How to Get an Air Freight Quote Fast
Learn how to get an air freight quote quickly. Pricing factors, required information, offer comparison and tips to optimize your cargo shipping costs.
Why the Air Freight Quote Is a Critical Step The experts at Private Jets Connect break down the key points below.
Obtaining an accurate and quick air freight quote is the first concrete step in any cargo shipping project. A well-prepared quote enables you to compare offers, anticipate costs, and plan logistics with confidence.
The air freight market is complex, with rates fluctuating based on numerous parameters: available capacity, fuel prices, seasonality, cargo type, and urgency level. Understanding these factors will help you formulate your request optimally and secure the best terms.
Factors That Determine Air Freight Pricing
Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
The primary pricing criterion is the chargeable weight, defined as the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated using the formula:
Volumetric weight (kg) = Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) / 6,000
This rule penalizes bulky but lightweight shipments (foam, plastics, textiles) and benefits dense, compact ones (metals, mechanical parts).
Distance and Routing
The distance between departure and arrival airports is a major factor. Intercontinental routes (Europe-Asia, Europe-Americas) are more expensive than regional connections. Routes with stopovers or airline changes incur additional handling costs.
Cargo Nature
Goods with special requirements incur surcharges:
| Cargo Type | Typical Surcharge | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous goods | +30 to +100% | Certified packaging, special handling |
| Perishable goods | +15 to +40% | Cold chain, loading priority |
| Live animals | +20 to +50% | Climate-controlled hold, dedicated handling |
| High value | +5 to +15% | Enhanced security, insurance |
| Oversized | Variable | Special loading equipment |
Urgency and Lead Time
The shorter the deadline, the higher the rate. A shipment planned 5 days ahead will benefit from significantly lower rates than a next flight out (NFO) shipment or an emergency charter.
Seasonality and Capacity
Air freight experiences seasonal peaks (September-November for holiday season, pre-Chinese New Year period) during which rates increase significantly due to high demand and limited capacity.
Surcharges and Additional Fees
The base rate is supplemented by additional charges:
- Fuel surcharge (FSC): indexed to jet fuel prices
- Security surcharge (SSC): post-9/11 requirement
- Airport handling: ground operations
- Documentation fees: AWB, manifest
- Customs clearance: broker fees
Information to Provide for a Quote
To receive an accurate quote quickly, prepare the following information:
Required Information
- Total gross weight and per-package weight
- Dimensions of each package (L x W x H in cm)
- Number of packages
- Cargo nature and detailed description
- Departure airport and arrival airport
- Desired departure date
Supplementary Information
- Declared cargo value
- Temperature or security requirements
- Applicable Incoterm (EXW, FCA, CIF, etc.)
- Customs clearance and final delivery needs
- Shipment frequency (one-time or recurring)
Scheduled Freight vs. Charter: How to Choose
The choice between scheduled freight and cargo charter depends on your situation:
Scheduled freight is suitable for:
- Standard shipments of small to medium size
- Destinations well served by cargo airlines
- Tight budgets with flexible timelines
Cargo charter is recommended for:
- Urgent or AOG shipments
- Large volumes (over 10 tonnes)
- Oversized cargo
- Destinations not served by scheduled freight
- Maximum security or confidentiality requirements
How to Get a Quote from Private Jets Connect
At Private Jets Connect, the quote process is fast and transparent:
- Submit your request via our online form, phone, or email
- A cargo expert contacts you to qualify your needs and clarify details
- We search the best options (scheduled and/or charter) across our network
- You receive a detailed quote including transport rate, ancillary fees, and conditions
- You confirm and we launch operational planning
For urgent requests, our team is available 24/7 and provides a quote in under 30 minutes.
Tips to Optimize Your Air Freight Budget
Reduce Volumetric Weight
Optimized packaging that matches cargo dimensions reduces volumetric weight and therefore cost. Avoid oversized boxes and bulky cushioning materials.
Plan Ahead
Shipments planned in advance benefit from more competitive rates than last-minute requests. Anticipate your logistics needs to capitalize on the most favorable windows.
Consolidate Shipments
Grouping multiple shipments into a single consignment unlocks volume discounts and reduces fixed costs (handling, documentation). Consolidation is particularly advantageous for regular shipments to the same destination.
Negotiate Framework Agreements
For regular shippers, a framework agreement with a broker or cargo airline guarantees preferential rates and consistent service levels.
Compare Multiple Offers
Always request multiple quotes for the same shipment. Price differences between providers can reach 30 to 50% for the same service.
Conclusion
Getting an accurate air freight quote requires providing complete information and understanding pricing factors. By carefully preparing your request and working with an experienced partner, you optimize both costs and timelines.
Contact Private Jets Connect to receive a personalized quote within hours. Our cargo market expertise guarantees you the best transport conditions for every shipment.
For personalized support, contact Private Jets Connect and get a tailored quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our services
What factors influence air freight pricing?
Key factors include weight (actual or volumetric), distance, cargo nature (standard, dangerous, perishable), urgency, seasonality, and fuel surcharges. The service type (scheduled or charter) also impacts the rate.
How do I calculate chargeable weight for air freight?
Chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated as: length x width x height (cm) / 6,000. A package measuring 100x80x60 cm weighing 30 kg has a volumetric weight of 80 kg – so 80 kg is billed.
How much does air freight cost per kilogram?
Rates range from EUR 2 to 8/kg for scheduled freight depending on destination and service class. For a cargo charter, pricing is per full flight, ranging from EUR 15,000 to over EUR 500,000 depending on aircraft and distance.
How quickly can I get an air freight quote?
At Private Jets Connect, quotes are provided in under 2 hours for standard requests and in under 30 minutes for emergencies. Digital platforms offer instant quotes for scheduled freight.
What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?
Provide the gross weight, dimensions of each package, cargo nature, departure and arrival airports, desired date, and specific requirements (temperature, security, urgency). The more detailed your request, the more accurate your quote.
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