Resources / Guides
Air cargo guides
Understanding chargeable weight
Air freight pricing is usually based on chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Bulky, light shipments pay for the space they use. Always calculate chargeable weight before comparing quotes, using a divisor of 6000 unless the carrier states otherwise. The full walkthrough, with an example, is on the air freight calculator page.
Preparing a shipment for air freight
- Use sturdy packaging that survives handling, stacking and temperature changes
- Label boxes clearly with destination, contents and any handling instructions
- Prepare the commercial invoice and packing list before booking
- Check for regulated items — batteries, liquids, dangerous goods — early in the process
- Measure and weigh accurately: the numbers drive both your quote and your chargeable weight
Temperature-controlled shipping
Pharmaceuticals, biologics, food and many perishables require a controlled temperature range from pickup to delivery. FitMyParcel handles cold-chain cargo through FitCold.
- Active solutions use temperature-controlled containers or reefer units for precise ranges, including frozen and sub-zero
- Passive solutions use validated packaging with phase-change materials and gel packs for shorter transit
- Common ranges: +2°C to +8°C (pharma cold chain), +15°C to +25°C (controlled room temperature), and frozen at -20°C or below
Cold-chain shipments are always reviewed manually so the correct handling, packaging and lane options are confirmed before quotation. Thermal recorders and temperature documentation can be arranged where required.
Choosing between air freight options
Compare more than the headline price: transit time, routing, included charges and validity. A slightly higher price may include pickup or faster transit. FitMyParcel standardises these fields so the choice is clear — and the itemised breakdown means you know exactly what each price includes.
Consolidated vs. direct shipments
Consolidated (shared) shipments are cheaper because space is shared, but add a day or two and a handling point. Direct shipments cost more but move faster. On dense lanes, both options may be available side-by-side for the same request.