What’s This About?
Air freight is a fast way to ship goods from the UK to places like Singapore or the USA. But it can be pricey, so understanding costs helps you save money. This guide explains air freight costs in simple terms, including what affects prices and how to keep them low, especially for UK businesses in 2025.
How Are Costs Figured Out?
Air freight costs depend on the chargeable weight, which is either:
- Actual Weight: How heavy your package is (like weighing it on a scale).
- Volumetric Weight: How much space your package takes up (for big but light items, like a box of feathers).
They charge for whichever is higher. For example, if your box is light but big, you pay for the space it uses.
Understanding Volumetric Weight (Space-Based Weight)
Volumetric weight is about how much room your package takes on the plane. Big, light packages cost more because they use more space. Here’s how to check it:
- For UK Businesses (using cm):
- Measure your package’s length, width, and height in centimeters (cm).
- Multiply those numbers together.
- Divide by 6000 to get the weight in kilograms (kg).
- Example:
Your box is 100 cm long, 100 cm wide, and 10 cm high.- Step 1: 100 × 100 × 10 = 100,000
- Step 2: 100,000 ÷ 6000 = 16.67 kg
So, the volumetric weight is 16.67 kg. If the actual weight is 15 kg, you’re charged for 16.67 kg because it’s higher. This happens because the box takes up more space than its weight suggests.
- Why It Matters:
Big boxes increase costs. To save money, pack items tightly to make the box smaller.
What Makes Costs Go Up?
Here are the main things that raise air freight prices:
- Size and Weight: Bigger or heavier packages cost more.
- Distance: Shipping to far places like Asia costs more than Europe.
- Fuel Prices: When fuel gets expensive, you pay extra.
- Busy Times: Holidays like Christmas raise prices because planes are full.
- Special Needs: Fragile or cold items (like food) need extra care, which adds costs.
Extra Fees to Watch For
Besides the main cost, you might pay:
- Customs Fees: For paperwork to clear UK or other countries’ rules.
- Handling Fees: For special items like frozen goods.
- Fuel Fees: Extra charges when fuel prices rise.
- Airport Fees: For using places like Heathrow.
How to Guess Your Costs
To estimate what you’ll pay:
- Weigh your package (actual weight in kg).
- Calculate volumetric weight (use the steps above).
- Pick the higher weight (that’s the chargeable weight).
- Multiply by the cost per kg (e.g., £3/kg).
- Add any extra fees (like £100 for customs).
Example:
- Your package has a chargeable weight of 100 kg.
- Cost is £3 per kg: 100 × £3 = £300.
- Add £50 fuel fee and £100 customs fee.
- Total: £300 + £50 + £100 = £450.
Tips to Save Money
Here’s how to keep costs down:
- Pack Smart: Use smaller boxes to lower volumetric weight.
- Ship Together: Combine multiple items into one shipment.
- Avoid Busy Times: Don’t ship during holidays like Lunar New Year.
- Use a Helper: A freight forwarder like SLG Logistics can find cheaper rates.
- Check Prices Online: Use tools like Ship4wd’s calculator.
UK Tips
- Best Airports: Use Heathrow or East Midlands for fast, affordable shipping.
- Customs Rules: After Brexit, extra paperwork is needed for Europe. Tools like Bookairfreight’s calculator help estimate customs costs.
- Money Matters: Some prices are in US dollars, so check exchange rates.
What’s Happening in 2025?
Air freight prices in 2025 are:
- Stable to Europe/USA: But could rise if there’s trouble.
- Higher to Asia/Middle East: Due to shipping issues (like Red Sea problems).
- Growing Demand: More businesses are using air freight, which might push prices up.
Talk to a freight forwarder for exact prices.
Wrap-Up
Air freight is great for fast shipping, but costs can add up. By understanding weights, watching for extra fees, and packing smart, you can save money. SLG Logistics can help you find the best rates and handle the details. Check out our other guides: