Should Freight Be Included In Inventory Cost?

by Shipfusion Team on Oct. 17, 2024

Should freight be included in inventory cost? It’s a fair question for ecommerce businesses given the financial implication. Inventory-related expenses impact pricing strategies, profit margins, and overall financial reporting. Freight, which is a significant expense in many industries, plays a crucial role in the total cost of acquiring goods.

This article explores the implications of including freight in inventory cost, from accounting perspectives to industry practices, to help you evaluate whether this approach is right for your business.

What Is Inventory Cost?

Inventory cost encompasses all expenses involved in acquiring and holding goods for resale. Accurately calculating these costs is essential for businesses to understand their profitability and manage their financial health effectively. Companies need to consider not only the purchase price of goods but also various other expenses that contribute to the overall inventory valuation.

There are different methods to calculate inventory cost, including FIFO (First-In, First-Out), LIFO (Last-In, First-Out), and the weighted average method. Each inventory cost calculation method impacts financial statements differently, which is why accountants recommend businesses choose the one that best aligns with their operational strategy.

Components of Inventory Cost

The main components of inventory cost include the purchase price, shipping and handling charges, and any other costs incurred to get the goods ready for sale. Purchase price is straightforward, while shipping and handling can vary widely based on factors such as distance, weight, and shipping method.

Additional costs might include import duties, packaging, and insurance. It is important for businesses to consider these components comprehensively to arrive at a true cost of inventory. Accurate expense recording can significantly affect gross profit margins and tax liability.

Businesses should also account for the opportunity cost of capital tied up in inventory, which can affect liquidity and investment strategies. Understanding these various components allows companies to make informed decisions about pricing, purchasing, and inventory management.

Is Freight-In Included In Inventory Cost?

Freight transportation costs are broadly divided into two categories: freight-in and freight-out. Freight-in encompasses the costs incurred to bring goods to a business' location. In the case of ecommerce, that's usually a warehouse or fulfillment center. Inbound transportation is considered part of the inventory cost because it is necessary to prepare the goods for sale.

Freight-out refers to the costs associated with delivering goods to retailers and distributors. Because it occurs after the sale, it is not included in the inventory cost. Instead, it is often treated as a selling expense.

Omitting freight from inventory accounting often leads to misleading financial statements and subsequently impacts pricing strategies, cash flow, and financial decision-making. The market is seeing a growing number of technology solutions designed to make tracking expenditure across inbound and outbound shipping operations easier and less risky.

Accounting Perspective on Freight and Inventory

The treatment of freight in inventory valuation is guided by accounting principles that aim to ensure consistency and accuracy in financial reporting. Proper accounting practices are key for transparency in a company's financial performance. Freight costs are generally capitalized as part of inventory until the goods are sold.

Once sold, costs are recognized as an expense in the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) on the income statement. This method aligns with the matching principle in accounting, as it pairs expenses with related revenues. By adhering to this principle, companies can provide a clearer picture of their operational efficiency and profitability, which is crucial for stakeholders making informed decisions.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Freight

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) provides a framework for financial reporting in the United States. Under GAAP, companies are allowed to capitalize freight costs that are directly attributable to acquiring inventory. This means these costs can be included in the balance sheet as part of inventory valuation.

GAAP emphasizes that any costs related to bringing inventory to a condition and location for sale should be included in the inventory cost. This includes freight. Companies must maintain proper documentation of freight charges to ensure compliance with these principles during audits.

Additionally, the treatment of freight costs can vary depending on whether they are classified as inbound or outbound. Inbound freight, which is associated with acquiring inventory, is typically capitalized, while outbound freight, related to delivering goods to customers, is usually treated as a selling expense, further complicating the accounting landscape.

Impact on Financial Statements

The inclusion or exclusion of freight in inventory costs can significantly alter a company's financial statements. When freight costs are included, reported inventory values are higher, impacting both the balance sheet and income statement during the reporting period.

Higher inventory values can lead to increased asset ratios on the balance sheet, which might affect how investors view the company's financial health.

On the other hand, if freight costs are excluded, a business might appear more profitable than it actually is in terms of gross margins, as COGS would be understated. Furthermore, the treatment of freight costs can influence key financial ratios, such as return on assets and inventory turnover, which are critical indicators of operational efficiency.

Investors and analysts closely scrutinize these ratios, and any discrepancies in freight accounting can lead to misinterpretations of a company's performance, potentially affecting stock prices and investor confidence. Understanding the nuances of freight treatment is essential for stakeholders to accurately assess a company's financial standing and operational effectiveness.

Pros and Cons of Including Freight In Inventory Costs

The decision to include or exclude freight costs in inventory valuation comes with its benefits and drawbacks, requiring careful consideration from business owners and financial managers. This choice can affect financial reporting, tax considerations, and operational efficiency.

Each company will have different needs and operational contexts, so understanding both sides of the argument is essential for making informed decisions.

Benefits of Including Freight In Inventory Cost

One primary benefit of incorporating freight costs into inventory valuation is more accurate financial reporting. By doing so, organizations can better understand the total cost of their inventory and set appropriate pricing strategies accordingly. This holistic view helps businesses optimize their inventory management practices.

Another advantage is that including freight provides a clearer picture of gross profit margins. When costs are accurately accounted for, companies can make better-informed decisions regarding product sourcing and sales strategies, potentially improving profitability in the long run.

Drawbacks of Including Freight In Inventory Cost

On the flip side, one drawback of including freight in inventory costs is the increased complexity in accounting practices. Tracking and allocating these costs can be labor-intensive, requiring additional resources and systems to ensure accuracy. This might be a substantial burden for small businesses with limited personnel.

Additionally, focusing too much on freight costs can lead to decision-making that prioritizes short-term savings in shipping over long-term supplier relationships, potentially hampering overall supply chain efficiency.

Industry Practices Regarding Freight and Inventory Cost

Different industries have varying norms when it comes to accounting for freight in inventory costs. Understanding these practices is essential for companies operating in multiple sectors or those looking to benchmark against competitors.

Often, businesses will adopt practices based on industry standards, regulatory requirements, and what is deemed best for their operational model.

Variations Across Different Industries

In manufacturing, it is common to include freight as part of inventory costs since these expenses are integral to the production process. Conversely, in service-oriented sectors, companies often do not deal with physical inventory, thus minimizing the relevance of freight considerations in their financial metrics.

Retailers, especially those operating on thin margins, tend to be more meticulous about tracking freight costs, as these significantly impact their profitability. Each sector must analyze its financial structure and find the most beneficial approach to handling freight costs.

Common Practices In the Ecommerce Industry

In the ecommerce industry, it is prevalent to include freight within the inventory cost. This is mainly because retail companies face direct competition where slight price variations can influence consumer behavior. Hence, having a correct total cost of inventory – including freight – allows merchants to stay competitive and retain profit margins.

Many online stores utilize sophisticated supply chain analytics to monitor and manage freight costs, treating them as a critical element in their pricing strategy. This ensures they can promptly adapt to changes in shipping rates or vendor agreements.

Making the Decision: Should You Include Freight In Inventory Cost?

When deciding whether to include freight in inventory cost, businesses must weigh multiple aspects ranging from accounting principles to operational efficiencies. Understanding the implications of this decision is vital for financial reporting and strategic planning.

Business size, type, and operational model will all influence whether including freight is the best course of action. Logistics managers should engage in strategic discussions with their finance teams and third-party logistics (3PL) provider to assess the most accurate and operationally effective approach.

Factors to Consider

Key factors to consider when making this decision include the nature of the business, the volume of inventory movement, and the overall cost structure. Companies with high-volume sales and significant freight expenses may benefit from including these costs, while smaller businesses might find it cumbersome due to accounting complexity.

Additionally, examining industry norms and competitor practices can provide valuable insight into what works best within a specific market context. Industry trends can guide businesses toward adopting practices that align with established norms, promoting financial integrity and competitiveness.

The final decision regarding the inclusion of freight in inventory costs will ultimately affect a company's cash flow, pricing strategies, and even supplier relationships. More accurate cost allocation leads to informed decision-making, which supports long-term business sustainability.