An air cargo rate is never just a number per kilogram. Understanding chargeable weight, surcharges, handling fees and routing is what allows freight forwarders to quote accurately and protect margins.
Weight, volume, handling, security and routing all affect the final amount.
Compare the complete charge, not only the headline rate per kilo.
Anyone who has been in freight forwarding for more than a week knows that an air cargo rate is never just a number per kilo.
Understanding what goes into the total cost is what lets you quote accurately, compare airline options properly and protect your commercial margin.
Airlines charge whichever is greater: the shipment’s actual gross weight or its calculated volumetric weight.
Measure the shipment dimensions in centimetres and divide the result by 6000.
The exact structure varies by airline, airport, cargo type and commercial agreement.
The airline’s base charge per chargeable kilogram. This is the main variable when comparing carrier options.
The FSC is periodically adjusted according to jet fuel prices and is normally quoted per kilogram.
The SSC covers air cargo security screening. It may be charged per kilogram or as a flat shipment amount.
THC covers handling at the airline cargo terminal. Charges can apply at origin, destination or both.
A flat charge applied for issuing the air waybill associated with the shipment.
Oversized cargo, dangerous goods, cold chain handling and peak season capacity may create extra charges.
Always confirm whether surcharges are already bundled into the quoted amount or must be added separately.
The airline combines the base freight rate and applicable surcharges into a single figure.
The headline freight rate is shown separately and relevant surcharges are added to calculate the complete shipment cost.
Compare the complete charge, routing and transit time before making a recommendation to your client.
A slightly higher rate may represent better commercial value when it includes surcharges, reduces transit time or uses a more reliable routing.
Enter the shipment details in airrate.com and review the available airline options with their applicable cost breakdowns.
