Air freight rates depend on origin/destination pair, distance, competition (number of carriers), cargo volume on the lane, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. High-volume routes like China→Europe typically offer better rates per kg than niche corridors.

Intra-European routes are generally the most affordable (€1.50–5.00/kg), followed by high-volume Asia→Europe and Asia→Americas corridors. Routes with strong carrier competition and high cargo volumes offer the best rates.