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How to calculate the cost of air freight: a practical guide
Many businesses and private shippers want a quick idea of how much it will cost to
fly cargo to a specific city or region – but without having to call a manager straight
away. In that case, you can use our simple online form to request an estimate.
To give you an accurate indication, we need the weight and approximate volume of
your shipment, as well as the origin and destination cities. Basic air freight rates
within Russia and internationally are quoted per kilogram. However, in air cargo, we
distinguish between actual (gross) weight and dimensional (or chargeable)
weight – the latter applies when a light shipment takes up a lot of space. That is
why it is essential to know not only the weight but also the volume of your
consignment.
The final cost depends on many factors: total weight, route, seasonality, urgency,
and any additional services required (packaging, insurance, door-to-door delivery).
Furthermore, the nature of the cargo influences the price, as different types of
freight attract different tariff structures and terminal handling fees at the departure
airport.
Total weight also affects the rate per kilogram. For example, shipping a package of
up to 50 kg will cost more per kg than a consignment of 500 kg or more – volume
shippers always benefit from more competitive rates.
How to reduce the cost of air freight (top tips)
- Consolidate your cargo with other shipments;
- Pack properly to minimise dimensional (chargeable) weight;
- Plan ahead – last-minute urgency always costs more;
- Use scheduled flights instead of a charter for medium-sized consignments;
- Choose the nearest major airport rather than a remote one – this can lower ground handling charges.
Request an air freight cost estimate in one minute
No need to calculate manually – use our online form to get a quick estimate without
calling. Just tell us:
- Route – departure airport and arrival city (all regions of Russia, CIS countries, and international destinations available);
- Cargo weight – in kilograms;
- Dimensions or volume – especially important if your cargo is oversized.
Calculate your air freight cost
Submit your request, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 30
minutes.
By clicking the «Send an enquiry», button, I confirm my consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms set out here.
Important note: With basic cargo information, you will receive a preliminary price.
The exact cost is calculated after document verification and a full review of all
parameters, especially for dangerous goods or high-value shipments.
The final cost may include both airport and airline surcharges as well as additional
services: collection from the shipper’s warehouse, special packaging, insurance,
customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery from the arrival airport to the
consignee.
Typical airport and airline surcharges include:
- Fuel surcharge – may be included in the base rate or shown separately;
- Aviation security charges;
- Terminal handling – at departure and/or arrival airport;
- Air Waybill (AWB) fee – documentation processing;
- Dangerous goods (DG) premium – typically +30% to +100% of the base rate;
- Oversized cargo surcharge – applies if the cargo does not fit a standard pallet;
- Urgency / priority handling – express processing or off-schedule departure, usually +30–50%;
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “chargeable weight” and why can it be higher than actual weight?
Airlines consider not only the mass of the cargo but also the space it occupies on
the aircraft. For this reason, they calculate dimensional weight using the following
formula:
(Length × Width × Height in cm) / 6000
If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual (gross) weight, the chargeable weight
becomes the dimensional weight.
Example:
You are shipping a down jacket in a box measuring 60×40×30 cm. Actual weight – 2
kg.
Dimensional weight = (60×40×30) / 6000 = 12 kg.
You will be charged for 12 kg – six times the actual weight.
What can you do?
Always measure your packaging and try to minimise its dimensions. Sometimes
simply changing the box or packing the goods more tightly can reduce the
dimensional weight significantly.
Why might the final cost differ from the preliminary estimate?
An online estimate based on basic parameters (weight, route) gives only an indicative figure. The final price is influenced by:
- Type of cargo (dangerous goods, perishables, oversized)
- Seasonal factors (rates often rise towards the end of the year, before the
- Christmas holidays)
- Airport specifics (terminal handling fees, fuel surcharge)
- Additional services (packaging, insurance, door-to-door delivery)
Once we receive complete cargo, route and timing details, our specialist checks the
current rates and charges of the specific airline and airports. We always notify the
client of any changes before the shipment is confirmed.
How can I save on air freight if my shipment does not require a full charter?
The most effective way is consolidation – we combine your cargo with other
shipments on a scheduled flight, which works out cheaper than an individual consignment. On some routes, a part-charter may also be possible – a charter flight arranged for several clients at once.
Additional tips:
- Pack your cargo to reduce dimensional weight (see Question 1)
- Do not order urgency unless absolutely necessary – express handling costs
- 30–50% more
- Choose major airports with competitive rates rather than small regional ones
Our manager will always propose the most economical option for your specific
requirements.
Does route distance affect the price per kilogram?
Yes, but the relationship is non-linear.
| Distance | Price per kg characteristic |
|---|---|
| Short flights (up to 2 hours) | Higher rate – due to fixed airport charges (take-off/landing, handling) |
| Medium flights (2–5 hours) | Rate decreases – airport charges are spread over a longer distance |
| Long flights (over 5–6 hours) | Rate rises again slightly – added costs for extra fuel and crew |
Route density also matters: on busy routes (e.g., Moscow – Khabarovsk) rates may
be lower than on infrequent ones due to competition.
Importantly:
We select the optimal route and type of flight (scheduled / charter)
individually for each shipment – this often saves 20–30% compared to a standard
tariff.
Calculate your air freight cost
Submit your request, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 30
minutes.
By clicking the «Send an enquiry», button, I confirm my consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms set out here.
Contact us
Submit your request, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 30 minutes
By clicking the «Submit request» button, I confirm my consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms set out here.
Get a freight quote
Submit your request, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 30 minutes
By clicking the «Submit request» button, I confirm my consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms set out here.
