Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-07-26 Origin: Site
Air freight rates refer to the price at which specific cargo is transported from one location to another. Several factors, including the type of cargo, mode of transport, weight, and distance to the delivery destination influence the cost of international air freight shipping. Air carriers often use the concept of dimensional weight to calculate the overall freight charges, taking into account the cargo's volume and weight.
The distance between the pick-up point and the final destination is a major determinant of air freight shipping costs. Longer distances typically result in higher costs. Freight rates also depend on the mode of transportation, geographic location, delivery complexity, and capacity.
Calculating air freight costs involves several factors, including the type of goods, weight, volume, distance between the departure and destination, and additional fees.
It can be mainly calculated according to the following steps and methods.
For example, if the total volume of the goods is 1.5CBM, the actual gross weight is 500KGS, the volume weight is 1.5×167=250.5KGS, and the chargeable weight is 500KGS.
Finally, air cargo rates may incur additional costs. For example, document fees, customs clearance fees, fuel fees, dangerous goods surcharges, safety surcharges, insurance premiums, etc. You can ask the freight forwarder directly for these miscellaneous fees. If your goods are general, generally only air freight, customs clearance, and insurance are required. If your goods are batteries, you need to add a dangerous goods surcharge.
The flying distance of the aircraft is a primary factor in transportation costs. Current aviation fuel prices, influenced by many factors, were approximately USD 812/TON in July 2024. Therefore, distance significantly impacts the price.
The actual weight of the cargo is another major factor affecting air freight prices. Weight calculations typically follow two methods: Actual weight (obtained by weighing the cargo) and Volumetric weight(calculated as length cm * width cm * height cm / 6000 for air freight). The air freight volumetric weight ratio is 1:167 kg. For express delivery, the volumetric weight is calculated as length cm * width cm * height cm / 5000, with a weight ratio of 1:200 kg. The final air freight cost is calculated by multiplying the final chargeable weight of the cargo by the price per kilogram.
The characteristics of the cargo also influence transportation costs. The cost varies for general cargo and dangerous goods, regular and irregular cargo, as well as heavy and lightweight cargo. For example, shipping from Shenzhen to Los Angeles: general cargo costs USD 4.5/kg, battery dangerous goods cost USD 8.27/kg plus a DG fee of USD 200 per bill. Regular cargo costs USD 4.5/kg, irregular cargo USD 5.5/kg, heavy cargo USD 5.8/kg, and lightweight cargo USD 3.5/kg.
Another crucial factor is whether the flight is direct. Direct flights offer faster and more predictable transit times, so they are usually more expensive. In contrast, transit flights might have uncertainties with second-leg flights, leading to longer and less certain delivery times but generally lower costs. For instance, Shanghai to Paris: a direct flight costs USD 7/kg with flights available on Mondays and Wednesdays, arriving on the same day. A transit flight costs USD 5.9/kg, with daily flights and an estimated transit time of 4-6 days.
The primary advantage of air freight is speed. Air freight operates at a speed of 600-800 km/h, whereas sea freight has an average speed of 20-28 knots, which is 36-52 km/h. Air freight is 20-30 times faster than sea freight. For example, shipping from China to the USA by air can typically be completed on the same day, taking around 14 hours and 30 minutes to 15 hours and 30 minutes. In contrast, sea freight generally takes 15 to 30 days.
Air freight offers stronger reliability due to its timeliness. It can ensure that shipments arrive at their destinations within the scheduled time frame, allowing recipients to receive their goods more quickly. For instance, if a customer books a flight on July 25, 2024, from Guangzhou to Los Angeles, they can expect to receive the goods on July 26, 2024. This level of reliability is a key advantage of air freight.
Compared to sea freight, the likelihood of cargo damage is lower with air freight. Therefore, air freight is more suitable for high-value or fragile goods.
Here are the reasons for not choosing air freight:
Air freight results in higher carbon dioxide emissions. In 2019, global aviation emitted approximately 1 billion tonnes of CO2, accounting for about 2.5% of the total CO2 emissions from fossil fuel sources and other activities.
Air freight rates, the costs associated with transporting cargo by air, depend on various factors including cargo type, weight, volume, and destination distance. Understanding these elements helps in accurately estimating shipping expenses.
Express air freight services are typically managed by a single company, offering comprehensive door-to-door delivery within a few days (usually 4-5 days). These shipments are smaller in size and are ideal for urgent and time-sensitive deliveries.
Larger shipments fall under international air freight, often involving multiple carriers. Pre-pandemic, the rates ranged from $2.50 to $5 per kilogram. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant spike in these rates, reaching $4 to $8 per kilogram due to disruptions in supply chains and increased demand. By early 2023, rates stabilized to approximately $3 to $7 per kilogram.
Collaborating with a reliable third-party logistics provider can balance costs and ensure timely deliveries.
Both weight and density influence freight class, which affects costs. Heavier and denser packages require more space and manpower, leading to higher shipping charges.
Understanding these factors is vital for businesses and individuals planning their shipping needs. Partnering with experienced freight forwarders like JMD can offer tailored solutions to navigate the complexities of air freight shipping effectively. JMD's expertise in managing various shipping requirements ensures cost-effective and reliable air freight services.
Battery Transportation: Specialized in handling battery shipments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Of course, international air freight quotes and air freight prices are dynamic and affected by many factors. There are many influencing factors, and the following are several major factors.
Bill Guo is a senior expert in logistics and supply chain. As a JMD sales manager and physical expert, he plays a key role in the development of the industry. He has more than ten years of experience in the logistics industry. His expertise has repeatedly delivered high-quality services to customers. Bill Guo's writings show his deep understanding of the industry. They offer valuable advice and leadership to customers and peers.
Bill Guo
Sales Manager ▏JMD
Email:Bill@jmdchina.com ▏info@jmdforwarder.com
WhatsApp:+86 18603066740. Wechat:18603066470
