Unveiling the Calculation Methods of International Air Freight Costs to Help You Master Transportation Costs Easily

Unveiling the Calculation of International Air Freight Costs Mastering Transportation Costs with Ease

In international trade, air freight is a fast and efficient mode of transportation, especially for companies that need to transport high-value or time-sensitive goods across borders. For such enterprises, air freight is almost an indispensable choice. However, many people are confused by the composition of air freight costs, even considering it as a profound subject. In fact, as long as you understand the basic principles and influencing factors, you can easily control your transportation costs.

The calculation of international air freight costs is not a simple formula, but is determined by multiple factors. First of all, the most basic cost is the base freight. Base freight is usually priced per kilogram or cubic meter. For example, according to a news report in 2025, an airline announced that the base freight for its Asia-Europe route was RMB 50 per kilogram. This means that if you have a batch of goods weighing 100 kilograms, the base freight alone could reach RMB 5000. However, the base freight is not fixed; it fluctuates with changes in market supply and demand.

In addition to the base freight, there are many additional fees to consider. These fees include, but are not limited to, fuel surcharges BAF, security inspection fees, airport ground service fees, and destination customs clearance fees. Taking the fuel surcharge as an example, due to fluctuations in global oil prices, airlines often adjust this fee based on fuel prices. According to a recent industry report, the fuel surcharge in some regions has risen from the original RMB 10 per kilogram to RMB 15. This means that if your cargo weighs 100 kilograms, the fuel surcharge alone will increase by RMB 500.

The volume of the goods is also an important factor that cannot be ignored. Although weight is an important indicator of the cargo, some goods are large in size but light in weight, and these goods may be charged based on volumetric weight. Volumetric weight refers to the result obtained by dividing the volume of the cargo by a specific conversion factor. If this result is greater than the actual weight, then the volumetric weight must be charged. For example, a foam plastic product box with dimensions of 1 meter × 1 meter × 1 meter, although its actual weight is only 10 kilograms, may be considered as light cargo by the airline due to its large volume, thus being charged at a higher standard.

To better manage transportation costs, companies should make adequate preparations in advance. First, choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial. A good freight forwarder not only provides reasonable quotations but also helps optimize logistics solutions, reducing unnecessary expenses. Second, reasonably planning shipping times and routes is also key. For instance, booking flights during off-peak seasons often results in more favorable prices; through reasonable transfer arrangements, additional transfer costs can be avoided. Finally, maintaining good communication with carriers is equally important. When encountering special situations, promptly negotiating solutions with carriers can help reduce potential risks and losses.

In conclusion, the calculation of international air freight costs involves multiple levels, including base freight, additional fees, and the characteristics of the goods themselves. By thoroughly understanding these factors and taking effective measures to address them, companies can gain an advantageous position in fierce market competition and maximize economic benefits.