Common International Air Freight Additional Charges?

What Are the Common International Air Freight Additional Fees?

Sharing of Dry Knowledge in International Air Freight

In international trade, international air freight is a fast and efficient mode of transportation, widely used for the transport of high-value goods and emergency supplies. However, compared to sea freight, the cost of air freight is usually higher, which not only includes basic freight charges but also involves various additional fees. Although these additional fees may seem complicated, they are an important part of airlines' operations to cope with various operating costs. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of common international air freight additional fees and combine them with recent relevant news to help you better understand this professional field.

Firstly, we must mention the fuel surcharge Fuel Surcharge. Due to frequent fluctuations in global oil prices, airlines typically adjust the proportion of the fuel surcharge based on changes in fuel prices. For example, in the first quarter of 2025, affected by geopolitical factors, international oil prices once increased, and many airlines subsequently raised the standard of the fuel surcharge. This fee is usually calculated based on the weight or volume of the cargo, directly impacting the actual expenditure of shippers. According to news reports, many airlines have recently released notifications regarding adjustments to the fuel surcharge, reminding customers to plan their budgets in advance.

Secondly, the security charge Security Charge is another common fee in air freight. With the changing global security situation, countries are increasingly stringent in their requirements for security checks on air cargo, which undoubtedly increases operational costs. For instance, a well-known logistics company mentioned in its announcement that due to enhanced security inspection processes, the security surcharge for some routes had increased. This fee primarily applies to goods requiring special security measures, such as dangerous goods or high-value items.

The peak season surcharge Peak Season Surcharge is another fee worth noting. During holidays or large promotional events, market demand surges, leading to tight flight capacity. Airlines often charge additional fees during such times. According to media reports, several airlines announced an increase in the peak season surcharge during this year's Double Eleven shopping festival to alleviate pressure on capacity. The purpose of this fee is to balance supply and demand, ensuring service quality.

In addition to the aforementioned fees, there are other types of additional fees, such as currency adjustment factor CAF, war risk surcharge War Risk Surcharge, etc. The specific amounts and applicable ranges of these fees vary depending on the route and region, requiring shippers to closely monitor related notifications. For example, recent news has pointed out that due to significant fluctuations in exchange rates in certain countries, several airlines have started levying currency adjustment fees to offset losses from currency exchange.

It is worth mentioning that freight forwarders or airlines also offer customized additional services based on customer needs, such as priority handling fee Priority Handling Fee and temperature-controlled transport fee Temperature-Controlled Transport Fee. These services generally apply to specific types of goods, such as fresh food and pharmaceutical products, meeting customers' special needs. Although these fees may be relatively high, they are crucial for ensuring the quality of the goods.

To summarize, international air freight additional fees cover a wide range of areas, including fuel, security, peak seasons, and more. For shippers, understanding the composition and changing trends of these fees can help reasonably arrange logistics plans and reduce transportation costs. At the same time, it is recommended that shippers not only focus on quotations when choosing partners but also fully consider the transparency of additional fees and service quality. Only in this way can they gain an advantage in fierce market competition and achieve efficient and economical international logistics operations.

In the future, with technological advancements and industry development, the forms of international air freight additional fees may become more diverse. We look forward to seeing more innovative solutions emerge, providing more convenient and reliable transportation support for global trade.