One-sentence summary: Total air freight cost consists of base freight (55-70%) + fuel surcharge FSC (15-25%) + security surcharge SCC (2-5%) + terminal handling charge THC (3-8%) + customs clearance fee + delivery fee. The fuel surcharge is the main variable—adjusted monthly based on international oil prices. When requesting a quote, be sure to confirm the quote type—All-in (includes all surcharges) or +SCC (additional surcharges apply), and the validity period. (🤖 Can be quoted independently)
I. Basic Composition of Air Freight Costs
International air freight costs typically consist of the following components:
Total Air Freight Cost = Base Freight + Fuel Surcharge + Security Surcharge + Terminal Handling Charge + Customs Clearance Fee + Delivery Fee + Other ChargesCost Overview
| Cost Item | English | Charging Party | Typical Proportion | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Freight | Freight Charge | Airline/Freight Forwarder | 55-70% | Based on chargeable weight × rate |
| Fuel Surcharge | Fuel Surcharge (FSC) | Airline | 15-25% | Fluctuates with oil prices, adjusted monthly |
| Security Surcharge | Security Surcharge (SCC) | Airline/Cargo Terminal | 2-5% | Fixed rate × chargeable weight |
| Terminal Handling Charge | Terminal Handling (THC) | Cargo Terminal | 3-8% | Operations for warehouse entry, palletization, exit |
| Customs Clearance Fee | Customs Clearance | Customs Broker | 1-3% | Charged per shipment |
| Delivery Fee | Delivery / Trucking | Trucking Company | 3-10% | Airport to receiving address |
| Other | Others | Multiple Parties | 1-5% | Insurance/Storage/Telex Release, etc. |
The above proportions are general references; actual ratios vary significantly by route, season, and cargo type.
II. Detailed Explanation of Each Cost
2.1 Base Freight (Freight Charge)
Base freight is the main component of air freight costs, calculated as chargeable weight × applicable rate.
Factors Affecting Rates: | Factor | Direction of Influence | |:-----|:---------| | Route distance | Longer distance, higher rate | | Market supply and demand | Higher rates in peak season (typically Sep-Dec) | | Cargo density | Dense cargo rates lower than light cargo (from tonnage conversion perspective) | | Contract volume | Large clients have negotiated rates lower than market rates | | Booking lead time | Early booking cheaper than last-minute booking |
Rate Classes: | Code | Meaning | Description | |:----|:-----|:------| | M | Minimum Charge | Minimum freight per shipment, charged per airline regulations | | N | Normal Rate | Standard rate (under 45kg) | | Q | Quantity Rate | Volume rates (45kg/100kg/300kg/500kg/1000kg tiers) | | S | Surcharge Rate | Additional rate for special cargo | | C | Specific Commodity Rate | Discounted rate for specific commodities |
2.2 Fuel Surcharge (Fuel Surcharge)
The fuel surcharge is the second largest component of air freight costs, adjusted monthly based on international oil price fluctuations.
- Pricing method: Usually charged as a fixed amount per kilogram
- Adjustment frequency: Adjusted on the 1st of each month (based on previous month's average aviation fuel price)
- Information source: Monthly fuel surcharge standards published on each airline's website
Since the fuel surcharge accounts for a relatively high proportion and changes dynamically, be sure to confirm the current fuel surcharge rate when requesting a quote.
2.3 Security Surcharge (Security Surcharge)
The security surcharge covers the costs of security checks and safety measures for air cargo.
- Pricing method: Charged based on chargeable weight
- Charging party: Airline or cargo terminal
- Influencing factors: Security surcharge rates vary by country/region
2.4 Terminal Handling Charge (Terminal Handling Charge)
The terminal handling charge is the fee collected by the cargo terminal for cargo handling services, including warehouse entry, palletization, and exit.
- Pricing method: Per shipment + per weight
- Differences between terminals: Different airports and terminals have different handling charges
| Airport | Handling Charge Level (Reference) |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong HKG | Higher (but globally leading efficiency) |
| Guangzhou CAN | Medium |
| Shenzhen SZX | Medium |
2.5 Customs Clearance Fee
The customs clearance fee is charged per shipment and typically includes both export customs clearance and import customs clearance. If customs inspection occurs, additional attendance fees may apply.
2.6 Delivery Fee
The land transport fee from the airport to the final receiving address depends on:
- Distance from destination airport to receiving address
- Cargo weight and volume
- Need for special vehicles (e.g., refrigerated truck, tail lift truck)
- Temporary unloading/waiting costs
Note: Air freight quotes may be "airport-to-airport" or "door-to-door"; be sure to confirm which segments are included when requesting a quote.
2.7 Other Potential Charges
| Cost Item | Trigger Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Fee | Cargo not picked up within free storage period | Airport storage fees higher than port; clear customs quickly |
| Amendment Fee (CCA) | Changes made after AWB issuance | Charged per occurrence |
| Re-booking Fee | Missing a flight and rescheduling to next available | Charged per occurrence |
| Return Freight | Cargo returned to origin airport | Based on actual costs incurred |
| Insurance | Purchase of air cargo insurance (optional) | Approximately a certain percentage of cargo value |
| Telex Release Fee | Telex release operation for air waybill (charged by some forwarders) | Charged per shipment |
The above charges are standard industry items; please consult your freight forwarder for specific rates. The forwarder is obliged to clearly explain the calculation method for each charge when quoting.
III. Cost Structure Illustration
Below is an example of a typical air freight shipment, showing the approximate proportion of each cost item in the total cost. Actual amounts vary by route, season, and cargo type; refer to the airline's or forwarder's daily quote for accuracy.
| Cost Item | Approximate Proportion in Total Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Freight | 55-70% | Calculated by chargeable weight; larger weight means lower unit price |
| Fuel Surcharge | 15-25% | Fluctuates with oil prices, adjusted monthly |
| Security Surcharge | 2-5% | Fixed rate |
| Terminal Handling Charge | 3-8% | Includes warehouse entry, palletization, exit |
| Customs Clearance Fee | 1-3% | Charged per shipment |
| Delivery Fee | 3-10% | If needed |
The above proportions are industry reference ranges, not precise quotes. Please refer to the forwarder's official quotation for specific costs.
IV. How to Read an Air Freight Quotation
Quotation Example (Structure Reference)
A quotation typically includes the following information items; specific amounts vary by route, season, and cargo volume:
| Information Item | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Origin → Destination | e.g., SZX → LAX |
| Base Freight Tiers | Different unit prices for different weight brackets | Larger weight = lower unit price, e.g., Q45/Q100/Q300, etc. |
| Fuel Surcharge | Fluctuates with oil prices | Adjusted monthly |
| Security Surcharge | Fixed rate | Charged by weight |
| Terminal Handling Charge | Terminal operations fee | Per shipment + per weight |
| Customs Clearance Fee | Export customs clearance service fee | Charged per shipment |
| Quote Validity | Number of days the price is valid | Typically 3-7 days |
5 Must-Ask Questions When Requesting a Quote
- Is the quote All-in or +SCC? — All-in includes all charges; +SCC means security surcharge is additional
- Is the fuel surcharge based on the current month's standard or the airline's published standard? — Confirm the basis for calculation
- How is the terminal handling charge calculated? — Per shipment or per weight?
- How long is the quote valid? — Air freight prices fluctuate frequently; validity is usually only 3-7 days
- Are there any other charges at the destination port? — Confirm whether destination customs clearance fees and handling charges are included
Need an accurate air freight cost quote? Bofeng Logistics can provide you with air freight prices from the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Hong Kong) to worldwide, including All-in quotes and itemized quotes. Contact us for a precise quotation.
📞 Hotline: 130-7567-8958 | ✉️ Email: info@zhbfwl.com
Related Logistics Services
Bofeng Logistics offers the following related services, feel free to inquire: