Air freight plays a critical role in global commerce, especially when speed and reliability are essential. While air freight represents just 1% of global trade by volume, it accounts for 35% of trade by value. This makes air freight indispensable for industries moving high-value goods such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable items.
When calculating the cost of shipping via air freight, multiple factors come into play. These include the type of goods being shipped, the destination, and the desired delivery speed. However, two primary considerations are the weight and volume of your shipment. Understanding these metrics can help you better estimate costs and optimize your cargo’s transport.
Gross Weight in Air Freight
Gross weight, often referred to as actual weight, includes the total weight of the shipment, including both the product and its packaging. For air freight, this weight is crucial because it directly impacts how much space the cargo will take up on the aircraft. Here's how to calculate gross weight:
Formula:
Product Weight + Packaging Weight = Gross Weight
For example:
50 lbs (product) + 10 lbs (packaging) = 60 lbs
Converted to kilograms: 60 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 27.22 kg
Volumetric Weight in Air Freight
The volumetric weight, or dimensional weight, is an estimate based on the package’s size rather than its actual weight. Carriers use this calculation to charge shipments that are large in volume but light in weight, such as a shipment of cotton. The formula uses a standard conversion factor, typically 6000 cubic centimeters per kilogram.
Formula:
(Length x Width x Height) ÷ 6000 = Volumetric Weight (kg)
For instance:
100 cm x 200 cm x 500 cm = 100,000 cm³
100,000 cm³ ÷ 6000 = 16.7 kg
Chargeable Weight: The Key Metric
In air freight, the chargeable weight is the higher value between the gross weight and the volumetric weight. This is the figure used to calculate your shipping costs, ensuring that both light but bulky items and dense, heavy items are charged fairly.
Example:
Gross weight = 20 kg
Volumetric weight = 14.58 kg
Since the gross weight is higher, the chargeable weight would be 20 kg.
Why Choose Air Freight?
Air freight is ideal for urgent, high-value shipments where speed and reliability are essential. With Stellavia Airlines' fleet of A321F freighter aircraft, we offer an efficient, global air freight solution connecting markets like Hong Kong, Europe, and the Americas. Whether you need general cargo shipping or a specialized cargo charter, our expert team ensures seamless logistics tailored to your needs.
Contact Stellavia Airlines: Your Air Freight Partner
Whether you’re shipping electronics, perishables, or general cargo, Stellavia Airlines offers cost-effective, reliable solutions. Get in touch with us today for all your air freight needs, and learn how our freight plane can help you connect to international markets efficiently.
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