How Air Freight Pricing Works: A Practical Guide
Air freight quotes can look confusing at first — the price often doesn't match what you'd expect from the weight of your shipment alone. That's because airlines don't just charge by weight; they charge by chargeable weight, which accounts for how much space your cargo takes up, not just how heavy it is.
Chargeable Weight: The Core of Air Freight Pricing
Chargeable weight is whichever is greater: the actual (gross) weight of your shipment, or its volumetric (dimensional) weight, calculated from its size. This exists because a large, lightweight shipment takes up cargo space that could otherwise carry heavier freight — so airlines charge for the space it displaces, not just its weight.
If your shipment's volumetric weight is higher than its actual weight, you'll be charged based on the volumetric figure. This is common with light, bulky items — packaging, textiles, or low-density goods — while dense items like machinery are usually charged on actual weight.
Other Factors That Affect Air Freight Cost
- Route and distance — longer routes and less-served destinations generally cost more
- Fuel and security surcharges — variable charges added by airlines on top of base freight rates
- Urgency — express or priority handling costs more than standard service
- Cargo type — hazardous, perishable, or oversized cargo often requires special handling that affects price
- Documentation and customs — clearance and paperwork handling are typically included in a freight forwarder's service but worth confirming
A Simple Example
Say you're shipping a box measuring 60cm × 50cm × 40cm, weighing 15kg. Its volumetric weight would be (60 × 50 × 40) ÷ 6000 = 20kg. Since 20kg (volumetric) is greater than 15kg (actual), you'd be charged based on 20kg — not the lighter actual weight.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The most reliable way to get an accurate air freight quote is to provide exact weight and dimensions for every piece in your shipment, along with the type of goods and any special handling requirements. A good freight forwarder will calculate chargeable weight for you and flag anything that might add cost before you commit.
Want an exact quote instead of an estimate? Share your shipment's weight, dimensions, and destination through our quote form, and Golden Aviation's team will calculate chargeable weight and respond within 24 hours.