out — under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: summarised guidance on ICC Incoterms 2020; the ICC publication is the binding text and specific contract wording prevails. Related: uk_duty_calculator (accepts an incoterm when composing the CIF value), shipment_summary (composite analysis).

Calculate how many identical boxes fit on a pallet: boxes per layer (trying 90-degree rotation when allowed), layer count within the max height, totals, volume utilisation and weight capping. Behavior: deterministic geometric packing of one box size in aligned rows and columns — it does not model interlocked or mixed-orientation patterns; weight_limited reports when max_payload_kg caps the count below the geometric fit; pallet_deck_height_cm defaults to 15. Missing or non-positive dimensions error naming the parameter. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: boxes_per_layer, layers, total_boxes, orientation, boxes_per_row/col, usable_height_cm, utilisation_percent, total_box_volume_cbm, wasted_space_cbm and the weight fields under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: a theoretical best-effort fit — real stacking obeys carton strength, overhang and load-stability rules it does not model. Related: ldm_calculator (pallets into trailer length), vehicle_lookup (pallet capacity per vehicle), container_lookup (pallets into containers).

Convert freight and logistics units: weight (kg, lbs, oz, tonnes, short_tons, long_tons), volume (cbm, cuft, cuin, litres, gal_us, gal_uk), length (cm, inches, m, feet, mm), plus two freight-specific targets valid only FROM cbm — chargeable_kg (air volumetric weight at the IATA 6,000 divisor, 1 CBM = 166.67 kg) and freight_tonnes (sea W/M, 1 CBM = 1 freight tonne). Behavior: deterministic; the response names both units and states the formula used. Cross-dimension conversions (e.g. kg to litres) and freight targets from a non-cbm source error with the accepted-unit list. Note: short ton (US) = 2,000 lb, long ton (UK) = 2,240 lb, metric tonne = 2,204.6 lb. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: input {value, unit, name}, result {value, unit, name}, formula and note under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Related: cbm_calculator (dimensions to volume first), chargeable_weight_calculator (proper air billing weight with pieces and a custom divisor).

Calculate per-line and grand totals for a multi-item mixed consignment: CBM, loading metres (LDM), volumetric weight, and the mode-specific chargeable figure (air chargeable weight, sea revenue tonnes, road LDM), plus objective advisory flags. Provide mode (sea | air | road, default road) and either lines[] (canonical — per line: quantity, dims {l,w,h,unit}, weight {value,unit}, optional description / hs_code / un_number / stackable) or the legacy flat items[] (dimensions in cm, weight in kg). Air uses an IATA volumetric divisor (default 6000, settable via options.air_volumetric_divisor); options.container_number / options.awb_number add a check-digit sanity flag. Behavior: deterministic; flags are advisory only — implausible density, mode/option mismatch, dangerous-goods presence by UN number against ADR 2025, and container/AWB check-digit validity — and never state that a shipment is permitted or compliant. Invalid lines error naming the offending field. Canonical schema: https://www.freightutils.com/schema/consignment.v1.json. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: schema_version, mode, per_line[] (cbm, gross_weight_kg, density, volumetric_weight_kg, ldm, revenue_tonnes, chargeable_weight_kg), totals (incl. billing_basis) and flags[] under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: best-effort deterministic calculation and reference data — not regulatory, customs or dangerous-goods compliance advice; classification, documentation and carrier acceptance remain your responsibility. Related: cbm_calculator / chargeable_weight_calculator / ldm_calculator (single-figure versions), shipment_summary (adds vehicle/container suggestion and duty estimates), adr_lookup (what a flagged UN number is).

Search 116,232 UN/LOCODE transport locations worldwide — ports, airports, rail and road terminals, inland container depots and border crossings. Codes are 5 characters: a 2-letter ISO country code + a 3-character location code (GBLHR = London Heathrow, NLRTM = Rotterdam). Provide code for an exact record, or query (name search, min 2 chars) optionally narrowed by country and function_type; limit caps results (default 20, max 100). Behavior: read-only; exact code hits are provenance-based while fuzzy name hits report match quality via the envelope's confidence (basis match_quality); an unknown code errors with a not-found message. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: the location record(s) — code, name and name_ascii, country, subdivision, functions[], status, coordinates {lat, lon} and iata_code where assigned — under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: an administrative code list (UNECE UN/LOCODE 2025-1) — confirm operational status and coordinates with the port or authority before critical use. Related: airport_lookup (airport-specific records including ICAO codes), nearest_airport (find airports by coordinates).

Estimate UK import duty and VAT for a commodity code using the LIVE GOV.UK Trade Tariff — rates are fetched per request, not from a static table. The CIF value is composed from customs_value + freight_cost + insurance_cost; duty = CIF x the duty rate for the origin country; VAT (typically 20%) applies on the duty-inclusive value. Provide commodity_code (6-10 digits), origin_country (ISO-2) and customs_value in GBP; freight_cost, insurance_cost and incoterm are optional refinements. Behavior: live lookup plus deterministic arithmetic on the returned rate; an unknown or non-declarable commodity code errors with HMRC's message (a 6-digit code may need extending to its 8/10-digit declarable line); origin-dependent measures the tariff cannot resolve automatically surface in warnings. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: commodity_code and description, origin country, cif_value, duty_rate (+ percent), duty_amount, vat_rate, vat_amount, total_import_taxes, total_landed_cost and warnings under result; validity.as_of marks the live-rate timestamp; plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: an estimate, not a customs ruling — excise, quotas, anti-dumping measures, reliefs and origin-proof requirements can change the outcome; confirm with a customs broker or HMRC before relying on it. Related: hs_code_lookup (find the 6-digit code first), incoterms_lookup (who actually pays these costs).

Composite shipment analysis in one call: volume (CBM), gross and chargeable weight, road LDM with pallet spaces and a vehicle suggestion (road mode), volumetric weight (air), revenue tonnes with a container suggestion (sea), dangerous-goods presence for items carrying un_number, and UK duty estimates for items carrying hs_code + customs_value. Provide mode (road | air | sea | multimodal) and items[] (dims in cm, weight in kg, quantity; optional stackable, pallet_type, hs_code, un_number, customs_value); origin/destination and incoterm refine the duty leg. Behavior: calls the ldm_calculator, adr_lookup and uk_duty_calculator engines directly; CBM, volumetric weight and revenue tonnes are the same arithmetic inline rather than a call out. Road LDM uses the 2.40 m loading-metre convention divisor and, like ldm_calculator, treats an item with no stackable flag as NOT stacked. modeSpecific.palletSpaces is pallet FLOOR POSITIONS (the figure ldm_calculator reports); palletRows is the separate row count. Sections that cannot run (e.g. duty without a customs value) surface in warnings instead of failing the whole call. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: mode, itemCount, totals {pieces, grossWeight, volumeCBM, chargeableWeight, billingBasis}, modeSpecific (LDM / pallet floor positions / pallet rows / suggested vehicle, or revenue tonnes / container), warnings and dataVersion (road mode attributes the vehicle dataset and the LDM divisor) under result — note this composite's result uses camelCase field names (legacy shape); plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: a planning summary, not a quotation or compliance determination. Related: consignment_calculator (canonical snake_case lines[] shape with advisory flags), cbm_calculator, chargeable_weight_calculator, ldm_calculator, adr_lookup, uk_duty_calculator. ldm_calculator, adr_lookup and uk_duty_calculator are the engines this actually calls; the rest are the single-purpose equivalents of arithmetic it does inline.

Look up air-cargo ULD (Unit Load Device) specifications — 16 types spanning lower-deck containers (AKE/LD3 and family), main-deck pallets (PMC, PAG and family) and temperature-controlled units. Each record carries external/internal/door dimensions (cm), tare and max gross weight (kg), usable volume (m³), deck position and compatible aircraft. Provide type as an IATA code ("AKE", "PMC") or slug ("ake-ld3"); omit it to list all 16; category (container | pallet | special) and deck (lower | main) filter the list. Behavior: read-only; an unknown type errors with the valid list; per-record provenance (sources, audited_at, decision_rationale) is included. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: the ULD record (or filtered list) under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: specs are compiled from manufacturer and carrier-published sources with ≥7 cited sources per record. Provenance is PENDING, not verified — read the envelope's provenance_status rather than this sentence. Second-agent coverage is now COMPLETE — every cited record-URL pairing has been opened and verdicted by a second agent, and 145 of 148 citations carry a timestamped read (the 3 without one were never opened, and say so). COVERAGE IS NOT AGREEMENT, which is why provenance is still pending: reading every page is what made the disagreements visible, not what resolved them. The second agent also WITHDRAWS stamps — pages a first pass had confirmed turned out not to list the code, or to disagree once somebody read the words around them — so treat an unstamped citation as evidence that was tried and failed, not evidence not yet gathered. CORROBORATION IS COUNTED BY PUBLISHER, NOT BY URL: the 148 citations resolve to 125 distinct sources, because several records cite one publisher at several of its own addresses (one carrier's pallet table appears in three of its documents) and several forwarders republish a single upstream template. Two citations of the same source cannot corroborate each other, so a long source list is not the same as a well-corroborated record. Treat tare_weight with particular caution: it is confirmed by no non-tertiary source on 13 of the 16 records. PGA's 565 kg is now read-confirmed by one carrier (Cathay, basis stated on the page as including nets) while two other carrier pages publish 535 kg and 505-545 kg on that same basis, so it is the top of a contested band rather than an agreed figure. Confidence is medium and a PROVENANCE_PENDING advisory rides every response. Pallet records (PMC, PAG, PGA, PLA, PAJ, PMCQ7) have NO internal dimensions — a pallet has no walls or roof; read max_build_up_height_cm for the aircraft contour ceiling and do not multiply dimensions to get a volume. Airline-specific ULD variants still differ; confirm operationally critical dimensions with the carrier. Related: chargeable_weight_calculator (what the cargo inside is billed at), container_lookup (the sea-freight equivalent), airline_lookup (whose aircraft it flies on).

Look up road-freight vehicle and trailer specifications — 17 types: EU articulated trailers (standard/mega curtainsider, box, reefer, double-deck, flatbed, low-loader), US 53ft/48ft dry vans, rigid trucks (7.5-26 t) and vans (Luton, Transit, Sprinter). Each record carries internal dimensions, payload and gross weights, euro/UK pallet capacity, axle configuration and features. Provide slug (e.g. "standard-curtainsider") for one record; omit it to list all 17; category (articulated | rigid | van) and region (EU | US) filter the list. Behavior: read-only; an unknown slug errors with the valid list; per-record provenance (sources, audited_at, decision_rationale) is included. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: the vehicle record (or filtered list) under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: typical specs, provenance pending independent verification (the envelope's provenance_status says so) — real equipment varies by operator and build; legal payload is set by the vehicle's plated weights. Related: ldm_calculator (whether a pallet load fits), pallet_fitting_calculator, consignment_calculator.

Estimate freight transport greenhouse-gas emissions (kgCO2e) for a shipment leg, per ISO 14083:2023 / GLEC Framework v3.2: emissions = mass x distance x a published emission-intensity factor (kgCO2e/tonne-km). Provide mass + distance_km + mode (road | rail | sea | air | inland_waterway); optionally choose sub_mode, region/authority (uk = DEFRA, us = EPA, fr = ADEME) and basis (wtw default, or ttw). IMPORTANT: pass ACTUAL GROSS MASS, not chargeable/volumetric weight (a common air-freight mistake — see mass_basis in the result). Distance must be provided — this tool does NOT route, geocode, or compute distances. Behavior: deterministic given the same factor edition; the fleet-average factor already includes average empty running (see empty_running) — do NOT add your own empty-return leg; sea and air are low-representativeness generic defaults (real emissions vary materially by vessel/aircraft, load factor and routing — see representativeness and the result summary). An unknown mode/sub_mode/region returns available:false with the covered options, never a fabricated factor. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: well-to-wheel AND tank-to-wheel emissions where the factor has both, the exact factor used (value, authority, edition), the tonne-km activity and a per-result _source citing BOTH the ISO method and the specific open factor, all under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: best-effort reference estimate from open factors (DEFRA / EPA / ADEME) — NOT a verified or audited carbon report. Related: distinct from cbm_calculator / ldm_calculator / chargeable_weight_calculator (those size or bill a shipment; this one estimates its CO2e).

Validate and parse freight identifiers by their public check-digit algorithms: shipping container numbers (ISO 6346), air waybill (AWB) numbers (IATA modulus-7) and IMO ship identification numbers. Two modes: pass text=<arbitrary string> to find and validate every identifier in it (e.g. a booking-email line), OR pass value=<identifier> + type=<container|awb|imo> to validate one. Behavior: deterministic check-digit arithmetic; per identifier found it reports type, the normalised form, valid (pass/fail), expected vs actual check digit, and details (container: owner prefix + equipment category; AWB: airline prefix + the operating airline resolved from the AWB-prefix dataset; IMO: the 7-digit number); text mode with no identifiers found returns an empty found[] with a note. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: found[] (each entry with its own _source naming the standard applied) and disclaimer under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: STRUCTURAL ONLY — a valid check digit means well-formed, NOT that the container, shipment or vessel exists or is active; not a registry or tracking lookup. Related: container_lookup (container TYPE specs, not numbers), airline_lookup (the AWB-prefix dataset the airline resolution uses).

Check a goods description against the official EU ICS2 stop-words list — terms the European Commission deems too vague or generic for an entry summary declaration (ENS) goods-description field (data element 18 05 000 000). Pass description=<goods description>. Behavior: deterministic term matching against the in-force EU list; each flagged term carries a note (a standalone stop-word means automatic rejection, an embedded one means make the description more specific); clean=true means no listed term matched — it does NOT guarantee acceptance, and no binary accepted/rejected verdict is given. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: the description echo, flagged[] (term + note), clean, caveat and disclaimer under result, plus a _source citing the EU list and legal basis, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: STRICTLY a reference check — not an ENS filing, not a customs-compliance determination, not legal advice; the EU list is non-exhaustive and updated periodically. Related: hs_code_lookup (commodity codes — a different field of the ENS), uk_duty_calculator (duty/VAT, unrelated to ENS screening). Use BEFORE filing an ENS — for customs/documentation teams, brokers and agents building filing pipelines.

Look up an airport by IATA code (3 letters, e.g. "LHR"), ICAO code (4 chars, e.g. "EGLL"), or free-text name/city search (e.g. "heathrow"). Covers 85,555 airports worldwide (OurAirports, public domain, cross-checked vs OpenFlights + Wikidata). Provide ONE of iata, icao, or query; the optional type filter narrows results. Behavior: read-only; exact code hits return one record; ambiguous name searches return ranked candidates (exact codes first, then larger airports) with match quality reported via the envelope's confidence (basis match_quality); an unknown code errors with a not-found message. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: count and results[] — per airport: IATA + ICAO/ident, name, type (large/medium/small/heliport/closed/seaplane), municipality, region, country, latitude/longitude and elevation_ft — under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: reference data only — not for navigation; verify operationally critical codes with IATA / ICAO. Related: nearest_airport (find airports FROM a coordinate), airline_lookup (searches CARRIERS / AWB prefixes, not airports), unlocode_lookup (general transport locations, of which airports are one function).

Find the airports nearest to a caller-provided latitude/longitude, sorted by great-circle (haversine) distance with distance_km on each result. Searches 85,555 airports (OurAirports, public domain). Provide latitude and longitude (decimal degrees); optional radius_km, max_results (1-50, default 10) and type filter (e.g. large_airport only). Coordinates are INPUT only — nothing is stored or logged. Behavior: deterministic distance sort; confidence reflects proximity and airport size (a large airport within 25 km scores high; closed/heliport/seaplane results cap lower). This tool does NOT geocode place names and does NOT compute routes — pass coordinates you already hold. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: count and results[] (the airport record plus distance_km) under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: reference data only — not for navigation; verify codes with IATA / ICAO. Related: airport_lookup (exact code or name lookup, no distance), unlocode_lookup (named transport-location search).

Resolve an arbitrary freight identifier — one opaque string in, typed and cited candidates out. The agent front door: when you hold an identifier-ish token ("176", "UN1845", "NLRTM", "FOB", "22G1", "MSKU1100810", "D/E") and do not know which lookup tool fits, call this FIRST and follow the candidate's api_url / canonical_url (or the matching sibling tool) for depth. Provide q: ONE identifier (single token, max 32 chars). Thirteen grammars all run — UN numbers, AWB prefixes, airline IATA/ICAO, airport IATA/ICAO, UN/LOCODE, ISO 6346 container numbers (check digit computed), HS codes (6-10 digits; national lines resolve at their 6-digit international parent), Incoterms, ADR tunnel codes, ULD serials, ISO container size/type codes. Ambiguity is the product: colliding grammars return MULTIPLE ranked candidates ("LHR" is Heathrow AND an Egyptian carrier's ICAO), never a silent guess. Behavior: deterministic — normalize (trim, uppercase, collapse spaces/dashes, strip a UN prefix), match ALL grammars, rank by record-hit > verification status > static dataset prior (airlines/adr/unlocode first) > stable tiebreak; every candidate carries rank_basis so the ordering is inspectable. Zero candidates is a VALID result (count 0 + note), never an error. A failed container check digit returns a candidate with valid:false rather than dropping it. Rate-limited (anonymous use: 25 requests/day per IP): a 429 error body carries retry_after_seconds and a Retry-After header — back off and retry, or call get_subscribe_link for higher limits. Returns: query, normalized, count and candidates[] — each with entity_type, identifier_type, value_normalized, summary, record (the core fields the matching dataset holds), verification_status + verification_basis, rank_basis, canonical_url, api_url and a per-candidate dataset citation — under result, plus confidence, _source and citation (the FreightUtils v1 response envelope). Limitations: v1 is SINGLE-TOKEN resolution, not free-text extraction — pass one identifier, not a manifest line; SCAC/BIC codes are not yet covered; a match asserts the identifier is known/well-formed, not that a shipment exists. Related: every lookup tool this resolves into — adr_lookup, airline_lookup, airport_lookup, unlocode_lookup, hs_code_lookup, incoterms_lookup, container_lookup, uld_lookup, validate.

Get the URL where the user can subscribe to FreightUtils Pro for higher API limits (50,000 requests/month). Use when the user asks how to upgrade or about pricing, or after any other tool errors with a 429 rate_limited body. Behavior: static local response — no API call, never rate-limited. Returns: url, tier, monthly_limit, monthly_price, currency and note under result. Hand the URL to the USER to open in a browser — agents must NOT attempt to complete the subscription themselves.

Overview

What is FreightUtils MCP Server?

A Model Context Protocol server that gives AI agents access to 11 freight calculation and reference tools, including CBM, chargeable weight, ADR dangerous goods lookup, and more. It is designed for logistics, shipping, and supply chain professionals using AI assistants.

How to use FreightUtils MCP Server?

Configure the server in your MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop) by adding a server entry with "command": "npx" and "args": ["freightutils-mcp"], or use the remote HTTP URL https://www.freightutils.com/api/mcp if your client supports it. No API key is required; a courtesy rate limit of 100 requests per day per IP applies.

Key features of FreightUtils MCP Server

  • 11 freight tools: CBM, chargeable weight, LDM, ADR lookup, and more
  • ADR 2025 dangerous goods database with 2,939 entries
  • Airline lookup covering 6,352 airlines and IATA/ICAO codes
  • HS code lookup with 6,940 harmonized tariff codes
  • Pallet fitting calculator with box layers and rotation
  • Unit converter for weight, volume, and length

Use cases of FreightUtils MCP Server

  • Calculate cubic meters (CBM) for sea freight shipments
  • Determine air freight chargeable weight (volumetric vs actual)
  • Search dangerous goods by UN number and check ADR 1.1.3.6 exemptions
  • Look up ISO container specifications and loading calculations
  • Find HS codes for customs declarations and Incoterms 2020 trade rules

FAQ from FreightUtils MCP Server

Does FreightUtils MCP Server require an API key?

No. All tools call the free FreightUtils API without any API key.

What is the rate limit?

A courtesy rate limit of 100 requests per day per IP address applies.

Which MCP clients are supported?

It works with any MCP client, including Claude Desktop and Claude Code.

How is the server installed?

You can run it via npx with no prior installation, or use the remote HTTP URL if your client supports remote servers.

Are the tools free to use?

Yes, all tools are free and backed by the FreightUtils API.

Frequently asked questions

Does FreightUtils MCP Server require an API key?

No. All tools call the free FreightUtils API without any API key.

What is the rate limit?

A courtesy rate limit of 100 requests per day per IP address applies.

Which MCP clients are supported?

It works with any MCP client, including Claude Desktop and Claude Code.

How is the server installed?

You can run it via `npx` with no prior installation, or use the remote HTTP URL if your client supports remote servers.

Are the tools free to use?

Yes, all tools are free and backed by the FreightUtils API.

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