GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Air Freight Rate
An air freight rate is the charge applied by an airline or freight forwarder for transporting cargo by air, expressed per kilogram or based on volumetric weight—whichever is greater.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/
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Check transit time: city-to-city index
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Definition & Explanation
An air freight rate is the charge applied by an airline or freight forwarder for transporting cargo by air, expressed per kilogram or based on volumetric weight—whichever is greater. The base rate is supplemented by accessorial charges such as fuel surcharge, security fee, and handling charges, which vary considerably by carrier and route. Pricing is shaped by the origin-destination pair, available belly or freighter capacity, commodity type, and seasonal demand peaks. Per-kilogram costs are substantially higher than ocean freight, but for time-sensitive or high-value shipments the transit time advantage regularly justifies the premium.
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Transit index
Check transit time: city-to-city index
P50/P80 transit times for sea, air and road — sourced and confidence-rated, not a carrier quote.
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