Cargo
Trasportation
by Air

PAX

This is an aircraft that accommodates cargo and passengers on the same flight. PAX flights have a smaller cargo carrying capacity and there may be restrictions on certain types of cargo such as hazardous and temperature controlled. The overall dimensions of the cargo can mean that a PAX flight is not feasible due to the cargo hold dimensions. The type of aircraft that can be considered as PAX would be 737s, 777s, A320.

CAO

Cargo Aircraft Only. CAO flights are dedicated to the movement of cargo and have no passengers. Larger cargoes as well as those requiring temperature control are usually made via CAO. The type of aircraft depends on the actual airline but can be considered in general as 747-800 and IL76s.

Express air via PAX and CAO.

Express air means that the cargo in question takes priority over general cargo and as such will be uplifted (loaded) to the first available PAX or CAO flight. Express cargo is also quickly expedited during airport ground handling procedures.

Pros and cons for air freight transportation

The speed is of course one of the main advantages of air freight, this is especially important for time sensitive shipments. Air cargo transportation can be organized to almost anywhere in the world in a matter of few days, sometimes even hours. Air freight is a reliable shipping option as you can always track the cargo movement and also be sure that your cargo will get to the right place at the right time. When choosing air freight, you can also be sure your cargo is protected, as statistically goods are more likely to be damaged when moving via ocean freight than by air.

As per disadvantages of air freight, it’s evident that the price goes to the first place. Air freight is not a green option for shipping as it leads to more CO2 emissions. And of course, the main drawback of air freight concerns shipping heavy cargo.

Approximate range of rates, what they depend on

Air freight rates generally range from 1.50 USD–5.00 USD per kilogram, while the value of air cargo typically exceeds 4.00 USD per kilogram. Commodities shipped by air thus have high values per unit or are very time-sensitive.

NB you can always get an instant online quotation for air freight shipping on our website. Just state the destination and origin points and the main cargo dimensions, and the Agora Freight system will show you all possible air freight transportation options. Choose and book!

How can I calculate the final cost for air transportation?

When it comes to air freight shipping, weight and volume are key factors. Air carriers will charge by either volumetric weight (known as the ‘chargeable weight’) or actual weight, depending on which is the greater.
To calculate the chargeable weight for air freight, you need to multiply the item’s volume in cubic meters by 167. For example, you have a package with the following measurements: W: 30 cm, H: 20 cm, L:40 cm. This means that the volume is 0,024 (the product of all sides divided by one million). Multiply this by 167, and you get a volumetric weight of 4 kilos.
If the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight of the product, the volumetric weight becomes the chargeable weight. For light air shipments, you can use this chargeable weight calculator to work out whether your shipment will be charged by actual weight or dimensional weight.
Use the Agora Freight air freight calculator to get instant air cargo estimate.

Samples of air freight quotations:

Additional air freight charges applicable

Beyond the expense of the pure air freight, which is calculated based on the cost above, the total cost to ship by air will more than likely include:

• Fuel surcharges
• Security surcharges
• Airport terminal handling charges
• Airport transfers (internal transfers within the airport)

In addition, for door-to-door costs, the price may also be subject to the following:

• Customs brokerage
• Pickup and delivery
• Cargo insurance
• Accessorial charges

NB Agora Freight experienced managers will help you find out which above-mentioned charges will be required for international shipping. Get in touch to find out more.

Agora Freight is one of the few air freight forwarding companies that can provide rates for air cargo transportation to any destination around the world instantaneously on our website or via external API.

Within the international air freight services, we provide:

• export clearance in the country of departure
• highly competitive air freight rates
• air cargo tracking and timely notifications
• customs clearance in the country of destination
• cargo insurance
• cargo consolidation
• repackaging of cargo and temporary storage
• “door-to-door” delivery

Fill in the website form for air freight delivery services with basic cargo parameters, departure, and arrival details and our system will instantly display optimal routes, rates, and transit times.
All you need to do is to choose the option best suited to your requirements.
It is also easy to obtain quotes and request additional services including cargo insurance and customs clearance.

When an online booking is made within business hours, an Agora Freight’s specialist will contact you within 15 minutes to confirm the order details and arrange the air cargo transportation.