Complete Air Freight Shipping Guides
Whether you are shipping air cargo for the first time or looking to optimize your existing logistics, our step-by-step guides cover everything you need to know. Each guide includes practical instructions, real-world examples, and answers to the most common questions.
Packing, Measuring, and Weighing
How to Pack Cargo for Air Freight
Complete packing guide covering requirements by cargo type (general, fragile, perishable, dangerous goods), step-by-step packing process, materials needed, and common mistakes. Essential reading before your first shipment.
How to Measure Cargo Dimensions for Air Freight
L×W×H measurement guide for air cargo — how to measure regular and irregular shapes, multi-piece shipments, palletized cargo, and how dimensions affect your volumetric weight calculation.
How to Weigh Cargo for Air Freight
Equipment recommendations, step-by-step weighing process, understanding actual vs. volumetric vs. chargeable weight, aircraft weight limits, and tips for avoiding airline overweight surcharges.
How to Calculate Volumetric Weight
The volumetric weight formula explained (L×W×H÷6,000), with examples showing how volumetric weight compares to actual weight for different cargo types and how it affects your freight charges.
Costs, Pricing, and Documentation
How to Estimate Air Freight Costs
Complete pricing breakdown: base rates by trade lane, weight brackets, fuel surcharges, terminal handling, customs fees, insurance, and optional services. Includes a real-world cost calculation example for a 200 kg China-to-UK shipment.
How to Clear Customs for Air Freight
Import and export customs clearance process: required documents (commercial invoice, packing list, certificates), HS code classification, duty calculation, customs broker selection, and how to avoid clearance delays.
Understanding the Air Waybill (AWB)
What the Air Waybill is, how to read it, the difference between master and house AWBs, and what information is required for your shipment.
Special Cargo Types
How to Ship Dangerous Goods by Air
IATA DG regulations explained: the 9 hazard classes, packaging and labeling requirements, documentation (DGD), training requirements, and specific guidance for commonly shipped items like lithium batteries, dry ice, and cosmetics.
Pricing and Rate Resources
Air Freight Price Overview
General guide to air freight pricing — what affects rates and how to find the best prices for your shipments.
Current Air Freight Rates
Up-to-date rate ranges for major trade lanes, seasonal trends, and what to expect when requesting quotes.
Air Freight Cost Examples
Eight detailed cost scenarios showing real-world pricing for different routes, cargo types, and weights — from small 50 kg electronics shipments to large 2,000 kg machinery.
Air Freight Calculator
How to use our rate estimation tools and what information you need to get an accurate quote.
Cannot find the guide you need? Request a quote and our team will provide personalized guidance for your specific shipping requirements. We are here to help you ship smarter and save money on air freight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in shipping cargo by air freight?
Start by knowing your cargo: what you are shipping (for any regulatory requirements), the weight and dimensions (for pricing), and where it needs to go (for route options). Then pack your cargo properly, weigh it accurately, and request a quote from multiple providers to compare rates. Our guides above walk you through each step in detail.
How much does air freight cost per kg?
Air freight rates vary widely based on route, weight, and service level. Typical all-in rates range from €1.50–5.00/kg for intra-European shipments, €4.00–8.00/kg for Asia-Europe routes, and €4.50–9.00/kg for transpacific shipments. These are indicative rates for 100+ kg at standard service — smaller shipments pay more per kg due to minimum charges. See our cost estimation guide for detailed breakdowns by route and weight bracket.
How long does air freight take?
Transit times depend on the route and service level: express service delivers in 1–3 days, standard service in 3–7 days, and economy service in 7–14 days. Add 1–2 days for customs clearance at destination. Direct flights are faster than connections through hub airports. For time-critical shipments, express services via airlines like DHL Aviation or FedEx Express offer the fastest transit with end-to-end tracking.