What is the difference between freight in and freight out?

When goods are shipped between suppliers and customers, freight charges are incurred from the freight services and must be expensed using the correct methodology, to remain consistent with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. There are different classifications for freight out and freight in on the income statement. Below are details of each type of charge and how the expenses are treated.

Freight Out

When a manufacturer or supplier ships or exports goods using a freight company to a customer and is responsible for the freight charge, then the expense is considered freight out. This charge for transport of goods is considered an operating expense and is reported on the income statement in the operating expense account section. Freight out charges may not be discernible, if using a single step profit and loss statement. However, a multi step income statement makes it easier to track freight out.

Freight In

When a customer receives freight and is responsible for paying the fees or delivery expense, it is considered freight in. If the goods are included in inventory, the expense is categorized as cost of goods sold and is reported beneath sales on the multi step profit and loss statement. On the single step statement, COGS is reported and can be analyzed, but its position on the financial statement is listed differently.

Freight In vs Out

When comparing freight in and out, the differences are clear. Suppliers must record an operating expense if they’re responsible for the cost, while customers may be able to include the cost in COGS. If a customer is not going to include the goods in inventory, then the cost must be expensed accordingly. When negotiating contracts, it’s important for buyers and sellers to ascertain the party responsible for shipping. Improper freight classification of freight in and out can distort the receiving company’s gross margin.

When shipping or receiving goods, its important to consider how the charges will be expensed on the income statement. When freight shipping goods to a customer, the charges are booked as an operating expense. When receiving goods, the charges are booked to cost of goods sold, if the goods are included in inventory. Freight in and freight out are key allocations when determining the transportation cost.