How Much Does Air Freight Cost: Examples + Calculator
A complete guide to air freight costs, volume weight, and how to save on your shipments.
Air freight costs depend on more than just the kilograms on the scale. It's a complex system where price is influenced by cargo volume, route, urgency, and additional services. In this article, we explain how the price is formed and provide tools to help you plan your expenses.
Volume Weight Calculator
Airlines use the concept of 'chargeable weight'. This is the higher of two figures: actual weight or volume weight.
Why does this matter?
Imagine shipping 100 kg of lead vs 100 kg of cotton. The cotton takes up much more space, so the airline charges based on volume, not weight.
Visual Comparison
Heavy/Dense
Light/Voluminous
Both weigh the same (100kg), but the voluminous cargo pays based on 'volume weight'.
Chargeable Weight Calculator
Calculate volume weight vs actual weight for air freight
How is the Complete Rate Calculated?
1. Airline Rate
- Base rate (per kg)
- Fuel Surcharge (FSC)
- Security Surcharge (SSC)
2. Handling Fees
- Terminal Handling (Import/Export)
- X-Ray Security Check
- Documentation Fee (AWB)
- Storage (if applicable)
3. Additional Logistics
- Pick-up / Delivery
- Customs Clearance
- Unplanned fees (inspections, waiting time)
Weight Breaks & Saving Money
In air freight, the principle applies: the higher the weight, the lower the rate per kg. This means sometimes it's cheaper to declare a higher weight to qualify for the next price bracket.
The Pivot Weight Secret
If you have 40kg cargo, but the +45kg rate is significantly lower, it might be cheaper to pay for 45kg (even if shipping only 40kg) than to pay the high -45kg rate.
Premium Airline Services
When time is critical, airlines offer priority services. These are more expensive but significantly reduce handling and delivery times (reduced cut-off times, guaranteed space). Unicore Overseas Air Freight Service Levels uExpress and uFast are usually linked to these airline premium services.
Lufthansa Cargo
td.FlashOne of the fastest solutions on the market. Very short acceptance time before flight and accelerated release at destination.
- Guaranteed capacity
- Priority loading
Turkish Airlines
TK UrgentSuitable for urgent cargo with ultra-fast transit through Istanbul (IST) hub, connecting Riga to the world.
- Minimized transfer time
- 24/7 monitoring
Popular Routes to/from RIX
Air Freight Rate Estimator (100 kg)
Estimate based on historical market rates for standard general cargo (Airport-to-Airport).
Price Range
Estimated Midpoint
Calculation Assumptions:
- 100 kg actual weight (no volumetric weight)
- Standard general cargo (not dangerous, not oversized)
- Airport-to-Airport only (no customs, delivery, insurance)
Important Note
Complete Air Freight Rates Table (Import to RIX)
| Route | EUR Range | USD Range | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| LHR → RIX (London Heathrow) | €150 – €280 | $175 – $330 | €215 |
| FRA → RIX (Frankfurt) | €170 – €300 | $200 – $355 | €235 |
| AMS → RIX (Amsterdam Schiphol) | €160 – €290 | $190 – $340 | €225 |
| CDG → RIX (Paris Charles de Gaulle) | €170 – €310 | $200 – $367 | €240 |
| JFK → RIX (New York (East Coast)) | €380 – €750 | $450 – $885 | €565 |
| LAX → RIX (Los Angeles (West Coast)) | €450 – €950 | $530 – $1120 | €700 |
| DXB → RIX (Dubai) | €230 – €500 | $270 – $595 | €365 |
| PVG → RIX (Shanghai (China)) | €500 – €1100 | $590 – $1305 | €800 |
| SIN → RIX (Singapore Changi) | €550 – €1150 | $650 – $1365 | €850 |
| HND → RIX (Tokyo (Haneda/Narita)) | €530 – €1100 | $625 – $1305 | €815 |
Complete Air Freight Rates Table (Export from RIX)
| Route | EUR Range | USD Range | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIX → LHR (London Heathrow) | €150 – €260 | $176 – $305 | €205 |
| RIX → FRA (Frankfurt) | €160 – €300 | $188 – $352 | €230 |
| RIX → AMS (Amsterdam Schiphol) | €150 – €280 | $176 – $329 | €215 |
| RIX → CDG (Paris Charles de Gaulle) | €160 – €300 | $188 – $352 | €230 |
| RIX → JFK (New York (East Coast)) | €320 – €700 | $376 – $822 | €510 |
| RIX → LAX (Los Angeles (West Coast)) | €400 – €900 | $470 – $1057 | €650 |
| RIX → DXB (Dubai) | €200 – €450 | $235 – $528 | €325 |
| RIX → PVG (Shanghai (China)) | €450 – €1000 | $528 – $1175 | €725 |
| RIX → SIN (Singapore Changi) | €500 – €1050 | $587 – $1233 | €775 |
| RIX → HND (Tokyo (Haneda/Narita)) | €480 – €1000 | $564 – $1175 | €740 |
Rates from Riga Airport (RIX) vary depending on season and fuel prices. Export is usually cheaper per kg than import due to complex logistics in some regions. To learn more about specific procedures, check our Riga Airport Cargo Guide.
Export from RIX
- USA (New York, Chicago)Medium-High
- China (Shanghai, Beijing)Low (backhaul)
- Central Asia (Almaty, Tashkent)High
Import to RIX
- China (PVG, SZX, HKG)Variable (Seasonal)
- USA (JFK, ORD)High
- Turkey (IST)Competitive
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is 'chargeable weight' and why is it important?
Q.What additional costs should I consider besides the air freight rate?
Q.How fast will my cargo reach its destination?
Q.Is it cheaper to ship heavier cargo?
Q.What is a 'spot rate' and when should I use it?
Q.Is insurance included in the price?
Useful Resources
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