Air Freight Cost Calculator: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Example
Calculate Your Air Freight Chargeable Weight Easily
Air freight chargeable weight is key to figuring out your shipping costs. It’s measured in grams and kilograms. Here’s how it works:
For Heavy Shipments (High-Density Cargo)
- In China: A shipment is considered heavy if it’s over 1 kg for every 6,000 cubic centimeters, or over 166.67 kg per cubic meter.
- Globally: It’s heavy if it’s more than 1 kg per 166 cubic inches.
- For heavy items, the actual weight is what you’ll pay for.
Billing starts at 0.5 kg. If your cargo is under that, it rounds up to 0.5 kg. If it’s over 0.5 kg but under 1 kg, you’ll be charged for 1 kg.
For Lighter, Bulkier Items (Volume Weight Cargo)
- In China: Lighter items weigh less than 1 kg per 6,000 cubic centimeters.
- Globally: They are under 1 kg per 366 cubic inches.
- For bulky items, the dimensional weight is used to calculate costs.
To find the volume weight, measure the length, width, and height in your preferred unit. Here’s the formula:
Volume weight (kg) = (length x width x height) / 6,000
Real-Life Examples of Calculating Chargeable Weight
Example 1:
A shipment with 10 pallets weighs 1,500 kg and is 18.72 cbm. Each pallet is 120x120x130 cm.
- Actual weight: 1,500 kg
- Volume weight: 3,120 kg (because 120x120x130/6,000 is 3,120 kg)
Since volume weight is more, you’ll be charged based on volume weight.
Example 2:
Another shipment of 100 cartons weighs 1,680 kg and is 3 cbm.
- Actual weight: 1,680 kg
- Volume weight: 501 kg (3 cbm multiplied by 167 kg)
Here, the actual weight is greater, so it’s considered a heavy cargo and charged by gross weight.
Factors Influencing Air Freight Costs and Tips to Save
Air freight rates can vary due to:
- Season: Low season often means cheaper rates.
- Cargo type: High-density is usually less expensive than bulky items.
- Packing size: Smaller packs can reduce costs.
- Service Type: Direct flights might cost more than indirect options.
To get a precise quote for your shipment, just provide the cargo weight and other details. Click the button below for quotes Form  from global logistics experts.