Air Freight
Air Freight Cost per Kg: Chargeable Weight Explained
Why air freight is priced on chargeable weight rather than actual weight, and how volumetric weight changes the cost per kilogram you are quoted.
Air freight is priced on chargeable weight
Air freight cost per kg is calculated on chargeable weight, not on the weight you read off a scale. Carriers compare the actual gross weight of the shipment with its volumetric weight, and the higher of the two becomes the chargeable weight. That is why a light but bulky shipment can cost more per kilogram than a dense one of the same mass.
How volumetric weight is derived
Volumetric weight is derived from the shipment's dimensions using a divisor set by the carrier or the applicable air cargo convention. Because the divisor is not universal, the same carton can produce a different volumetric weight under different carriers. When you ask for an air freight cost per kg, give the packed dimensions of every carton or pallet, the gross weight, and the number of pieces, so the forwarder can apply the divisor that actually governs your routing.
What to send with a rate request
- Packed dimensions of each carton or pallet, in centimetres
- Gross weight per piece and total gross weight
- Number of pieces and whether they are stackable
- Commodity and whether it is classed as dangerous goods
- Airport of departure and airport of destination
Why the quoted cost per kg moves
Beyond chargeable weight, the cost per kilogram reflects the routing, the service level, and the cargo itself. A direct service and a consolidated service on the same lane are priced differently. Temperature-controlled, dangerous goods, and oversized shipments carry handling requirements that change the rate. Ask the forwarder to state which of these apply to your cargo rather than assuming a standard rate.
Frequently asked questions
Is air freight cost per kg the same as the total price?
No. The cost per kilogram is a unit rate. The total also includes charges that are not weight-based, such as documentation and handling.
Can I reduce chargeable weight?
Reducing packed volume can lower volumetric weight. Whether that is practical depends on the product and its packaging.
Do dangerous goods cost more per kg?
Dangerous goods shipments carry additional handling and documentation requirements. Ask the forwarder to confirm how your commodity is treated.
Request a quote for your air shipment
To review your requirement, send the packed dimensions and gross weight of each piece, the number of pieces, the commodity, and your departure and destination airports. These details let the team check routing and prepare a quotation for your shipment.
Check your shipment against the weight rule
Work through these three checks before you compare air freight cost per kg offers.
| Check | What it decides |
|---|---|
| Compare actual gross weight with volumetric weight | Which figure the carrier will charge on |
| Confirm the divisor used for your routing | How volumetric weight is derived |
| List any special handling the cargo needs | Whether additional requirements apply |
What Meicheng can confirm for your shipment
- Scheduled and chartered air cargo from PVG, CAN, and HKG to LAX, ORD, JFK, and YYZ with 3-5 day transit, as described in the Air Freight China to North America Express service.
- Chartered and scheduled capacity from PVG, HKG, and CTU to Frankfurt, Paris, London, and Amsterdam with 3-7 day transit, as described in the Air Freight China to Europe Express service.
- Dangerous goods handling under IATA DGR requirements with pre-approval carrier acceptance, as described in the Chartered Air Cargo for Dangerous Goods service.
Chargeable weight, the applicable divisor, and any special handling requirements are confirmed per shipment. Ask for the current basis when you request a quote.
Related services
Request a quote for this solution
Send your route, cargo details and required timing so the team can review your requirement and prepare a quotation.