Cost Shipping goods by air Air freight is always a headache. It's much more expensive than sea freight. So when should businesses invest in air freight? Let's analyze the optimal times below.
In a volatile market, a single second of delay can mean losing a customer to a competitor. For supply chain managers, balancing speed and budget has never been an easy task. Sea freight risks delays, while air freight threatens to swallow up profit margins on product lines due to high shipping costs.
However, expensive doesn't mean wasteful. Air freight is more than just a method of transporting goods. In many business scenarios, it's a "strategic arrow" that helps businesses avert seemingly inevitable losses, protect brand reputation, and turn the market around in just a few hours.
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Air freight is currently the fastest shipping method available. Delivery times are measured in days or even hours.
However, the biggest drawback is the shipping cost. Air freight can be many times higher than sea freight. Therefore, you need to carefully consider the type of goods and the profit margin.
4 times when air freight transportation is most suitable

1. High-value or sensitive goods
Items such as electronic components and mobile phones are often high-value goods. The same applies to medical equipment, vaccines, or high-end cosmetics.
These items need to be transported quickly to ensure safety. Air freight minimizes the risk of loss or damage.
2. Orders with urgent time requirements.
Your partner's production line is down due to a shortage of components. Or you need urgent material relief for a project.
At this point, a delay of even one day would cause enormous damage. Air freight is the only solution to save the business.
3. Goods with a short shelf life (Perishable goods)
Fresh fruits, flowers, or high-end seafood have very short shelf lives. If transported by sea, the goods will spoil before reaching the customer.
Air transport helps preserve the freshness of the product. It helps you protect your reputation with your partners.
4. Orders for events or shopping seasons.
Samples are sent to partners for urgent approval before signing the contract. Or trendy fashion items need to be on the shelves immediately.
If you move slowly, you'll lose business opportunities to your competitors. Air transport helps you capture the market the fastest.
Basic air freight calculation methods you need to know
In the air freight industry, calculating freight charges is not as simple as weighing goods at the market. Airlines will calculate based on two different types of weight. These are:
1. What is actual weight?
This is the actual physical weight of the shipment. You just need to place the entire package on an electronic scale to get the data.
This weight must include the product, packaging, cartons, and accompanying wooden pallets (if any). The standard unit of measurement is kilograms (kg).
2. What is volumetric weight?
Aircraft cargo holds are always limited in space. Many items, although very light, take up an enormous amount of room. Typical examples include pillows, cotton stuffing, or foam models.
If only actual weight were considered, airlines would lose out on cargo space. Therefore, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed a standardized conversion formula as shown below:
Note: All dimensions (length, width, and height) of the shipping box must be in centimeters (cm).
3. Final Chargeable Weight
After obtaining these two figures, the airline will conduct a direct comparison. Which number...? lớn hơn sẽ được chọn làm Trọng lượng tính cước (Chargeable Weight).
The formula for calculating the total freight cost of an air shipment is shown below:
Here are some practical examples to help you visualize it:
Your company needs to ship a box of electronic components overseas, as shown in the image below:
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Step 1: Place the box on the scale, the actual reading is 20 kg.
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Step 2: Measure the dimensions of the shipping box: Length 60 cm, Width 50 cm, Height 50 cm.
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Step 3: Calculate the converted volumetric weight:
Conclusion: Because 25 kg (volume) is greater than 20 kg (actual weight), the airline will apply the figure 25 kg to multiply by the unit price and collect your payment. This type of shipment is called "Bulky Cargo" in the industry.

Conclusion: Because 25 kg (volume) is greater than 20 kg (actual weight), the airline will apply the figure 25 kg to multiply by the unit price and collect your payment. This type of shipment is called "Bulky Cargo" in the industry.
Tips for optimizing air freight costs from G-Logistics
To avoid being overcharged for volumetric shipping, proper packaging is crucial. Businesses should choose carton sizes that best fit their products. Trim off any excess cardboard and tightly fill any empty spaces. Effective packaging can save you 15% to 30% on shipping costs.
Conclusion
Air freight is a strategic tool for modern businesses. Choose your route when speed and safety are top priorities. This will help you capture market share quickly. However, you always need a truly knowledgeable logistics partner.
G-Logistics (G-Logs) We pride ourselves on being your trusted partner. We offer the most optimal air freight solutions. G-Logistics helps businesses design flexible flight routes. We are committed to optimizing your freight costs. At the same time, airport customs procedures will be handled swiftly.
Don't let costs or bureaucracy hold back your business. Contact G-Logistics today for the best air freight quote!
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