While most people know that air freight is faster than ocean freight, you may be unaware of the industry’s freight costs. As transportation costs are such a critical element of any business concern, they might also significantly impact the overall profits. So, knowing how air freight rates and charges work will help you prepare for the future. But, before contemplating air cargo rates and comparing the best ones, it is essential to consider a few factors. How quickly do you want your order to be delivered? This is crucial as it states the urgency to deliver in time.
Air Freight provides faster and more reliable service at a premium cost for suppliers and customers who need it.
How does Air Freight work?
There are some crucial steps one needs to follow while shipping via air cargo:
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Registration/Pickup:
At TopUniverse , the order is picked up within 12 hrs and taken to the nearest airport.
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Customs Clearance at the Origin Airport:
The shipment is thoroughly inspected by the customs department at the origin airport. This is to ensure that the consignment does not contain any illegal or prohibited items.
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Storage and Departure:
Once the customs are cleared, the cargo is then packaged and loaded onto the aircraft for transportation.
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Cargo Unloading:
When the plane lands at the destination airport, the cargo is unloaded along with the air waybill and other documentation.
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Customs Clearance at the Destination:
The customs department at the destination airport clears the shipment for entrance after a thorough check.
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Delivery:
Once customs has cleared the package, it is loaded into containers and transported to its final destination.
Air Freight – Cost or Pricing
Air Freight costs per kg are 4 to 5 times more than the cost of transporting the same product by road, 12 to 16 times higher than the cost of transporting it by sea, due to the efficiency and speed of delivery. Air Freight charges range from 1.5 to 4.5 dollars per kilogram, depending on a variety of factors. Worldwide fuel price fluctuations dictate the latest freight rate trends. Here are some factors that determine the Air Freight rates; International & Domestic Air Freight.
Regular air cargo rates per kg are lower. However, if your goods require specific climatic conditions, the companies will charge you more. Domestic air freight charges are different than international air freight rates per kg. Depending on the type of goods and available space, they can cost anywhere from $2.50 to $5.00 per kilogram.
Considering a diverse range of products to be shipped with speedy delivery, Air Freight Forwarding services at TopUniverse ensure same-day delivery exclusive of taxes.
Space and Chargeable weight:
If you’re delivering your goods via the Less Than Container Load (LCL) method, the cost of air freight delivery is directly proportionate to the amount of space it takes up within a container and its chargeable weight. Air cargo charges are calculated based on volume or the cargo’s actual gross weight, whichever is higher.
Distance and route:
The longer the distance between the origin and destination airports, the higher the shipping prices. However, some of the busiest air freight routes are less expensive than those where trade is rare, simply because it is far more profitable for a company to transfer goods between routes that can guarantee both to and from the business.
When to Choose Air?
Air Freight charges per kilo may be absolutely necessary for many businesses. In some cases, air freight shipment is highly suggested. For one of three reasons, people will choose to use air cargo in their supply chain.
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Speed
Air transportation is the most excellent option when deliveries are time-sensitive or commodities have a short shelf life, such as fresh seafood or flowers. Goods are transported 30 times faster by air than by ship. As a result, the cost of air cargo per kg is roughly 16 times that of ocean freight. For other industries, however, this is an unavoidable expense of doing business.
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Reliability
Poor weather can easily delay ocean freight, and departures from ports can be delayed for several days. Extreme weather conditions will be the sole thing that affects aircraft. It is quicker to divert an aircraft to a nearby unaffected airport and have the items transported than to reroute a cargo ship. Air Freight tends to stick to established schedules, making it easier to trace your products.
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Safety
Air Freight shipment offers the highest levels of safety for your goods compared to other freight shipping modes. Cargo transported by air is less likely to be damaged or lost due to theft than cargo handled by different modes of transportation. Its reduced timetable also aids in the preservation of perishable goods’ quality.
How does TopUniverse make it easier for you?
Deciding on what method of transport may seem like a complicated process. We have a full-time experts team dedicated to the United States, the Middle East, China, India, Philippines, Dubai and Europe. You can expect the highest efficiency standards, compliance, and assistance on everything from air cargo to customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding flight cargo charges, or if you would like a shipping quote on your goods, get in touch with us.