Question 1

How much does air freight cost per kg?

Accepted Answer

Air freight costs vary greatly by route, weight and service: 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 charges include fuel surcharge (FSC), security surcharge (SSC) and customs clearance. Chargeable weight (volumetric weight: L×W×H/6000 vs. actual weight) determines billing.

Question 2

What is an AWB (Air Waybill)?

Accepted Answer

An AWB (Air Waybill) is the key document in air freight. It acts as a contract of carriage, receipt, and tracking document. Unlike the Bill of Lading (sea freight), the AWB is non-negotiable. The MAWB (Master AWB) is issued by the airline, the HAWB (House AWB) by the freight forwarder. The 11-digit AWB number enables worldwide real-time tracking.

Question 3

How is chargeable weight calculated?

Accepted Answer

Chargeable weight in air freight is the greater of: actual gross weight (kg) vs. volumetric weight (cm³ / 6,000). Example: A shipment 80×60×50 cm has volumetric weight 80×60×50/6000 = 40 kg. If actual weight is only 25 kg, billing is at 40 kg (chargeable weight). Courier services often use divisor 5,000.

Question 4

What is the difference between express and standard air freight?

Accepted Answer

Standard air freight (Economy Air): 3–5 business days, cheapest option, space subject to availability. Express (24–48h): prioritised space on direct flights. Same Day / NFO (Next Flight Out): next available flight, 6–24h. AOG (Aircraft on Ground): emergency service for aircraft parts, 2–6h. Hand Carry: human courier personally accompanies the shipment.

Question 5

What is IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) in air freight?

Accepted Answer

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) govern the air transport of hazardous materials. There are 9 classes (explosives, gases, flammables, solids, oxidisers, toxic, radioactive, corrosive, miscellaneous). Shippers must complete a Shipper's Declaration, use approved packaging and apply specific markings. IATA DGR regulations are stricter than ADR (road) or IMDG (sea).

Question 6

What is a charter flight in air freight?

Accepted Answer

An air freight charter means the exclusive booking of an entire cargo aircraft (full freighter). Charter types: Ad-hoc charter (single flight), ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance – wet lease), Time Charter (long-term rental). Suitable for shipments from approximately 30–50 tonnes, time-critical express deliveries or destinations with no regular scheduled service. Full freighter types: Boeing 747F (approx. 110t), B777F (approx. 102t), MD-11F (approx. 90t).

Question 7

How long does air freight from China to Europe take?

Accepted Answer

Air freight from China (e.g. Shanghai, Shenzhen) to Europe (Frankfurt, Amsterdam): Direct flight 11–13 hours flight time. Including pre-carriage, handling at origin airport and customs clearance at destination airport, door-to-door time is typically 3–5 business days for standard express. Same Day or NFO can be delivered within 24–36h. Economy Air takes 5–7 business days.

Question 8

What documents do I need for air freight?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory documents for international air freight: 1) AWB (Air Waybill), 2) Commercial Invoice with cargo value and HS code, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration (EXA/AES), 5) for dangerous goods: Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDDG). Optional: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, CITES permit for protected species. For letter of credit transactions: complete document set.

Question 9

What are FSC and SSC in air freight?

Accepted Answer

FSC (Fuel Surcharge) varies weekly or monthly based on jet fuel prices, usually EUR 0.50–2.00/kg. SSC (Security Surcharge / Security and Cargo Screening) covers airport security screening measures, usually EUR 0.10–0.30/kg. Both surcharges are additional to the base rate and applied to chargeable weight. Other surcharges: SCC (screening), AMS (US pre-notification), PCA (Peak Congestion Add-on).

Question 10

Can lithium batteries be sent by air freight?

Accepted Answer

Lithium batteries are IATA Dangerous Goods Class 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances). Lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) and lithium metal batteries (UN 3090) may be shipped by air freight under strict conditions: state of charge maximum 30% for UN 3480, original packaging or UN-approved packaging, hazard label marking, Shipper's Declaration. Passenger aircraft have stricter quantity limits than cargo-only aircraft.

Question 11

What is Belly Cargo vs. Full Freighter?

Accepted Answer

Belly Cargo: freight transported in the lower deck of a passenger aircraft. Cheaper option, dependent on passenger flight routes and capacities. Capacity of an A380: approx. 20–23t belly cargo. Full Freighter: Dedicated cargo aircraft (no passenger cabin). Higher capacity (Boeing 747F: approx. 110t), more route and schedule flexibility, ideal for heavy or bulky freight, dangerous goods and large charter volumes.

IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR)

9 IATA DGR Classes Overview

CAO vs. PAX – Passenger vs. Freighter

Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDDG)

Lithium Batteries in Air Freight (Class 9)

Forbidden Goods in Air Transport

Absolutely forbidden (all flights)

Only with special conditions

DGR vs. ADR vs. IMDG – Direct Comparison

IATA DGR Training & Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

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