Air Freight Quotation: All-in vs +SCC

Air freight quotations usually come in two forms: All-in and +SCC (separate charges). This article explains the difference between the two quotation forms, the meaning of each cost item on the quotation, and how chargeable weight is calculated, helping you understand air freight quotations.

1. Two Basic Forms of Air Freight Quotations

1.1 All-in Quotation

All-in price packages the base freight and all surcharges into one total price, and is the simplest quotation method.

All-in quotation example:
SZX → LAX  All-in price
→ Includes base freight + fuel surcharge + security charge + handling charge
→ Excludes customs clearance fee and delivery fee

Features: The total price is clear at a glance, making overall comparison easy; however, individual cost items cannot be seen separately.

1.2 +SCC Quotation (Separate Charges)

+SCC price is a quotation method in which the base freight and surcharges are listed separately.

+SCC quotation example:
SZX → LAX  Base freight + SCC
→ Base freight: priced by weight tier
→ Fuel surcharge (FSC): according to current monthly rate
→ Security charge (SCC): charged by weight
→ Handling charge (THC): per shipment + by weight

Features: The cost structure is transparent; each cost item needs to be added together by yourself.

1.3 Comparison of the Two Quotation Forms

Comparison item	All-in quotation	+SCC quotation
Quotation simplicity	Clear at a glance	Need to calculate yourself
Cost transparency	Costs packaged, fewer details	Each cost item is clear
Adaptability to fuel price fluctuations	Fixed within quotation validity	FSC adjusts with the market
Main applicable scenarios	Small to medium shipment volumes	Large volumes / long-term cooperation

2. Complete Interpretation of an Air Freight Quotation

Item	Interpretation
Validity period	Air freight prices fluctuate frequently; the validity period is usually 3-7 days
Weight tiers	The larger the weight, the lower the unit price; note whether there are "break points"
Q45/Q100/Q300	Applicable unit prices for different weight brackets; once the threshold is reached, that bracket's price applies
All-in vs +SCC	All-in already includes surcharges; +SCC must be calculated separately
Handling charge per shipment	Fixed charge per shipment; accounts for a higher proportion when shipment volume is small

3. Determining Chargeable Weight: Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight, Whichever is Greater

Air freight uses the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric weight as the chargeable weight.

Volumetric weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000 (for international express, usually ÷5000).

Example: A shipment of foam products to Europe has original outer packaging of about 1.2 CBM (volumetric weight about 200 kg) and an actual weight of 80 kg, so it is charged by volumetric weight; if the packaging is compressed to about 0.5 CBM (volumetric weight about 83 kg), it is charged by actual weight. It can be seen that the outer packaging size directly affects the chargeable weight.

For the specific calculation method of volumetric weight and the conversion coefficients of different channels, see "Air Freight Charging Methods: Detailed Explanation of Volumetric Weight (DIM)".

4. Weight Tiers and Charging Differences Between Channels

4.1 Weight Tiers

Air freight is quoted by weight tiers, with different unit prices applied to different weight brackets. Combining multiple small shipments into one shipment may qualify for a higher weight tier unit price—whether to consolidate should be decided based on cargo transit time and routing arrangements.

4.2 Charging Differences Between Channels

Channel	Transit time	Charging characteristics	Suitable scenarios
Air freight general cargo	5-10 days	Actual weight / volumetric weight, whichever is greater	50-500 kg, moderate shipment volume
Air express	2-5 days	Volumetric divisor ÷5000, chargeable weight tends to be higher	Below 50 kg, door-to-door and tracking required
Air freight dedicated line	4-8 days	Fixed space, consolidated board rate	Cargo with stable volume and clear transit time requirements
Charter flight	As agreed	Overall quotation by tonnage	Large volumes of urgent cargo

Channel selection should be comprehensively evaluated based on shipment volume, transit time requirements, and budget. Specific solutions can be consulted with a freight forwarder.

5. Common Cost Items and Precautions

Fuel surcharge (FSC): Fluctuates with the market according to the published monthly rate.
Security charge (SCC): Charged by weight or per shipment.
Handling charge (THC): Charged per shipment + by weight; accounts for a relatively higher proportion when shipment volume is small.
Customs clearance fee: Usually not included in the All-in price and must be confirmed separately.
Delivery fee: Destination port pickup or door-to-door delivery is charged separately.
Before placing an order, it is recommended to confirm with the freight forwarder whether the cost composition within the quotation validity period is complete.

If you need clear interpretation of air freight quotations and consultation on charging methods, please feel free to contact Bofeng Logistics. We will provide a transparent transportation solution based on your cargo situation.

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