Air Freight Rate Reference and Planning Guide
Understanding Chargeable Weight
Air freight rates apply to chargeable weight, which is the greater of your shipment’s actual gross weight or its volumetric weight. Carriers use this metric because it accounts for both density and space consumption on the aircraft.
Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying dimensions and dividing by the divisor of 6,000 cubic centimeters per kilogram.
Chargeable Weight Calculation Examples
Example 1: Medical Device Shipment
You are shipping precision surgical instruments from Boston to Bangkok.
| Actual weight | 120 kg |
| Dimensions | 100 cm (L) × 80 cm (W) × 70 cm (H) |
| Volumetric weight | 100 × 80 × 70 ÷ 6,000 = 93.3 kg, round to 94 kg |
| Chargeable weight | 120 kg |
Actual weight exceeds volumetric weight, so you pay freight on 120 kg. This falls in the 100–300 kg weight bracket.
Example 2: Fashion Goods Shipment
You are shipping designer apparel and accessories from Milan to Sydney.
| Actual weight | 35 kg |
| Dimensions | 160 cm (L) × 130 cm (W) × 105 cm (H) |
| Volumetric weight | 160 × 130 × 105 ÷ 6,000 = 364 kg |
| Chargeable weight | 364 kg |
Volumetric weight is much higher than actual weight because clothing occupies significant space with minimal density. Freight is calculated on 364 kg despite the cargo weighing only 35 kg. Rates for the 300–500 kg tier apply.
Rate-Setting Factors
The route between origin and destination is the dominant pricing factor. Asia-to-Europe lanes differ from North America-to-Europe lanes in available capacity and demand. Weight thresholds create pricing tiers: under 45 kg, 45–100 kg, 100–300 kg, 300–500 kg, 500–1,000 kg, and over 1,000 kg each have distinct unit costs. Cargo classification is important: hazardous materials, temperature-sensitive goods, high-value electronics, and oversized items incur additional charges. Service type affects cost: economy consolidated shipments are cheaper than express, door-to-door service. Peak seasons (holidays, major trade fairs) see temporary rate surcharges due to capacity constraints.
Services Offered
Economy service consolidates your shipment with others for lower cost, with longer transit times. Standard service offers a middle ground with competitive rates and reliable schedules. Express service provides priority handling and fastest delivery at premium rates.
Components of an Air Freight Quote
A complete quote itemizes base freight per kilogram, fuel surcharges reflecting current market fuel costs, security fees required by international aviation rules, airline or ground handler terminal charges, and documentation fees. If your cargo requires special classification or handling, additional charges are listed separately.
What Is Included in Your Rate
The quoted rate covers carriage from origin airport to destination airport, fuel and security surcharges, airline terminal handling, documentation processing, and typically origin pickup coordination with customs paperwork. Some carriers include basic cargo insurance.
What Is NOT Included
Destination import duties and value-added taxes are not included—these are determined by the importing country’s regulations. Final transport from destination airport to your warehouse or facility is not included. Dangerous goods fees, if applicable, are additional. Storage, demurrage, special packaging, or extended dwell time are charged separately. Insurance beyond standard coverage is optional and additional.
Information Required for Accurate Quoting
Specify the origin city and country, and the destination city and country. Provide actual gross weight in kilograms. Record the dimensions in centimeters of each pallet, box, or container (length × width × height). Describe your cargo in detail: product type, material composition, and intended use. State when you need the shipment ready for pickup. Confirm whether your cargo contains restricted items such as lithium batteries, flammable substances, or requires special handling such as temperature control.
Important Planning Considerations
Published rates serve as reference estimates only and do not represent binding offers. Actual pricing depends on aircraft capacity and real-time market conditions when you book. Confirm the validity period of any quote before committing. Rates fluctuate daily with fuel prices, seasonal demand, and carrier schedules. Allow time for customs processing and any regulatory compliance requirements in your destination country. If shipping restricted or hazardous materials, plan additional lead time for compliance documentation.
Confirming Your Booking
Once you have accepted a quote, obtain written confirmation of the rate, validity dates, and specific charges. Verify whether quoted service is airport-to-airport or includes pickup and delivery. Clarify which surcharges are fixed and which may change. Confirm your cargo specifications and any special handling requirements in the booking confirmation to avoid surprises at the time of shipment.
Air freight spot benchmark
Indicative all-in spot rate for general cargo, US$ per kg, rolling 7 days. Snapshot taken 26 October 2026.
| Global - all lanes | $3.10 /kg |
| Greater China / Asia → Europe | $4.71 /kg |
| Greater China / Asia → North America | $6.03 /kg |
| Greater China / Asia → Middle East | $3.68 /kg |
| Europe → North America | $1.76 /kg |
| Europe → Europe | $2.02 /kg |
| Europe → Greater China / Asia | $1.22 /kg |
| North America → Europe | $1.01 /kg |
| North America → Middle East | $3.29 /kg |
| North America → Greater China / Asia | $1.44 /kg |
| Middle East → Europe | $1.43 /kg |
| Middle East → Middle East | $1.77 /kg |
| Middle East → North America | $2.34 /kg |
Source: Freightos Air Index (FAX) by Freightos. Data and index © Freightos — see Freightos Terminal. Benchmark only; your quoted rate depends on lane, weight, dimensions, commodity and capacity on the day.
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