Last price update: April 11, 2026 · Next update: April 18, 2026 · Prices reviewed weekly
Current Air Freight Rates (April 2026)
Air freight rates change frequently based on route, capacity, fuel costs, and season. Use the guidance below as general background, then request a personalized quote for exact current pricing.
This Week’s Rates: Major Routes
Rates on major routes such as China→USA, China→UK, and Germany→USA move with capacity, fuel costs, and demand, so week-to-week figures are not published here. Request an exact quote for current pricing on your lane.
Rates are for 100–500 kg general cargo, airport-to-airport. Add fuel surcharge (+10–25%), handling, and fees. Get an exact personalized quote →
Current Market Conditions (Week of April 7–11, 2026)
Market summary: Q2 2026 rates remain stable across major trade lanes. This is historically the cheapest period for air freight — between Chinese New Year and summer peak. Capacity is good, with no major disruptions on Asia–Europe or Transpacific routes.
Fuel surcharge: Jet fuel prices remain moderate. Most carriers are applying FSC of 12–18% of base rate, down slightly from Q1.
Capacity: Adequate on all major lanes. Both belly cargo (passenger flights) and dedicated freighters are operating at normal schedule frequency.
Outlook: Rates expected to remain flat through May–June, with gradual increases starting mid-July as early peak season bookings begin for Q4.
Current Rates by Weight (China → USA Example)
On the China→USA lane, heavier shipments typically see lower per-kg rates, with the steepest discounts above 500 kg. Request a quote for the current rate at your specific weight.
Current Surcharges (April 2026)
| Surcharge | Current Rate | Change vs. March |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Surcharge (FSC) | 12–18% of base rate | ↓ Down 1–2% |
| Security Surcharge | On request | → No change |
| Terminal Handling (THC) | On request | → No change |
| AWB Fee | On request | → No change |
| Peak Season Surcharge | Not active (Q2) | Expected from Aug |
Seasonal Rate Calendar 2026
| Period | Rate Level | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | High | Chinese New Year, reduced capacity |
| Mar–Jun ← NOW | Low (Best time) | Post-CNY, pre-summer, high capacity |
| Jul–Sep | Medium | Summer shipping, early bookings |
| Oct–Dec | High (Peak) | Holiday season, Black Friday, Christmas |
Get Current Rates for Your Shipment
Need today’s rate for your specific shipment? Email us at [email protected] with your route, weight, dimensions, and commodity type. We source current rates from 50+ carriers and respond within hours. Or use our quote request form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are air freight rates updated?
Base rates are typically set quarterly or monthly by airlines. Fuel surcharges are updated monthly. On this page, we update market rates every Friday based on actual booking data and carrier announcements. For the most current rate on your specific lane, request a personalized quote.
Are these rates guaranteed?
No — these are market reference rates based on current conditions. Your actual rate depends on exact weight, dimensions, commodity, booking date, and carrier availability. Use these as a benchmark, then request a binding quote for your specific shipment.
When is the best time to ship by air freight?
Q2 (April–June) offers the lowest rates of the year. Avoid October–January (peak season) and Chinese New Year (January/February) when rates spike 20–50%. If you need to ship during peak, book 2–4 weeks in advance to secure better rates.
Why do rates change week to week?
Short-term rate changes are driven by capacity (flight schedules, aircraft type changes), fuel price movements, seasonal demand shifts, and trade disruptions. Major events like strikes, weather, or geopolitical issues can cause sudden rate spikes on affected routes.
More resources: All Rates · Price Guide · Calculator · AWB Guide
Current Air Freight Rates: What You Pay and Why
Air freight rates are the prices carriers and forwarders charge to move cargo by air, typically quoted per kilogram. The rate you see on a quote is never a single static number; it is the result of multiple cost layers applied to your shipment’s chargeable weight. The most important factor to understand is that airlines do not charge purely on physical weight. They charge on the greater of two weights: the actual gross weight of your shipment, or its volumetric (dimensional) weight, which accounts for how much space your cargo occupies in the aircraft hold.
Volumetric weight is calculated using a standard industry divisor. For most international air freight, the divisor is 167 cubic centimetres per kilogram, or equivalently, 1 cubic metre equals 167 kg. In practical terms, this means a neutral pallet or crate measuring 120 cm × 80 cm × 75 cm equals 1.2 cubic metres. That volume corresponds to a volumetric weight of approximately 200 kg (1.2 m³ × 167). If your shipment physically weighs less than that volume-based number, you will be charged for the higher volumetric weight. Conversely, if it weighs more physically, you pay on the actual weight. This is the core principle of air freight pricing.
Beyond the weight calculation, the price you see on a quote includes several mandatory components: fuel surcharges, which change frequently with jet fuel prices; security surcharges covering mandatory screening and inspection; and handling fees for terminal processing, loading, and unloading. Additional charges can appear for peak season demand, special cargo requirements (like temperature-controlled or hazardous goods), and local destination fees imposed by certain airports or governments. Your forwarder’s quote may also include a margin or markup for their service, documentation, and risk management.
It is equally important to know what your air freight rate does not include. Standard air freight quotes exclude insurance, customs duties and taxes, road transport at origin and destination (unless explicitly added as a separate line), and customs clearance brokerage fees. These are always quoted separately. If you need door-to-door pricing, you must request a full logistics quote that includes pickup, export clearance, air transport, import clearance, and final delivery.
Because no two shipments share the exact same dimensions, weight, origin, destination, or timing, published rate tables are only starting points. Actual rates fluctuate daily based on available cargo space, fuel costs, currency exchange, and seasonality. You will never see a universal “current rate” that applies to all routes. Instead, you need a live quotation based on your specific shipment details.
For a transparent breakdown of how we calculate every component of your air freight price, including conversion rules and rounding methods that directly affect your final chargeable weight, please refer to our detailed methodology page. This explains the neutral calculation standards and supplier conversions we apply, ensuring you understand exactly what you are paying for and why.
What is the difference between air freight rates and air cargo rates?
They are often used interchangeably. “Air freight rates” and “air cargo rates” both refer to the price per kilogram for transporting goods by air. In practice, freight typically refers to commercial goods on passenger or freighter aircraft, while cargo is the broader term covering all air-shipped goods, including mail. For pricing purposes, both follow the same calculations of actual versus volumetric weight.
How do air cargo shipping rates differ from ocean freight?
Air cargo rates are significantly higher per kilogram than ocean freight because air transport is faster, more secure, and has higher fuel and handling costs. Air freight pricing also relies on volumetric weight, whereas ocean freight standardly uses cubic metres as the primary chargeable unit. If your goods are light and bulky, air freight can become disproportionately expensive, making sea freight a cost-effective alternative.
Are air freight rates negotiable?
Yes, especially if you ship regularly or have a high total volume. Airlines and forwarders offer contract rates or volume discounts. However, spot rates for single shipments are less flexible. Negotiation also works better during off-peak seasons when cargo space is plentiful. Always ask your forwarder about available discounts or consolidated shipment options.
How can I get an accurate air freight price quote?
Provide your shipment’s total gross weight and exact outer dimensions of each package, the origin and destination airports or postal codes, and the expected shipping date. The more precise your data, the more accurate the quote. Use our online air freight quote form to receive a detailed quotation tailored to your shipment, including all surcharges.
What is a rate reference and why do I need one?
A rate reference is a benchmark document or digital tool that shows typical air freight price ranges for various lane segments. It helps you budget and compare forwarders. Our rate reference page provides a structured overview of price drivers, but remember that actual rates vary by shipment specifics. Use it as a planning guide, not a final price.
Do international air freight rates include fuel surcharges?
Most quotes show fuel surcharges as a separate line item, but some all-inclusive rates bundle them. Always verify whether your quoted rate is all-in or plus surcharges. Our international air freight rates page clarifies how fuel, security, and peak season charges are applied transparently. For a final binding price, request a full quotation through our air freight cost calculator.
See our methodology for full cost breakdown and weight conversion rules. For current shipment pricing, visit air freight rates or get a custom quote. For budget planning, consult our rate reference, detailed international rates, general price guide, or cost overview.
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