What is Air Freight?
An air freight or air cargo is any property or good carried in an aircraft. It is a quick and effective way to transport goods such as personal items or commercial products from one faraway location to another.
Why choose Air Freight?
It provides a timely and efficient delivery to almost any location around the world. Compared to sea freight, the shipping time taken via air is remarkably lesser. For example, sea freight from Australia to UK takes around 40 days while air freight takes about 2 days. Due to weather conditions, it is not uncommon for ships to be off schedule and a day or two might not hurt. However for airlines, a day or two could have serious business costs. That is why there are numerous flights daily between major cities around the world. It is a great option if you have to meet strict deadlines and schedules. Air freight or air freight express, is also perfectly suitable for delivering fragile, perishable or lightweight, high-value goods.
How is chargeable weight determined?
Air carriers charge airfreight based on either the volumetric weight or the actual gross weight, whichever is higher. This is known as chargeable weight. This is done to balance weight and volume of the cargo. For example, a shipper exports large quantity of cotton. Although the actual weight of cotton is very low, the space it takes up on the plane is relatively large. Compared to a shipper who exports iron plates, the cotton shipper would have to pay much less if only the weights of their goods are taken into account. Thus, it is important to find a balance between both volumetric weight and actual weight of the cargo.
The measured volume of the package of goods in cubic metres is divided by 0.006 (for most airlines) to obtain the volumetric weight. Here are 2 examples of determining the chargeable weight.
- Shipment 1:
Gross weight = 600kg
Measurement of cargo = 1m x 1.5m x 2m = 3 cubic metres
Volumetric weight = 3/0.006 = 500kg
Comparing gross weight and volumetric weight, the gross weight of 600kg is higher and the parcel will be charged at this weight.
- Shipment 2:
Gross weight = 600kg
Measurement of cargo = 2m x 2m x 1m = 4 cubic metres
Volumetric weight = 4/0.006 = 666.67kg
In this case, comparing gross weight and volumetric weight, the volumetric weight of 666.67kg is higher and the parcel will be charged at this weight.
Air Freight Pricing
Airlines quote air freight rates based on the following structure:
- A basic minimum charge for each shipment
- Cargo rates per kilogram
- Specific commodity rates pertaining to certain goods such as fresh produce
Why choose M&P International Freight?
M&P International Freight offers impressive and competitive pricing on all their services. This includes the charges for air freight. Our aim, as a professional freight forwarder, is to provide a perfect combination of cost savings and time efficiency in bringing your goods to the other end of the globe safely and smoothly.