Why does the price of air freight vary so much?
Air cargo transport is one of the most strategic pillars of modern international trade. It connects markets, accelerates supply chains, and ensures that high-value or sensitive products reach their destination with speed and security.
But a frequent question among shippers, companies, and logistics partners is: why does the cost of air freight vary so much?
According to IATA, global demand for air cargo grew 2.9% in September of this year, marking the seventh consecutive month of expansion. In Brazil, ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency) also points to constant growth in cargo movement, driven by the need for short deadlines and reliable transport.
However, this same dynamic that drives the sector also makes it sensitive to various factors that directly influence the price of air freight.
- Fuel: the main cost component
Fuel is one of the items that most impact the cost of air freight, representing up to 40% of an airline’s operating costs. Fluctuations in oil prices directly influence the value of the service, since part of these variations is passed on to shippers through fuel surcharges.
Tip: monitoring oil market trends and planning shipments in advance can help reduce the impact of price fluctuations and optimize logistics costs.
- Airport fees and government charges
Landing, storage, import, and security fees, added to customs charges, vary according to the airport of origin and destination. In addition, international cargo transport is subject to environmental standards, sanitary requirements, and special inspections that can generate additional costs or delays.
Therefore, relying on experienced freight forwarders is essential to manage these variables and ensure fluidity in the logistics process.
- Weight, volume, and type of merchandise
Air freight is calculated based on actual weight or volumetric weight (cubage), with the greater of the two prevailing. Cubage considers the space occupied by the cargo inside the aircraft, taking into account dimensions (length × width × height).
In practice, this means that a light but bulky cargo can generate a high cost due to the space it occupies in the compartment, even if it weighs little.
Furthermore, fragile, dangerous, or high-value goods demand special handling, additional insurance, and, in some cases, specific compartments – factors that also affect the final price.
Tip: investing in smart packaging and space optimization can significantly reduce the cost per kilo transported, avoiding unnecessary charges for volume.
- Urgency and delivery deadlines
The urgency of delivery is another decisive factor. The faster the shipment needs to occur, the higher the freight cost tends to be, especially when there is a need for boarding prioritization or space reservation on specific flights.
Planning shipments with flexible delivery windows can result in significant savings without compromising operation reliability.
- Seasonality and market conditions
High demand in specific periods, such as Black Friday, Christmas, or major international events, puts pressure on airline capacity and raises rates.
Likewise, periods of economic growth increase competition for space, while recessions tend to reduce prices.
Monitoring market trends and aligning logistics strategies with seasonality allows companies to anticipate variations and maintain cost predictability.
- Technology and capacity management
Technological innovations are transforming air cargo transport.
Tools for real-time traceability, document digitization, and process automation increase efficiency and reduce operational errors.
On the other hand, companies that adopt intelligent capacity management manage to balance supply and demand, offering more competitive rates even in fluctuating scenarios.
Air freight: a strategic investment
Although air cargo transport is not the most economical mode, its benefits frequently outweigh the costs: