5 Factors That Impact Air Freight Costs in Australia

August 28 2025
Customised Freight Solutions

When time matters, air freight offers unmatched speed. But for many businesses, understanding how the cost of air freight is calculated can feel unclear. Whether you're moving urgent parts, sending high-value goods, or backing up your supply chain, knowing what influences pricing helps you plan more effectively.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that impact domestic air freight costs in Australia and when it’s worth considering.

Weight and Size of Freight

Air freight pricing is heavily influenced by weight and volume. Most carriers calculate the cost based on whichever is greater: the actual weight (kg) or the volumetric weight (size converted into weight).

Volumetric weight = (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 6000

If you're sending bulky but light items, you'll likely be charged based on volume rather than actual weight.

Distance and Route

Domestic air freight costs vary by lane. Routes between capital cities with high frequency (like Melbourne to Sydney or Brisbane to Perth) tend to be more cost-effective than infrequent or regional routes. Remote destinations often require handover to a final-mile provider, which may add to the total cost.

Urgency and Service Level

Not all air freight services are priced equally. Same-day, next-flight, or express options come at a premium compared to deferred or economy services.

Airport-to-Airport vs. Door-to-Door

Some providers offer airport-to-airport pricing, while others include collection and delivery as part of a door-to-door service. Be sure to clarify what’s included, especially if your goods need to move quickly from the airport to their final destination.

Fuel Surcharges and Fees

Like road freight, air freight costs often include a fuel levy, which fluctuates with market rates. Other surcharges may apply for oversize items, manual handling, or dangerous goods.

When Does Air Freight Make Sense?

Air freight isn’t always the cheapest option but it can be the most strategic. Consider air if you:

Need a guaranteed delivery window for a critical order
Want to maintain stock availability during a supply chain delay
Are moving lightweight, high-value goods where speed outweighs cost

Understanding the trade-offs allows you to make smarter decisions across your entire freight mix.

Want Help Making Navigate Your Freight Options?

If you’re weighing up whether air freight is right for a particular job, or looking to improve how you manage urgent freight across your network, our team is here to help. We support both B2B and B2C businesses with flexible freight options across Australia and we’re happy to walk through your scenario and offer guidance.

Get in touch to learn how we can support your freight strategy or read more about our Air Freight services.