When it comes to international shipping, air freight is often the preferred option for companies that need to deliver goods quickly and reliably. However, other costs such as fuel surcharges, handling fees, and customs clearance charges must also be taken into account when calculating the total cost of air freight. Air freight costs can vary depending on several factors, such as the carrier, route, and other variables. In addition, air freight charges will be based on whether you are importing or exporting your cargo.
For accurate and up-to-date pricing information, it is recommended to check with a specific carrier or freight forwarder. Express air cargo shipments are usually smaller than air cargo (less than one cubic meter and 200 kilograms). Most companies that import or export products internationally continue to do everything in their power to take advantage of cheaper shipping rates, leaving only the most urgent shipments for air transport. International air cargo shipments can be considerably larger and may go through several carriers during shipping. We spoke with Tom Hullinger, regional vice president of Global Distribution and Logistics, a Chicago-based freight forwarding company, to find out what common and non-standard charges you can expect to see when you receive the price list from your freight forwarder. The most obvious of freight rates, the price of air or sea freight depends on several factors, including the physical size of your export (the dimensions), the origin of the shipment, and the destination.
However, if you work with a professional freight forwarder and gain a good understanding of transportation expenses, you can avoid shipping complications and ensure that deliveries are successful.
