International Air Cargo Charges From India: Meaning, Advantages & Factors

Sanidhya Negi / November 30, 2024

When it comes to global shipping, air freight offers the fastest and most efficient method to transport goods internationally. However, air freight charges can vary depending on several factors, including the size and weight of the shipment, the distance, and the urgency of delivery. 

Understanding the air cargo rates is essential for businesses looking to optimize their shipping processes and make informed decisions. In this blog, we will explore the factors influencing air cargo rates, and provide insights on air freight charges for your international shipments.

What is Air Cargo Service?

Air cargo service is a method of transporting goods using air transport by providing faster delivery compared to other modes of transportation. Air freight service is particularly valued for its speed and efficiency, especially when shipments need to cross international borders. 

Air cargo plays a vital role in connecting global markets as it offers a dependable option for shipping time-sensitive or high-value items. Businesses often rely on these services to maintain supply chain efficiency and meet customer demands swiftly.

Steps in Air Freight Shipping

Air freight shipping involves multiple stages to ensure smooth transportation of goods. The steps involved are mentioned below.

Scheduling and Pickup: The process starts with the sender or the shipper coordinating with the logistics service provider or air carrier to arrange for the pickup. The sender must have all required documents ready, including permits and declarations. Once the paperwork is done, the sender needs to schedule the pickup date and time, and the carrier is informed about the shipment’s location, packaging, and any specific handling instructions.

Verification and Labeling: Before transportation, the carrier verifies the cargo details. They check whether the goods are securely packed and confirm the accuracy of all documentation. Further proper labels are added to the shipment that displays necessary information like the destination, contact details, and any other information special handling information.

Customs Check at Departure Airport: The shipment undergoes customs clearance at the airport of origin. This includes submitting required forms and declarations and an inspection by customs officials to ensure compliance with export regulations. Once everything is in order, the shipment receives approval for loading.

Loading and Departure: After customs clearance, the shipment is moved to the aircraft using specialized equipment and securely loaded into the cargo hold. Proper stowage ensures the goods remain safe during transit. Once all preparations are complete, the aircraft departs for the destination.

Offloading at the Arrival Airport: When the aircraft reaches the destination, the shipment is unloaded using suitable handling equipment. The goods are inspected to confirm their condition and ensure they match the details on the shipping documents. This step ensures the shipment is ready for further processing.

Import Customs Clearance: At the destination airport, the shipment goes through customs clearance again. Officials review import documentation, inspect the shipment, and confirm compliance with local regulations. Once cleared, the shipment is ready for delivery to the final location.

Final Delivery: The carrier notifies the recipient about the arrival of the shipment. The goods are then transported using ground vehicles like trucks or vans to their final destination, completing the air freight process.

Advantages of Choosing Air Freight

Air freight offers several key advantages that makes it a preferred shipping method for businesses.

Fast Transit Times: Air freight is unmatched in speed, with airplanes being significantly faster than ocean liners. While ships travel at about 16-18 mph, airplanes cruise at around 575 mph. 

Dependable Delivery: Air freight ensures high reliability, offers precise tracking, and timely schedules. This makes it easier to monitor shipments and ensures goods arrive at their intended destination on time by reducing uncertainties in the supply chain.

Enhanced Safety: Air shipping minimizes the risk of damage compared to sea freight. The shorter transit times and secure handling make it an ideal choice for fragile or high-value items that need extra protection during transportation.

Streamlined Customs and Handling: Air freight often benefits from quicker customs clearance processes at airports, reducing delays.

Drawback of Air Freight Services

While air freight offers numerous advantages, it’s not always the ideal shipping method. Some of the disadvantages of Air Freight Services are mentioned below: 

High Shipping Costs: Air freight is significantly more expensive than other shipping options like sea freight. For large or heavy shipments, the cost can escalate quickly and making it impractical for businesses looking to minimize transportation expenses.

Environmental Impact: Air shipping has a larger carbon footprint compared to sea or land freight. For businesses prioritizing eco-friendly practices, the higher CO2 emissions associated with air freight may be a concern.

Unsuitable for Heavy or Oversized Cargo: Based on size and weight, air freight is not ideal for transporting bulky or heavy items. Sea freight, with its containerized shipping options, is better suited for such oversized goods.

Understanding Air Freight Charges From India to Abroad

Air cargo rates can be significantly more expensive than road or sea freight, often costing several times more. For international shipments, air freight charges typically range from USD 1.50 to USD 4.05 per kilogram.

The overall air cargo charges depend on factors such as the size and weight of the shipment, the delivery distance, and the urgency. Additionally, handling fees at Indian airports vary, with rates for general cargo ranging from INR 0.74 to INR 2.22 per kilogram, and special cargo costing between INR 1.47 and INR 6 per kilogram. These costs are essential to consider when evaluating international air freight rates per kg.

Key Factors Influencing Air Freight Charges

Understanding how flight cargo charges are calculated can help you manage shipping costs effectively. Several factors play a key role in determining cargo shipping rates and these are discussed below.

Package Size and Weight: The size and weight of your shipment are primary considerations when calculating air freight charges. Larger or heavier packages typically cost more, as rates often depend on the space and load capacity they occupy. 

Delivery Location: The destination of the shipment impacts the cost. Delivering to remote areas can increase cargo shipping rates due to logistical challenges.

Timing and Flexibility: Flexible delivery schedules can help lower flight cargo charges. On the other hand, prioritizing faster routes can result in increased logistics costs but ensures that your shipment reaches quickly to its destination.

Seasonal Fluctuation: During peak times like holidays and festive seasons, air freight charges tend to increase due to increased demand for cargo shipping. If you plan shipments outside these busy times, it can help control expenses.

Service Options: Air freight services come with different tiers. For example, economy services offer lower costs but longer transit times, while express services provide faster delivery at higher rates. 

Unforeseen Disruption: Unexpected events like bad weather or logistical delays can lead to additional costs. 

Extra Fees and Surcharges: In addition to the base air freight charges, additional fees, customs duties, and handling charges can add overall cost.  

Express Air Freight Services and Charges

Express air freight services handle everything from picking up the shipment to delivering it to the final destination. These services are known for their speed, ensuring delivery within 4 to 5 days.

Typically, express shipments are smaller, weighing under 200 pounds or less than one cubic meter, which makes them ideal for urgent deliveries. The cost for such services depends on the weight and size of the package, along with the delivery location. While express services come with higher air cargo charges, they are a reliable option for time-sensitive shipments requiring fast and efficient handling.

International Air Freight Services and Charges

As mentioned above, the cost of international air freight is influenced by various factors, including the weight, volume, and urgency of the shipment. On average, international air freight rates range from USD 4 to USD 8 per kilogram, but this can fluctuate depending on factors like type of goods, available cargo space, and market demands.

Current Trends in International Air Cargo Charges

Air freight plays a crucial role in global trade due to its speed and efficiency, but its high costs have led to a shift towards more affordable shipping methods like ocean freight. In recent years, growth in air freight has slowed down. For example, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported just a 1.6% increase in air freight in 2019, down from 5% in 2014. 

Many businesses are turning to ocean freight as a cheaper alternative. Since 2022, air freight prices have started to decrease after the record highs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simplify Your International Shipping with Bigship

When it comes to international shipping, air freight charges can be a significant factor in your decision-making process. The costs vary based on weight, distance, and urgency, but understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions. Air cargo charges can fluctuate, especially during peak seasons or due to unexpected disruptions, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest trends in international air freight rates.

Bigship, a prominent courier aggregator, is a trusted partner for efficient and cost-effective air freight solutions. It ships to over 220 countries and territories and offers seamless international air freight services that are reliable and affordable. Whether you’re shipping goods for e-commerce or bulk shipments, Bigship’s expert team ensures your cargo reaches its destination quickly and safely, all while optimizing air freight charges for the best value.

If you are looking for sending your international shipment using Bigship’s air freight services, then sign up here!

FAQs

Ques: What is air freight, and why is it beneficial?

Ans: Air freight is a fast and reliable shipping method, ideal for time-sensitive and high-value goods. It ensures quicker delivery compared to other modes of transportation.

Ques: What factors influence air freight charges?

Ans: Charges depend on shipment size, weight, destination, urgency, and additional fees like customs duties or handling charges.

Ques: What is the average air freight cost from India to abroad?

Ans: Costs typically range from USD 1.50 to USD 4.05 per kg, depending on shipment specifics and destination.