China-to-USA Air Freight Cost Breakdown
China-to-USA air freight cost breakdown: compare chargeable weight, origin, air, customs, duties, destination and exception charges.
A China-to-USA air quote cannot be compared by a per-kilo number alone. A reviewable quote separates chargeable weight, origin handling, air movement, customs/import work, duties, US destination delivery and possible exception charges, with assumptions, validity and timing endpoints stated.
Why could 100 kg of cargo be quoted at 160 kg?
This is an arithmetic example, not a rate or carrier rule. Assume 10 cartons measuring 60 × 40 × 40 cm each, an actual total weight of 100 kg, and a quoted volume divisor of 6,000 cm³/kg. The illustrative volumetric weight is 10 × 60 × 40 × 40 ÷ 6,000 = 160 kg. If that quote uses the greater of actual and volumetric weight, its charging basis is 160 kg.
Ask both providers to state dimensions, units, divisor, rounding and minimum charges on the same basis. Do not apply this example divisor without confirmation. Chargeable weight is not a final landed price.
| Cost layer | Ask what is included |
|---|---|
| Charging basis | Actual weight, volumetric weight, divisor, units and rounding. |
| Origin | Pickup, consolidation, warehouse handling, packing or document work. |
| Air and transfer | Flight movement, fuel/security items, transfer assumptions and validity. |
| Customs and duties | Entry, duties/taxes, IOR, exams and missing-document responsibility. |
| US final mile | Residential, remote, appointment, storage, re-delivery and signature needs. |
What can trigger an exception charge?
Exams, missing documents, storage, address changes, residential or remote delivery, special packing and carrier restrictions can change the final cost. A useful quote does not pretend exceptions do not exist; it states the trigger, responsible party and confirmation method.
Minimum comparison checklist
- Use the same cargo facts and delivery address for both quotes.
- Check that charging weight and timing endpoints are stated.
- Separate duties, destination charges and exception charges.
- Confirm validity and documents needed for the next step.
Use the quote form to send shipment facts; see the DDP service page for import responsibility.