How to Calculate Air Freight Charges (Step by Step)

Air freight pricing can seem complex at first, but it follows a clear logic. The total cost is based on weight calculations plus additional surcharges applied by airlines and airports.

This guide explains:

• Volumetric (dimensional) weight
• Chargeable weight
• Common air freight surcharges with simple formulas and examples.

1. Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight

Airlines charge based on the space your cargo occupies, not just how heavy it is. That's why air freight uses two weight measurements:

Actual Weight

• The physical weight of the cargo
• Measured in kilograms (kg)

Volumetric Weight (Dimensional Weight)

• The weight calculated from the cargo's dimensions
• Reflects how much space the shipment takes in the aircraft

2. How to Calculate Volumetric Weight

Standard Air Freight Formula

Volumetric Weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000

Example

A carton measures:

• 100 cm × 80 cm × 60 cm

100 × 80 × 60 ÷ 6,000 = 80 kg

Even if the actual weight is only 55 kg, the volumetric weight is 80 kg.

3. What Is Chargeable Weight?

Chargeable weight is the figure airlines actually use to calculate the freight cost.

Rule

Chargeable Weight = the higher of Actual Weight or Volumetric Weight

Example

4. Calculating the Base Air Freight Cost

Once chargeable weight is known, pricing is straightforward.

Base Freight Cost = Chargeable Weight × Rate per kg

Example

• Chargeable weight: 80 kg
• Rate: $4.50 / kg

80 × $4.50 = $360

5. Common Air Freight Surcharges Explained

Base freight is only part of the final price. Airlines apply mandatory surcharges depending on route, fuel, and handling.

Fuel Surcharge (FSC)

• Covers fluctuations in fuel prices
• Usually charged per kg

Security Surcharge

• Covers screening and aviation security requirements

Airport Handling Fees

• Loading, unloading, terminal handling
• Varies by origin and destination airport

Customs Clearance Fees

• Charged by brokers or agents
• Not included in airline freight rates

Peak Season or Capacity Surcharge

• Applied during high-demand periods
• Common before holidays or during supply chain disruptions

6. Full Air Freight Cost Example

Shipment details:

• Chargeable weight: 80 kg
• Base rate: $4.50 / kg
• Fuel surcharge: $0.60 / kg
• Security surcharge: $0.20 / kg
• Handling fees: $75 (flat)

Calculation

7. Why Volumetric Weight Matters So Much

Light but bulky cargo (e.g. textiles, foam products, consumer goods) often costs more than expected because:

• Aircraft space is limited
• Airlines optimize revenue per cubic meter

Reducing packaging size can significantly lower air freight costs.

8. Tips to Optimize Air Freight Costs

• Use compact packaging
• Compare air freight vs air express for smaller shipments
• Avoid peak season where possible
• Consolidate shipments
• Request all-in quotes to avoid hidden surcharges

Final Takeaway

To calculate air freight charges accurately, you need to:

• Measure dimensions correctly
• Calculate volumetric weight
• Identify the chargeable weight
• Add mandatory surcharges

Understanding these elements helps you control costs, compare quotes, and plan shipments more efficiently.

Logistics platforms like iContainers simplify this process by calculating chargeable weight automatically and showing transparent, all-in pricing.