.air-freight-calc-container {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 20px;
background: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
}
.afc-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
.afc-col {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.afc-full {
grid-column: 1 / -1;
}
.afc-label {
font-weight: 600;
margin-bottom: 5px;
color: #333;
font-size: 14px;
}
.afc-input {
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.afc-input:focus {
border-color: #0073aa;
outline: none;
}
.afc-btn {
background-color: #0073aa;
color: white;
padding: 12px 20px;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
cursor: pointer;
margin-top: 10px;
width: 100%;
font-weight: bold;
transition: background-color 0.2s;
}
.afc-btn:hover {
background-color: #005177;
}
.afc-result {
margin-top: 20px;
padding: 20px;
background: #fff;
border-left: 5px solid #0073aa;
border-radius: 4px;
display: none;
box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.afc-result h4 {
margin-top: 0;
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.afc-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-size: 15px;
}
.afc-total {
font-weight: bold;
font-size: 18px;
color: #0073aa;
margin-top: 10px;
padding-top: 10px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
}
.afc-note {
font-size: 12px;
color: #666;
margin-top: 5px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.afc-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.article-container {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 40px auto;
font-family: inherit;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
}
.article-container h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.article-container h3 {
color: #0073aa;
margin-top: 25px;
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.article-container ul {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.article-container li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.highlight-box {
background: #eef7fc;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
border: 1px solid #dcebf5;
margin: 20px 0;
}
function calculateAirFreight() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('pkgCount').value);
var weightPerPkg = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weightPerPkg').value);
var len = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dimL').value);
var wid = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dimW').value);
var hei = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dimH').value);
var rate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('freightRate').value);
var extra = parseFloat(document.getElementById('surcharges').value);
// 2. Default extra to 0 if empty
if (isNaN(extra)) extra = 0;
// 3. Validation
if (isNaN(count) || isNaN(weightPerPkg) || isNaN(len) || isNaN(wid) || isNaN(hei) || isNaN(rate)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for all package details and freight rate.");
return;
}
if (count <= 0 || weightPerPkg <= 0 || len <= 0 || wid <= 0 || hei <= 0 || rate totalActualWeight) ? volWeight : totalActualWeight;
// Calculate Costs
var baseCost = chargeableWeight * rate;
var totalCost = baseCost + extra;
// 5. Update DOM
document.getElementById('resActualWeight').innerHTML = totalActualWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById('resVolume').innerHTML = totalVolumeCBM.toFixed(3) + " cbm";
document.getElementById('resVolWeight').innerHTML = volWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
// Highlight which weight is being used
var chargeableText = chargeableWeight.toFixed(2) + " kg";
if (volWeight > totalActualWeight) {
chargeableText += " (Based on Volume)";
} else {
chargeableText += " (Based on Actual Weight)";
}
document.getElementById('resChargeable').innerHTML = chargeableText;
document.getElementById('resBaseCost').innerHTML = baseCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resSurcharges').innerHTML = extra.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resTotal').innerHTML = totalCost.toFixed(2);
// Show Result
document.getElementById('afResult').style.display = 'block';
}
How to Calculate Air Freight Rates: The Complete Guide
Calculating air freight costs can often feel complicated due to the industry's unique method of weighing cargo. Unlike ground shipping, where simple gross weight often suffices, air cargo is strictly regulated by space availability. This guide explains exactly how air freight rates are determined and how to use the calculator above effectively.
1. Chargeable Weight: The Golden Rule
The most important concept in air freight is Chargeable Weight. Airlines charge based on whichever is greater: the Actual Gross Weight or the Volumetric Weight.
Formula for Chargeable Weight:
Chargeable Weight = MAX (Actual Weight, Volumetric Weight)
This ensures that a shipper sending a box of feathers (large volume, low weight) pays for the space they occupy, while a shipper sending gold bars (low volume, high weight) pays for the weight they add to the aircraft.
2. How to Calculate Volumetric Weight
Volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight) is calculated by converting the volume of the cargo into a weight equivalent. The industry standard formula used by IATA (International Air Transport Association) depends on the units used, but the most common metric calculation is:
- Metric Formula: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000
- Imperial Formula: (Length × Width × Height in inches) ÷ 166
Our calculator uses the standard metric divisor of 6000. This means that 1 cubic meter of space is considered equivalent to 166.67 kg of weight.
3. Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Let's say you are shipping 2 boxes of electronics parts.
- Dimensions: 50cm x 40cm x 30cm per box
- Actual Weight: 8 kg per box
- Rate: $4.00 per kg
Step A: Calculate Actual Weight
2 boxes × 8 kg = 16 kg
Step B: Calculate Volumetric Weight
(50 × 40 × 30) ÷ 6000 = 10 kg per box.
Total Volumetric Weight = 10 kg × 2 boxes = 20 kg
Step C: Determine Chargeable Weight
Comparing 16 kg (Actual) vs 20 kg (Volumetric), the airline will charge based on the 20 kg because it is higher.
Step D: Final Cost
20 kg (Chargeable) × $4.00 = $80.00
4. Additional Air Freight Costs
While the base air freight rate covers the transit from airport to airport, your final invoice may include additional surcharges. When using the calculator, you can add these into the "Fixed Surcharges" field:
- Fuel Surcharge: Often a percentage of the base rate or a flat fee per kg to cover fluctuating oil prices.
- Security Surcharge: A fee for x-raying and screening cargo.
- Pickup and Delivery: Trucking costs to get the cargo to and from the airport.
- Documentation Fees: Costs for issuing the Air Waybill (AWB).
5. Tips for Reducing Air Freight Costs
Since volume plays such a massive role in pricing, packaging efficiency is key. To reduce costs:
- Compress Packaging: Remove excess air or padding.
- Stack Efficiently: Ensure boxes are stackable to avoid "dead space" on pallets.
- Know the Divisor: Some express couriers use a divisor of 5000 instead of 6000, which results in a higher chargeable weight. Always check with your forwarder.