Understanding Air Freight Costs in Australia: Weight vs Volume

Air freight is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to ship goods across Australia—but how much does it actually cost? Whether you’re moving freight from Brisbane to Perth or shipping between major cities, pricing can vary significantly depending on your cargo’s weight, size, and urgency.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that affect air freight pricing in Australia, explain volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight), and help you get more accurate quotes from providers.

Why Air Freight Pricing Varies

Air freight is calculated differently than road or sea freight. While shipping small parcels might seem straightforward, costs can increase quickly if your goods are bulky, fragile, or require special handling.

The most common pricing variables include:

• Actual weight vs volumetric (dimensional) weight

• Service level (e.g. economy, express, charter)

• Origin and destination (airport-to-airport or door-to-door)

• Cargo type (e.g. perishable, dangerous goods)

• Fuel surcharges, handling, and customs fees

🔗 Need help estimating total delivery time too? Check our delivery time guide for Brisbane to Perth air freight

Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight: What’s the Difference?

Airlines often charge based on whichever is greater: the actual weight (kg) or the volumetric weight.

✅ What is Volumetric Weight?

Volumetric weight reflects the space your cargo takes up in the aircraft. Light but bulky items (like pillows or packaging foam) cost more than you’d expect based on actual weight alone.

✏️ Formula to Calculate Volumetric Weight

For most domestic Australian air freight providers:

📦 Example:
A box that’s 80 × 60 × 40 cm:
= (80×60×40) ÷ 6000
= 32 kg volumetric weight

If the actual weight is only 20 kg, you’ll be charged for 32 kg.

Common Rate Ranges in Australia

While prices fluctuate, typical air freight rates within Australia are:

Note: Rates are approximate and can change based on provider, demand, fuel surcharges, and cargo handling needs.

Cost Example: Brisbane to Perth

Let’s say you want to send a 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm box weighing 10 kg from Brisbane to Perth.

• Volumetric weight = (50×40×30)/6000 = 10 kg

• Since actual = volumetric, billed weight = 10 kg

If using economy service at $3.50/kg:
10 kg × $3.50 = $35.00 (plus GST, handling, and pickup if needed)

Additional Fees to Expect

Beyond base freight rates, some extra charges may apply:

• ✅ Pickup & delivery (door-to-door): If you’re not delivering to the airport

• ✅ Dangerous goods handling

• ✅ Oversized or irregular cargo

• ✅ Temperature-controlled shipping

• ✅ Cargo insurance

• ✅ Fuel & security surcharges

To avoid surprises, always request an itemized quote from your freight provider.

Tips to Save on Air Freight Costs

• Measure and weigh your cargo precisely – rounding up adds unnecessary cost

• Use stackable, compact packaging – reduce volumetric weight

• Consolidate shipments – send in bulk rather than multiple small loads

• Avoid unnecessary surcharges – understand your cargo classification

• Choose the right service level – don’t pay express rates for non-urgent freight

🔗 For more tips on selecting the right service, see: How to Choose an Air Freight Service in Australia

When Is It Worth Paying More?

You might choose a more expensive freight service when:

• Delivery time is critical (e.g. medical equipment, mining parts)

• The shipment is high-value or perishable

• You need door-to-door convenience

• There’s a risk of penalty or disruption from late delivery

For example, same-day air charter may cost significantly more, but can prevent thousands in losses from supply chain downtime.

Final Thoughts

Understanding air freight pricing helps you make informed, cost-effective logistics decisions. By calculating volumetric weight and identifying the right service level, you can optimize shipping from Brisbane to Perth—or any major city across Australia.