Air Freight Quote: What It Is and How to Get the Best Rate
Whether you're a logistics professional or a business owner trying to move goods overseas, understanding how quotes work and what affects the price can help you save time and money.
📦 What Is an Air Freight Quote?
An air freight quote is a detailed cost estimate provided by a freight forwarder or carrier for shipping goods by air. It typically includes:
- ✈️ Base air freight charge
- 💸 Fuel and security surcharges
- 📑 Customs documentation and handling fees
- 🚛 Pick-up and delivery (if included)
- 📦 Cargo insurance (optional)
Quotes may vary based on distance, weight, dimensions, urgency, and airline availability.
🔍 How to Request an Accurate Quote
To get a reliable air freight quote, prepare the following:
- 📦 Description of goods
- 🧮 Weight and dimensions
- 🌍 Origin and destination addresses
- 📆 Preferred departure and delivery dates
- 📑 Any special handling instructions or documents
The more details you provide, the more accurate your quote will be.
💼 Online Quote vs. Custom Quote: What's Better?
Online air freight quote tools offer instant estimates, great for comparison. But for specialized cargo, dangerous goods, or tight schedules, it’s best to request a custom quote from a freight forwarder.
✔️ Online = fast, general
✔️ Custom = accurate, tailored
🧮 What Factors Affect Your Air Freight Quote?
Here’s what logistics providers consider when calculating your quote:
Factor | Impact on Price |
📏 Weight & Dimensions | Heavier and larger cargo = higher rates |
🌍 Origin & Destination | Longer distances and remote areas cost more |
⏱️ Transit Time | Express services come at a premium |
🚛 Pickup & Delivery | Door-to-door services add to the cost |
📄 Customs Requirements | Fees vary depending on regulations |
Pro Tip: Quoting is often done based on chargeable weight, which is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight.
🚀 Tips to Get the Best Rate
- 🧠 Book in advance when possible
- 🪶 Reduce unnecessary weight or bulky packaging
- 📦 Consider consolidation if flexible with dates
- 📲 Use freight platforms that compare carriers
- 🤝 Build a relationship with your forwarder for better deals
🧩 Who Provides Air Freight Quotes?
You can request quotes from:
- 🌐 Freight forwarders (like Linbis Workspace)
- 🛫 Airlines’ cargo departments
- 📲 Digital freight marketplaces
- 🤝 Logistics brokers and aggregators
Each provider may offer different rates, transit times, and service levels.
📈 Final Thoughts
An air freight quote is more than just a price — it’s a window into speed, service, and supply chain reliability. Understanding how it’s built helps you make smarter shipping decisions and control your costs.
🚀 Compare smart. Ship faster. Save more.