What is chargeable weight?
The airline charges the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher, so a light but bulky shipment pays for the space it takes on the aircraft.
Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) / 6,000 In cubic metres: volume (m³) × 167 = volumetric weight (kg) In inches: length × width × height (in) / 366 = volumetric weight (kg)
Try it with your own figures in the chargeable weight calculator.
Chargeable weight is normally rounded up to the next half kilo.
Worked example
You ship 10 cartons, each 60 × 40 × 40 cm and 8 kg.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Actual weight | 10 × 8 kg | 80 kg |
| Volume | 10 × (0.60 × 0.40 × 0.40 m) | 0.96 m³ |
| Volumetric weight | 10 × (60 × 40 × 40 / 6,000) | 160 kg |
| Chargeable weight | the higher of 80 and 160 | 160 kg |
The shipment is charged as 160 kg although it weighs 80 kg. If the same goods fitted into 0.48 m³, the chargeable weight would be 80 kg and the freight would halve.
What makes up the price?
| Price element | What it is |
|---|---|
| Air freight | Rate per kilo × chargeable weight. The rate falls as the weight break rises (e.g. +45, +100, +300, +500 kg). Small shipments pay a minimum charge. |
| Fuel surcharge | Airline surcharge that follows the fuel price, usually per chargeable kilo. |
| Security surcharge | Screening and aviation security rules. |
| AWB fee | Issuing the air waybill. |
| Terminal handling | Handling at the departure and arrival terminals. |
| Pickup and delivery | Trucking to and from the airport. |
| Customs clearance | Export and/or import declaration. |
| Duty and VAT | On imports from outside the EU, as assessed by Finnish Customs; VAT generally 25.5%. |
Weight breaks: why a bigger shipment can cost less
The rate per kilo depends on the weight break: the higher the chargeable weight, the lower the rate. So a shipment just below a break can work out cheaper when it is charged at the minimum weight of the next break.
Example: a shipment has a chargeable weight of 90 kg. Two options are calculated: 90 kg at the lower break’s rate, and 100 kg at the +100 kg rate. The shipment is charged at whichever total is lower. We run this comparison for you in every quote.
What affects air freight rates?
- Route and airports: direct, busy routes are often cheaper than connections.
- Weight and volume: compact packing lowers the volumetric weight.
- Season and capacity: the year-end peak and Asian holidays push prices up.
- Urgency: express courier is fastest and most expensive, consolidated air freight cheaper.
- Special cargo: dangerous goods, lithium batteries, temperature-controlled and oversized cargo cost more.
- Incoterm: decides which parts of the cost are yours.
How to save on air freight
- Pack tightly. Empty space in cartons and on pallets raises the volumetric weight. Check whether you pay for weight or space with the chargeable weight calculator.
- Combine shipments. One 100 kg shipment usually costs less than five 20 kg shipments, because the rate per kilo falls and minimum charges disappear.
- Book ahead. In the year-end peak and before Asian holidays, capacity runs out quickly and prices rise.
- Have documents ready. An incomplete commercial invoice or customs data can leave the goods in paid storage.
- Consider sea-air. It is faster than sea freight and cheaper than air freight alone. If the goods are not urgent, compare with sea freight rates.
Special cargo and urgent shipments
Dangerous goods and lithium batteries, temperature-controlled cargo and oversized pieces are priced separately, because handling, packing and airline acceptance take more work. Read more: dangerous goods, special cargo and charter and AOG air freight, which we handle 24/7.
Service, transit time and price level
| Service | Typical time (China → Finland) | Price level |
|---|---|---|
| Express courier | 1–3 days | highest per kilo |
| Consolidated air freight | 1–3 days | medium |
| Sea freight | 30–46 days port to port | lowest per kilo |
Indicative, updated 12 October 2026.
For lanes, see air freight from Finland, air freight China to Finland, air freight to Europe and destinations.
Updated 19 October 2026 · Reviewed by Artem Tchervonni, Managing Director