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Freight Shipping Rate Request from China to India by Air: A Complete Guide

Freight Shipping Rate Request from China to India by Air: A Complete Guide

Air freight shipping from China to India has become a preferred choice for businesses that need speed, reliability, and secure handling. Whether you are importing electronics, pharmaceuticals, garments, machinery parts, or e-commerce goods, understanding how to request an accurate air freight shipping rate is essential for cost control and smooth logistics planning.

This guide explains how air freight rates are calculated, what details you must provide when requesting a quote, and how to get the best value when shipping from China to India.

Why Choose Air Freight from China to India?

Air cargo is ideal when:

  • Goods are time-sensitive

  • Products are high-value or fragile

  • Inventory shortages must be avoided

  • Faster customs clearance is required

Major Chinese export hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Beijing offer frequent flights to Indian gateways such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, ensuring strong connectivity and competitive pricing.

Key Factors That Affect Air Freight Rates

When requesting a freight rate from China to India by air, pricing depends on several variables:

1. Chargeable Weight

Air freight is calculated on the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight.

Volumetric weight formula:

(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000

If your shipment is bulky but lightweight, volumetric weight will apply.

2. Origin and Destination Airports

Rates vary depending on:

  • Departure airport in China

  • Arrival airport in India

  • Availability of direct vs transit flights

Direct flights are usually faster but may cost more.

3. Type of Cargo

Different cargo types affect pricing:

  • General cargo

  • Dangerous goods (DG)

  • Temperature-controlled cargo

  • Lithium batteries

  • Pharmaceuticals

Special handling increases freight costs.

4. Urgency and Transit Time

  • Express air freight: 1–3 days (higher cost)

  • Standard air freight: 3–7 days (more economical)

5. Fuel Surcharge & Seasonality

Fuel prices, peak seasons (festivals, year-end, sales events), and capacity shortages can significantly impact rates.

Information Required to Request an Air Freight Rate

To receive an accurate and fast quotation, always share the following details with your freight forwarder:

  1. Pickup location (city, China)

  2. Destination airport (city, India)

  3. Commodity description

  4. Number of packages

  5. Dimensions of each package

  6. Gross weight

  7. Ready date of cargo

  8. Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, etc.)

  9. Any special handling requirements

Incomplete information can lead to incorrect pricing or delays.

Typical Transit Time from China to India by Air

RouteEstimated Transit Time
Shanghai → Delhi3–5 days
Guangzhou → Mumbai3–6 days
Shenzhen → Bengaluru4–6 days
Hong Kong → Chennai3–5 days

Transit times include customs clearance under normal conditions.

How to Get the Best Air Freight Rates

✔ Compare quotes from reliable freight forwarders
✔ Plan shipments in advance to avoid peak surcharges
✔ Optimize packaging to reduce volumetric weight
✔ Choose the nearest origin airport
✔ Work with a forwarder that offers door-to-door pricing transparency

Partnering with an experienced logistics provider helps avoid hidden charges and ensures compliance with customs regulations in both countries.

Common Charges Included in Air Freight Quotes

An air freight rate may include:

  • Air freight cost

  • Fuel surcharge

  • Security surcharge

  • Export documentation

  • Terminal handling charges

Additional charges may apply for:

  • Customs clearance

  • Duties and taxes

  • Delivery at destination

  • Special cargo handling

Always ask for a detailed cost breakup.

Conclusion

Requesting a freight shipping rate from China to India by air requires more than just asking for a price. Providing accurate shipment details, understanding how rates are calculated, and choosing the right logistics partner can save time, money, and operational stress.

As trade between China and India continues to grow, air freight remains a strategic solution for businesses that value speed, reliability, and supply chain efficiency.

FAQs

1. What is the minimum weight for air freight from China to India?

Most airlines accept shipments starting from 45 kg, but consolidated cargo options are available for smaller shipments.

2. How much does air freight from China to India cost per kg?

Rates vary based on season, route, and cargo type, but typically range between USD 3 to USD 8 per kg for standard cargo.

3. Is customs clearance included in air freight rates?

Not always. Customs clearance is often quoted separately unless a door-to-door service is requested.

4. Can I ship lithium batteries by air?

Yes, but lithium batteries require DG documentation, special packaging, and airline approval, which increases cost.

5. Which airport in China is cheapest for air freight?

Airports like Guangzhou and Shenzhen often offer competitive rates due to high cargo volumes.

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Location: Delhi, India

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