How air freight rates are calculated
Every price on this board is built for the weight and volume you enter, from the month's consolidation rates for the lane, on its cheapest weekly departure for your shipment. Here is how it works.
What is an air consolidation rate?
A consolidator books space on a flight and combines shipments from many shippers under one master air waybill. Each shipper pays per kilo for its own share, which costs less than booking a flight directly. The board shows these consolidated rates from US airports, with weekly departures on each lane.
How is an air freight price calculated?
Air freight is charged per chargeable kilo: the gross weight or the volume weight, whichever is greater. The volume weight uses a ratio of 1 to 6, so 1 CBM counts as 166.67 kg, and the chargeable weight is rounded up to the next half kilo. The rate per kilo falls at 100, 500 and 1,000 kg, and when charging your shipment at the next break is cheaper, that is what you pay. Every lane has a minimum.
What fees are added to the rate?
The rate already includes fuel and security surcharges and the warehouse transfer. Added per shipment: cargo screening per chargeable kilo with a $15 minimum, the TSA security fee ($0.05 a kilo, $5 minimum), and the $20 AET fee. Every line is in the price you reveal.
What is a known shipper, and why are there two prices?
Under TSA rules, cargo can fly on a passenger aircraft only when the shipper has been vetted under the Known Shipper program; cargo from any other shipper must fly on an all-cargo aircraft. Most consolidation departures on this board fly on passenger aircraft, so their price is the known shipper price, and Gateway checks your status before booking. Where a lane has an all-cargo departure, the board shows its price for new shippers too; where it has none, ask for a quote.
What is the destination document fee?
Some destinations charge the consignee a fee to release the air waybill, for example a flat amount or an amount plus a charge per kilo. It is charged at destination, so it is not in the board’s price; each lane shows it, or shows that it is waived.
How long are the rates valid?
The rates are set for the calendar month and the board shows the last day they are valid. They are subject to space and carrier acceptance at the time of booking, so Gateway confirms the price before you book. When a new month starts, the board loads the new rates; until then it asks for a quote rather than show an old price.
What cargo do the rates cover?
General cargo that fits the lower deck of a passenger or freighter aircraft, up to 120 x 80 x 62 inches a piece. Hazardous cargo, oversized or main deck cargo, charters and very large shipments are quoted on request.
Do you have air freight rates into the US?
This board shows exports from US airports. For air freight into the US, request a quote and Gateway prices it on the current market.
What the price covers
Air freight from the US airport to the destination airport on a consolidated departure, with fuel and security surcharges and the warehouse transfer included, plus cargo screening, the TSA security fee and the AET fee. General cargo that fits the lower deck (up to 120 x 80 x 62 inches a piece).
Not included
- Pickup at your door and delivery to your consignee
- The destination document fee, charged at destination (shown on each lane)
- US export filing, destination customs clearance, duties and taxes
- Cargo insurance
- Hazardous, oversized or main deck cargo, which is quoted on request