Moving the goods without losing the margin · Speed at a price
Air freight
Air freight is priced on chargeable weight and buys time. It is usually justified by margin density or a stockout.
Key facts
| Basis | Chargeable weight, the greater of actual and volumetric weight |
|---|---|
| Volumetric rule | Commonly 1 cubic metre equals 167 kilograms, or 6,000 cubic centimetres per kilogram, depending on the carrier |
| Speed | Days rather than weeks, including handling and customs |
| Cost | Materially higher per kilogram than sea; the gap widens for bulky cargo |
| When it pays | High margin density, a stockout, a launch, a seasonal window or a product with a short life |
| Official source | The forwarder quote for the lane, including fuel, security and terminal charges |
Speed at a price
Air freight is a working-capital and service decision as much as a transport decision. The higher freight cost can be offset by lower inventory in transit, faster cash conversion and fewer stockouts. For a product with a high contribution per kilogram, the math can work; for a low-value bulky product, it rarely does.
The chargeable weight is the greater of actual and volumetric weight. A light, bulky carton pays for the space it occupies, not the mass on the scale. Measure the packed carton and convert with the carrier's rule.
When it beats sea and express
Air freight sits between sea and express courier. It is faster than sea and cheaper than express for larger shipments, but it still requires booking, handling and clearance. Express is better for samples and small parcels; sea is better for planned volume.
Use air when the cost of waiting exceeds the freight premium: a stockout on a best seller, a launch window, a trade show or a product with a short selling season. Do not use it to compensate for a forecasting process that repeatedly misses.
Frequently asked questions
How is air freight charged?
On chargeable weight, the greater of actual and volumetric weight. The volumetric conversion depends on the carrier.
Is air freight faster than express?
Not necessarily. Express courier is usually faster door to door for small parcels. Air freight is more economical for larger shipments.
What products suit air?
High value per kilogram, short life cycles, seasonal launches and urgent replenishment. Bulky low-margin goods usually do not.
Does air freight include customs clearance?
Usually not. Clearance, duty, tax and destination handling are separate unless the quote says otherwise.
Ask a compliance question
Free first answer by email. Tell us the destination, the product and the channel — we will point you to the rule and the official source. No obligation, no sales sequence.