Request a Quote for Airfreight Small Package: Guide

Air freight isn't just for large, heavy shipments. Even a small package weighing just a few kilograms can be smartest sent by air—especially when speed, reliability, and global coverage matter. This guide explains everything about requesting an air freight quote for small packages, what information you need, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why air freight makes sense for small packages too

For many shippers, air freight is synonymous with large, expensive shipments. Yet, the air freight network also offers clear advantages for small packages that road or sea transport simply can’t match.

Weighing speed versus cost

It’s true that air freight costs more per kilogram than sea or road transport. But the total cost of delays—think production downtime, lost sales, or perishable goods losing value—often outweigh the freight charges. For a small package with a high value per kilogram, like electronics or pharmaceutical shipments via air freight, the premium is quickly recouped.

When to choose air over road or sea?

Air freight is the logical choice when:

• Transit time is critical (express deliveries within 24–72 hours worldwide);
• The goods are temperature-sensitive, such as flowers, vaccines, or fresh food;
• It’s an AOG shipment (Aircraft on Ground) or other emergency;
• Road transport is not an option because the destination is outside Europe;
• The value of the goods is so high that faster transit reduces insurance and financing costs.

For intercontinental shipments—from Asia to North America—air freight for small packages is often even more cost-effective than courier services, especially when working with an independent freight forwarder offering consolidation opportunities.

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What is considered a small package in air freight?

The air freight industry doesn’t have a universal definition of 'small package,' but in practice, shipments up to 45 kg are often seen as small, while shipments up to 100 kg may still qualify for consolidation (groupage).

Weight and dimension limits

Two weight categories are relevant in air freight:

Category	Weight
Express shipment / small package	Up to ±45 kg
Consolidation shipment	45–300 kg
Charter / full flight	Over 300 kg

Dimensions play an equally important role as weight. Items exceeding maximum pallet or container sizes require special handling. Always check the maximum dimensions allowed for the specific flight.

Chargeable weight: volume weight explained

Air freight pricing is based on the chargeable weight, which is the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. You calculate volumetric weight as follows:

Volumetric Weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000

Example: A box measuring 60 × 40 × 30 cm has a volumetric weight of 60 × 40 × 30 ÷ 6,000 = 12 kg. If the box actually weighs only 5 kg, you still pay for 12 kg. Understanding this principle is essential before requesting a quote—a lightweight but bulky package may cost more than expected.

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What information do you need for a quote?

An accurate quote starts with precise data. The more complete your info, the sharper the rate a forwarder can offer.

Dimensions, weight, and incoterm

Have the following basic info ready:

• Gross weight (including packaging) in kg;
• Net weight of the goods;
• Dimensions per package in cm (length × width × height);
• Number of packages;
• Incoterm (e.g., EXW, DAP, DDP)—this determines who’s responsible for which part of transport and customs formalities.

Nature of goods and special requirements

The type of goods also affects rates and needed documentation:

• Commercial value and currency (required for customs declaration);
• HS code or goods description;
• Hazardous materials (IATA DGR classification if applicable);
• Temperature requirements—special handling procedures apply for flowers and plants via air or refrigerated pharmaceuticals;
• Special insurance requests for valuable goods transported by air.

Departure and destination airport

Provide the IATA airport codes for departure and destination (e.g., AMS for Amsterdam Schiphol, JFK for New York). If unknown, the city name suffices. Also indicate if pickup or delivery address beyond the airport is needed.

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How to request an air freight quote for a small package?

Requesting an air freight quote at Aircargo.nl is a streamlined three-step process.

Step 1: fill out the quote form

Visit the Aircargo.nl website and complete the online quote form with all the info from the checklist above. The form is clearly structured and guides you through necessary fields. Unsure about your goods classification or the correct incoterm? Aircargo.nl is available 24/7 for personal advice—call or email directly to a dedicated contact person, not a call center.

Step 2: receive and compare the quote

After submitting your request, you’ll typically receive a detailed quote within a few hours. It transparently lists all cost components: the freight rate, fuel surcharge, security fees, and any customs charges. Thanks to Aircargo.nl's independent position—not tied to any single airline or agent network—they compare multiple routing options and rates to give you the best offer.

Step 3: confirm the booking

Agree with the quote? Simply confirm your booking by email or phone. Aircargo.nl then arranges the space reservation on the flight, prepares necessary documents (air waybill/AWB), and coordinates handling at Schiphol. You receive a booking confirmation with all relevant details, including expected flight times.

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Cost factors for air freight of small shipments

An air freight quote consists of several components. Understanding these helps you interpret and compare total costs correctly.

Rate structure: airfreight rate + surcharges

Main components of an air freight rate are:

• Airfreight rate: the basic freight charge per kg (chargeable weight), depending on route and available capacity;
• Fuel surcharge (CAF): linked to current fuel prices;
• Security surcharge: mandatory per-kg security fee;
• AWB costs: preparing the air waybill;
• Terminal handling charges (THC): processing fees at the airport.

For small shipments, minimum charges may apply per package or per shipment. It’s wise to consolidate multiple packages when possible.

Customs and handling fees

Customs formalities apply on both export and import. Aircargo.nl holds an AEO certification (Authorized Economic Operator), which means shipments clear customs faster with fewer physical inspections. This saves both time and money. For imports, also budget for duties and VAT, depending on goods type and country of origin.

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Aircargo.nl: your independent partner at Schiphol

Aircargo.nl is based in Aalsmeer, right next to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol—one of Europe’s largest air freight hubs. Founded in 2006, with extensive experience in both regular and special shipments.

Consolidation for small packages

Thanks to consolidation (groupage), Aircargo.nl combines small shipments from multiple customers into one larger air freight load. This enables offering competitive rates for packages weighing only a few dozen kilograms, rates otherwise only available for large volumes. With a network covering 120+ destinations worldwide, there’s always a suitable solution.

Expertise in temperature-sensitive and urgent shipments

Aircargo.nl’s roots are in the flower sector—a highly demanding segment for speed and temperature control. That expertise translates into reliable handling of all temperature-sensitive goods, from cut flowers to pharmaceuticals. They also specialize in AOG shipments and other time-critical transports where any delay causes direct damage. Personal contact with a dedicated employee—no ticket system, no waiting queue—makes all the difference when it counts.

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Common mistakes when requesting an air freight quote

Small errors when requesting a quote can lead to extra costs, delays, or even shipment rejection at the airport. The most frequent pitfalls are:

1. Providing incorrect dimensions—Always measure the outer packaging, not just the goods. Even small deviations can significantly affect the chargeable weight.
2. Not declaring hazardous materials—Batteries (lithium), perfume, paint, and many everyday products fall under IATA DGR regulations. Failure to declare leads to withholding or fines.
3. Choosing the wrong incoterm—EXW and DDP allocate responsibilities very differently. Discuss this with your forwarder in advance.
4. Booking too late—Air freight capacity, especially on popular routes, is limited. Book at least 24–48 hours in advance; for urgent shipments, as soon as possible.
5. Forgetting documentation—Commercial invoice, packing list, and export permits for certain goods must be submitted timely. Missing docs delay handling.

Tip: when in doubt, always contact Aircargo.nl first. A short call or email session can prevent costly mistakes.

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Conclusion: request a quote now for your small shipment

Sending a small package by air freight doesn’t have to be complicated or unnecessarily expensive. With proper preparation—accurate dimensions, complete goods information, and the correct incoterm—you can get started quickly at competitive prices. Aircargo.nl, as an independent forwarder next to Schiphol, offers transparent pricing, AEO-certified customs handling, and personal contact that’s available 24/7.

Want to know the cost of your small air freight shipment immediately? Request a quote today through Aircargo.nl and receive a tailored price offer within hours—no surprises afterward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request an air freight quote for a small package?

Fill out the online quote form on Aircargo.nl with your shipment’s basic details: gross weight, dimensions per package, origin and destination airports, type of goods, and desired incoterm. Once submitted, a representative will contact you or you’ll receive a quote right away. If you have questions before filling out the form, Aircargo.nl is available 24/7 by phone and email.

What does air freight cost for a small package?

The price depends on the chargeable weight (higher of actual and volumetric weight), destination, and applicable surcharges such as fuel and security fees. Since these factors vary by shipment and timing, a quote provides the most accurate and current cost. Consolidation through Aircargo.nl often makes air freight for small packages substantially cheaper than direct courier services.

What is the minimum weight for an air freight shipment?

Most airlines and forwarders apply a minimum charge corresponding to a weight of typically 45 kg. If your shipment weighs less, you still pay the minimum rate. Consolidation solves this: by combining your package with other customers’ shipments, you pay only for your actual share. This makes small shipments cost-efficient even if they only weigh a few kilograms.

How long does it take to receive an air freight quote?

At Aircargo.nl, you generally receive a quote within a few hours, depending on shipment complexity and time of request. Thanks to personal contact—you always speak with a dedicated employee—any questions are quickly resolved, so you don’t wait for automated replies. For urgent requests, faster responses are possible via direct phone handling.

Can I ship a small package by air freight to any country?

Through Aircargo.nl’s network, more than 120 destinations worldwide are reachable. In principle, air freight to nearly any country is possible. Exceptions may arise due to embargoes, political situations, or specific customs requirements of the destination country. Aircargo.nl proactively informs you of any restrictions and seeks alternative routing options if needed.

What is the difference between volumetric and actual weight in air freight?

Actual weight is what the scale shows including packaging. Volumetric weight is calculated based on the physical space the shipment occupies: length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 6,000. Air freight rates are always based on the higher of the two—the chargeable weight. A light but large package can be just as costly as a heavy, compact one. Always measure and weigh your packages precisely before requesting a quote.