Freight Academy · Knowledge Base
Air Freight
AWB, chargeable weight, IATA dangerous goods, airline codes, charter and transit times.
- AWB · eAWB standard
- IATA ÷ 6.000
- Current 2026
Gross vs. chargeable weight
Gross weight: weighed mass of the shipment.
Chargeable weight: L×W×H cm ÷ 6,000 (IATA); the higher value is billed.
Sourced figures
- IATA volumetric weight for air freight: divisor 6,000 (cm³/kg). (IATA Cargo)
- The Air Waybill (AWB) is mandatory; eAWB is the digital standard. (IATA e-AWB)
- Europe–Asia P50 often 2–4 calendar days airport-to-airport (confidence C, planning range). (TT-Index air baselines)
IATA · 2024
IATA · 2024
IATA · 2024
Topic Overview
Service Finder
3 questions – the right air freight solution
Question 1 / 3: How urgent is your shipment?
Tools & Calculators
Related Topics
Articles
Incoterms 2020 – Air FreightFree
Incoterms for air freight: CPT, CIP or DAP?
Air freight has different rules than sea freight. The simulator shows which Incoterm best fits your shipping model – with insurance recommendation.
ICC 2020
All 11 Incoterms
No login
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does air freight cost per kg?
Standard air freight approx. EUR 2–8/kg, Express (24–48h) approx. EUR 5–15/kg, Same Day/NFO approx. EUR 10–30/kg. Additional: Fuel Surcharge (FSC), Security Surcharge (SSC) and customs. Chargeable weight (volumetric weight: L×W×H/6000 vs. actual weight) is decisive.
How is chargeable weight calculated?
Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight). Volumetric weight = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000. Example: 80×60×50 cm = 40 kg volumetric weight. Courier services often use ÷ 5,000. The higher weight is billed.
What is an AWB and how does it differ from a B/L?
AWB (Air Waybill): non-negotiable, not a document of title. B/L (Bill of Lading): negotiable, can be transferred as title document. AWB: original not required for delivery (consignee receives goods with ID proof). B/L: original must be presented at destination. Both serve as contract of carriage and receipt.
What is IATA DGR and who needs it?
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) apply to all companies shipping dangerous goods by air. This includes: electronics manufacturers (lithium batteries), chemical companies, pharmaceutical companies and many more. Shippers must be IATA DGR trained and complete a Shipper's Declaration. Airlines check documents before acceptance.
When does an air freight charter pay off?
Charter pays off from approximately 30–50 tonnes or when regular cargo flights are unavailable (e.g. disaster relief, crisis logistics, exotic destinations). Also for highly time-critical shipments (AOG, production stoppage) and for certain goods (live animals, artwork, heavy cargo), charter is the best solution.
How long does air freight from China to Europe take?
Flight time: 11–13h (Shanghai–Frankfurt direct). Door-to-door: Standard Express 3–5 business days, Economy Air 5–7 business days, Same Day/NFO 24–36h. Calculation: pre-carriage to airport (1–2 days) + handling (12–24h) + flight time + destination customs (1–2 days).
What documents do I need for international air freight?
Required documents: 1) AWB (Air Waybill), 2) Commercial Invoice with cargo value and HS code, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration, 5) for dangerous goods: Shipper's Declaration (SDDG). Optional: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, CITES permit. For letter of credit: complete document set per UCP 600.
All resources on air freight
Airline codes, AWB fundamentals, charter, IATA dangerous goods, chargeable weight, transit times and express: everything dispatch and sales need on air freight.