Air Freight Cost Calculator
Estimate an air freight bill from dimensions, weight and quoted rates: chargeable weight, weight breaks, minimum charge, surcharges and fees.
An air freight quote is more than a rate per kilo. The rate is applied to the chargeable weight, a minimum charge may apply, and fuel and security surcharges plus fixed handling and documentation fees are added on top. This calculator builds the full cost from your dimensions, weights and quoted rates, and compares eligible weight-break charges under the stated model.
How to use this tool
- Enter the number of pieces, the dimensions and gross weight of each, and your units.
- Choose the volumetric divisor from your quote; 6,000 is standard for air cargo.
- Enter the rate per chargeable kg, or paste weight-break rates such as "N 5.10, 45 4.60, 100 4.20".
- Add the minimum charge, the fuel and security surcharges per kg, and any fixed fees.
Formula
Total = max(minimum charge, rate × chargeable kg) + (fuel + security surcharge) × chargeable kg + fixed fees
Chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight (L × W × H ÷ divisor), rounded up to the next 0.5 kg. With weight breaks, the rate for your weight band is used unless paying for a higher published break’s weight is cheaper.
Example
Three pieces of 120 × 80 × 120 cm at 150 kg each have a chargeable weight of 576 kg. At $3.80 per kg the freight is $2,188.80; fuel at $0.85 per kg adds $489.60 and security at $0.15 per kg adds $86.40. With $120 of fixed fees the total is $2,884.80, about $5.01 per chargeable kg.
Frequently asked questions
How do weight breaks work?
Use the rate for the highest threshold reached, then compare the charges at higher thresholds. Thus 280 kg at $4.20 costs $1,176, while 300 kg at $3.80 costs $1,140. If your list begins at 45 kg, a lighter shipment must pay for at least 45 kg; add N for a normal rate.
Is the fuel surcharge based on chargeable or actual weight?
This model uses the original rounded chargeable weight for surcharges, even if the freight charge uses a higher break weight. If your tariff uses another basis, set the surcharge rates to zero and add the separately calculated amounts to fixed fees.
What fixed fees should I expect?
Common items are the air waybill fee, terminal handling, security screening, export customs filing and pickup or delivery. Ask your forwarder for an all-in quote so nothing is missed, and remember import duties and taxes are separate.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-10-30