IFRS 9 ECL Calculator
for Transportation

IFRS 9 Expected Credit Losses for Transportation

Transportation and logistics companies carry trade receivables primarily from freight and cargo services, with the nature and risk profile varying significantly between modes (road, rail, sea, air) and between B2B freight and passenger operations. Under IFRS 9, these receivables require ECL assessment using the simplified approach. The key challenge for transportation entities is the diversity of counterparties — from large multinational shippers with strong credit to small freight forwarders operating on thin margins — and the cross-border nature of many transactions, which introduces jurisdictional risk in the event of counterparty insolvency. Seasonal patterns are significant for tourism-linked transport operators, and fuel surcharge receivables create an additional layer of billing complexity that can generate disputes.

Receivable Characteristics — Transportation

Freight receivables are typically billed on 30–60 day terms and represent the core receivable category for logistics companies. These can be segmented by customer type: large corporate shippers (low default risk, high individual values), freight forwarders (moderate risk, acting as intermediaries), and spot-market customers (higher risk, limited relationship history). Fuel surcharge receivables are billed separately and may carry higher dispute risk because surcharge calculations can be contested. Demurrage and detention receivables (charges for container/equipment retention beyond the free period) are frequently disputed. Passenger ticket receivables are largely prepaid and therefore minimal for most operators. Cross-border receivables from international shipments introduce FX risk and jurisdictional complexity.

Forward-Looking Factors

Freight volume indices are the most directly relevant forward-looking indicator for transportation ECL. The Baltic Dry Index (for maritime freight) and road freight indices signal demand conditions that affect shipper financial health. Fuel price forecasts affect both operating costs and surcharge disputes. Global trade volume data and container throughput figures provide macro-level indicators. For passenger transport operators linked to tourism, consumer confidence and seasonal travel demand forecasts are relevant. Economic growth forecasts in key trade corridors indicate future freight demand and customer creditworthiness.

Regulatory and Audit Context

Auditors of transportation entities should verify that the receivable segmentation reflects the risk differential between different customer types and service lines. Cross-border receivables should be assessed with consideration of jurisdictional recovery risk — the ability to enforce payment varies significantly between jurisdictions. For entities with significant IFRS 16 fleet leases, the interaction between operating lease receivables (if the entity subleases) and trade receivables requires careful classification. Common audit findings include: failure to separately assess demurrage/detention receivables (which carry higher dispute risk), inadequate consideration of FX risk on cross-border receivables, and insufficient forward-looking adjustment during freight market downturns.

Transportation entities with significant cross-border operations should consider jurisdictional recovery risk when assessing ECL for international receivables, particularly in jurisdictions with weak enforcement mechanisms.