Introduction:
Air freight is a popular and effective mode of transportation that businesses use to transport goods across different distances. With the rise of e-commerce and globalization, the demand for air freight has significantly increased in recent years. However, one of the major concerns of businesses when it comes to air freight is how to calculate the cost of shipping their goods. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect air freight costs and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to calculate air freight.
Factors affecting air freight costs:
Before we dive into the calculation process, let’s first understand the different factors that affect air freight costs.
Weight and volume: The weight and volume of your shipment are crucial factors that determine the cost of air freight. Generally, air carriers charge by weight or volume, whichever is higher. Therefore, if your shipment is bulky but not heavy, you may end up paying more for air freight.
Distance: The distance between the origin and destination also plays a significant role in calculating air freight. The farther the distance, the higher the cost.
Type of goods: The type of goods being shipped also affects the cost of air freight. Perishable or hazardous goods require special handling and packaging, which can increase the shipping cost.
Mode of transportation: The mode of transportation selected can also impact the cost of air freight. For instance, if you choose a direct flight, it will be more expensive than an indirect flight.
How to calculate air freight:
Now that we have a basic understanding of the factors that affect air freight costs, let’s walk through the steps involved in calculating air freight.
Determine the Chargeable Weight
The chargeable weight is the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight of your shipment. To calculate the volumetric weight, multiply the length, width, and height of your shipment (in centimeters) and divide the result by the volumetric divisor (which varies by carrier). The formula is as follows:
Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length x Width x Height) / Volumetric Divisor
Determine the Air Freight Rate
Air freight rates vary by carrier, and you can obtain them from a forwarder or directly from the airline. The rate is usually quoted per kilogram or per cubic meter. Ensure that you obtain a quote that includes all associated charges such as fuel surcharges, security fees, handling fees, and insurance.
Calculate the Total Air Freight Cost
To calculate the total air freight cost, multiply the chargeable weight (in kilograms) by the air freight rate (per kilogram). If the rate is provided per cubic meter, you will need to convert the chargeable weight in kilograms to the equivalent volume in cubic meters using the conversion factor of 1,000 kg/m3.
Total air freight cost = Chargeable Weight (kg) x Air Freight Rate (per kg or per m3)
How is air freight charges calculated?
Air freight charges are calculated based on various factors such as the weight and volume of the shipment, mode of transportation, distance, type of goods being shipped, etc. The charges may also include additional fees such as fuel surcharges, handling fees, insurance, security fees, etc. The air freight rate is usually quoted per kilogram or per cubic meter and varies by carrier.
How is air freight size calculated?
The size of air freight is calculated based on its weight and volume. The chargeable weight is the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight, which is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the shipment (in centimeters) and dividing the result by the volumetric divisor (which varies by carrier).
What is the formula for calculating freight?
The formula for calculating air freight is: Total air freight cost = Chargeable Weight (kg) x Air Freight Rate (per kg or per m3), where chargeable weight is the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight of the shipment.
How do you calculate air freight weight?
To calculate air freight weight, you need to determine the chargeable weight, which is the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight of the shipment. The volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the shipment (in centimeters) and then dividing the result by the volumetric divisor (which varies by carrier).
Air freight calculator excel
An air freight calculator in Excel is a tool that helps you calculate the total cost of shipping your goods via air freight. It typically includes fields for inputting the weight and dimensions of your shipment, the air freight rate, and any additional fees such as fuel surcharges, handling fees, insurance, security fees, etc. The Excel formula calculates the total air freight cost based on the inputs provided.
How to calculate chargeable weight in air freight?
To calculate the chargeable weight of air freight, you need to determine the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight of the shipment. The volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the shipment (in centimeters) and then dividing the result by the volumetric divisor (which varies by carrier).
Volumetric weight calculator
A volumetric weight calculator is a tool that helps you calculate the volumetric weight of your air freight shipment. You simply input the length, width, and height of your shipment (in centimeters) into the calculator, and it calculates the volumetric weight based on the volumetric divisor (which varies by carrier).
Air freight volume calculator
An air freight volume calculator is a tool that helps you calculate the volume of your air freight shipment. You input the length, width, and height of your shipment (in centimeters or inches), and the calculator provides you with the total volume in cubic meters or cubic feet, respectively.
How to calculate chargeable weight for air freight in cm?
To calculate the chargeable weight for air freight in centimeters, you need to determine the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight of the shipment. The volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the shipment (in centimeters) and then dividing the result by the volumetric divisor (which varies by carrier).
How to calculate volume weight for air freight in inches?
To calculate the volume weight for air freight in inches, you first convert the length, width, and height of the shipment into centimeters (by multiplying each dimension by 2.54). Then you use the formula to calculate the volumetric weight: (Length x Width x Height) / Volumetric Divisor. Finally, you compare the actual weight and volumetric weight to determine the chargeable weight.
Chargeable weight calculator
A chargeable weight calculator is a tool that helps you calculate the chargeable weight of your air freight shipment. You input the actual weight and dimensions of your shipment (in centimeters or inches), and the calculator determines the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight and provides you with the chargeable weight.
How to calculate pivot weight in air freight?
Pivot weight is a term used in air cargo transportation and refers to the minimum chargeable weight for a shipment. It is typically calculated as the weight of half of a pallet, which varies by carrier. To calculate the pivot weight for air freight, you need to check with the airline or freight forwarder for their specific requirements.
What is air freight?
Air freight is a transportation mode used to ship goods via air carriers. It is a faster mode of transportation than sea freight and is ideal for time-sensitive shipments.
What factors affect air freight cost?
The cost of air freight depends on factors such as weight, volume, distance, type of goods being shipped, mode of transportation, and additional fees such as fuel surcharges, handling fees, insurance, security fees, etc.
What is chargeable weight in air freight?
Chargeable weight is the greater of the actual weight or volumetric weight of the shipment. The volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the shipment (in centimeters) and dividing the result by the volumetric divisor (which varies by carrier).
How do I calculate air freight charges?
To calculate air freight charges, you need to determine the chargeable weight of your shipment and obtain the air freight rate per kilogram or per cubic meter from the carrier. Then multiply the chargeable weight by the air freight rate to get the total air freight cost.
What is an air freight calculator?
An air freight calculator is a tool that helps you calculate the total cost of shipping your goods via air freight. It typically includes fields for inputting the weight and dimensions of your shipment, the air freight rate, and any additional fees such as fuel surcharges, handling fees, insurance, security fees, etc.
How can I reduce air freight costs?
You can reduce air freight costs by optimizing your shipment’s weight and volume, choosing a more direct route, consolidating multiple shipments, negotiating with carriers for lower rates, and ensuring proper packaging to avoid damage or loss.
Can I calculate air freight charges without an air freight calculator?
Yes, you can calculate air freight charges manually by following the steps outlined in this article. However, using an air freight calculator can save time and minimize the risk of errors.
How do I convert inches to centimeters for calculating air freight charges?
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54. For example, if your shipment’s dimensions are 10 inches x 12 inches x 14 inches, you would convert them to centimeters as follows: 10 x 2.54 = 25.4 cm, 12 x 2.54 = 30.48 cm, and 14 x 2.54 = 35.56 cm.
Can I calculate air freight charges for hazardous or perishable goods?
Yes, you can calculate air freight charges for hazardous or perishable goods using the same formula. However, additional fees may apply due to the special handling and packaging requirements for these types of goods.
Is air freight always more expensive than other modes of transportation?
Air freight is generally more expensive than sea or road transportation due to its speed and convenience. However, it may be more cost-effective for time-sensitive or high-value shipments that require faster delivery times.
Conclusion:
Calculating air freight requires an understanding of various factors that impact the shipping cost. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily determine the cost of air freight for your shipment. It is always advisable to work with a reputable freight forwarder who can guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best possible deal. Remember to factor in all associated costs and plan ahead to avoid any last-minute surprises.
