Cost Modeling Framework for International Refrigerated Road Transport using Adduced Transport Expenses Per Kilometer

Abstract In international refrigerated road transport, tariff-based pricing practices often overlook the actual cost structure of cold-chain operations and the influence of environmental, regulatory and logistical constraints. This paper develops a structured cost-modelling framework that introduces an Adduced Transport Expenses per 1 km indicator, which consolidates distance-based, time-dependent and organisational costs into a single per‑kilometer measure. All cost components are systematically differentiated across three operational dimensions and normalised by route length and vehicle load, enabling consistent cost benchmarking across routes, seasons and vehicle configurations. The methodology is validated using real operational data from long‑haul refrigerated transport on the Baku–Ankara route, demonstrating how the model can be used to estimate minimum freight tariffs, support more transparent rate negotiations and inform strategic decision-making in international cold‑chain logistics planning.