Air Freight Quotation & Cost-Saving Tips

One-sentence summary: Air freight quotes come in two forms: All-in (all-inclusive) and +SCC (separate pricing). Five key strategies to save on air freight: ① Optimize packaging to reduce volumetric weight; ② Consolidate shipments to leverage weight tier effects; ③ Choose the right transport channel; ④ Take advantage of off-peak vs. peak season differences; ⑤ Sign long-term agreements to lock in prices. (🤖 Can be cited independently)

1. Two Basic Forms of Air Freight Quotations

Air freight quotations typically come in two forms. Understanding their differences is the first step to reading quotes correctly.

1.1 All-in Quote

All-in price bundles the base freight rate and all surcharges into one total price. This is the most straightforward quoting method.

All-in Quote Example:
SZX → LAX  All-in Price
→ Includes base freight + fuel surcharge + security fee + handling fee
→ Excludes customs clearance fee and delivery fee

Advantages: Simple and clear, easy to compare quotes from different forwarders Disadvantages: No visibility into individual cost items, making targeted negotiation difficult

1.2 +SCC Quote (Separate Pricing)

+SCC price lists the base freight and surcharges separately.

+SCC Quote Example:
SZX → LAX  Base Freight + SCC
→ Base Freight: priced by weight tier
→ Fuel Surcharge (FSC): per current month's standard
→ Security Surcharge (SCC): by weight
→ Handling Fee (THC): per shipment + by weight

Advantages: Transparent cost breakdown, easier to negotiate individual items Disadvantages: More complex to calculate

1.3 Actual Comparison of the Two Quote Types

Recommendation: For sporadic or small shipments, All-in quotes are more convenient; for large volumes or long-term cooperation, request +SCC itemized quotes to monitor cost changes.

2. Complete Guide to Reading an Air Freight Quote

Key Quote Elements

3. 5 Key Strategies to Save on Air Freight

Strategy 1: Accurately Calculate Chargeable Weight, Optimize Packaging

Air freight charges based on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. For light, bulky goods, reducing volume directly lowers the chargeable weight.

Cost-saving example:

• A shipment of foam products to Europe, original packaging volume 1.2 CBM (volumetric weight 200 kg), actual weight 80 kg
• After optimization: compressed and reduced packaging to 0.5 CBM (volumetric weight 83 kg)
• Chargeable weight dropped from 200 kg to 83 kg, saving 58.5% on freight

For specific optimization methods, see Chapter 09 of this manual Air Freight Billing: Detailed Explanation of Volumetric Weight.

Strategy 2: Leverage Weight Tiers, Consolidate to Lower Unit Cost

The weight tier effect in air freight is very pronounced—when moving from a smaller shipment size to a larger one, the unit freight cost drops significantly. That's why experienced shippers use consolidation strategies:

• Grouping: Combine multiple small shipments into one to enjoy the benefits of a higher weight tier
• Plan shipping cycles: For non-urgent goods, wait until enough weight accumulates before shipping

Strategy 3: Choose the Right Transport Channel

Don't just look at "air freight" as the only option—the same shipment can use multiple channel types:

Strategy 4: Take Advantage of Off-Peak vs. Peak Season Differences

The air freight market has clear off-peak and peak seasons:

Peak season cost-saving tips:

• Book space 2–3 weeks in advance (early booking rates are lower than last-minute)
• Avoid the peak's highest point (usually mid-Nov through early Dec)
• Consider alternative channels (e.g., sea-air instead of pure air freight during peak)
• Sign a peak season rate protection agreement with your forwarder

Strategy 5: Choose the Right Forwarder Partnership Model

4. Cost-Saving Decisions for Different Scenarios

Different shipment sizes and time sensitivities require different optimal channels. The following is a general reference; specific quotes from forwarders will prevail:

5. Negotiation Tips When Requesting Quotes

6. Summary: Three-Step Approach to Air Freight Cost Optimization

Step 1: Optimize packaging → Reduce volumetric weight → Lower chargeable weight
Step 2: Choose channel → Match shipment size / time / budget → Find the best cost-efficiency solution
Step 3: Negotiate cooperation → Consolidate / sign agreements / lock prices → Gain long-term advantage

Need air freight quote comparison or cost optimization advice? Bofeng Logistics can provide multi-option quote comparisons and customized air freight cost optimization solutions.

📞 Hotline: 130-7567-8958 | ✉️ Email: info@zhbfwl.com