Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-02-12 Origin: Site
An air freight quotation is a detailed price estimate for transporting goods by air. Unlike a simple rate per kilogram, it includes:
●Base Freight Charges: Calculated by chargeable weight (actual vs. dimensional weight).
●Surcharges: Fuel adjustments (linked to Brent crude), security fees, and peak season premiums.
●Additional Costs: Customs clearance, handling fees, and insurance (optional).
| Component | Cost |
| Base Rate | $4.50/kg |
| Fuel Surcharge (15%) | $0.68/kg |
| Security Fee | $25 flat |
| Insurance (0.5% value) | $$50 (on$$10k goods) |
| Total | $$5.18/kg +$$ 75 |
●Weight/Volume: Dimensional weight = (L x W x H in cm) / 6,000.
○Example: A 50kg box measuring 100x80x60cm = (100x80x60)/6,000 = **80kg chargeable weight**.
●Cargo Type:
○Dangerous goods (UN-certified packaging adds 10–15% to costs).
○Perishables (reefer charges: +$200–$500 per shipment).
●Peak Seasons: Rates spike during Q4 holidays (Nov–Dec) and Chinese New Year.
●Capacity Shortages: High-demand routes (e.g., Asia-Europe) see 25% higher rates.
●Export/Import Permits: $100–$500 per shipment for restricted items.
●Customs Duties: Verify HTS codes to avoid unexpected tariffs.
●Weight, dimensions, origin/destination, and cargo type (e.g., “500kg machinery, Shanghai to Berlin”).
●Direct from Carriers: DHL, FedEx, and Emirates SkyCargo provide online calculators.
●Via Freight Forwarders: Flexport or Kuehne+Nagel offer tailored quotes for complex shipments.
Use platforms like Freightos or Xeneta to benchmark rates:
| Provider | Rate (Shanghai to Berlin) | Transit Time | Insurance Included? |
| DHL Air Freight | $6.20/kg | 3 days | No |
| Flexport | $5.80/kg | 4 days | Yes (up to $50k) |
| Kuehne+Nagel | $5.50/kg | 5 days | No |
● Confirm if quotes cover:
○ Customs clearance.
○ Last-mile delivery.
○ Hazardous materials handling.
Red Flags to Avoid:
●Vague Surcharges: “Miscellaneous fees” without breakdowns.
●No Transit Guarantee: Quotes lacking delivery timelines.
Comparison Checklist:
1.Total cost vs. cost per kg.
2.Delivery time reliability (e.g., “95% on-time rate”).
3.Insurance coverage limits.
4.Carrier’s track record for your cargo type.
● Use collapsible crates to reduce dimensional weight by 15%.
● Example: IKEA saved 12% by redesigning packaging for air shipments.
● Share space via LCL (Less than Container Load) services; save up to 25%.
● Reserve space 6–8 weeks ahead during peak seasons (e.g., Q4).
4.Negotiate Volume Discounts
● Carriers like FedEx offer 5–10% discounts for 1,000+ kg/month.
● Ship in February or August for 15–20% lower rates.
| Factor | Air Freight | Ocean Freight | Express Courier |
| Cost Transparency | Moderate | Low | High |
| Speed | 2–5 days | 20–45 days | 1–3 days |
| Cargo Size | Up to 2,000 kg | Full containers | Under 70 kg |
| Best For | Urgent, mid-sized | Bulk, non-urgent | Small parcels |
● Mistake: Not specifying FOB (Free on Board) vs. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight).
● Fix: Clarify who pays for customs, insurance, and last-mile delivery.
● Mistake: Assuming quotes include coverage for high-value goods.
● Fix: Add 0.5–2% of cargo value for all-risk insurance.
● Mistake: Assuming the carrier handles all paperwork.
● Fix: Confirm if the quote includes export/import clearance.
●Carriers like Lufthansa Cargo use AI to adjust rates hourly based on demand.
●DHL adds **$0.10–$****0.30/kg** for carbon-neutral shipping via SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
●Platforms like IBM’s TradeLens provide immutable records, reducing quote disputes by 30%.
Q: How long is an air freight quote valid?
Q: Why do quotes vary between providers?
Q: Can I negotiate rates after receiving a quote?
Q: What’s included in a standard quote?
Q: How to handle currency differences?
