Air Freight from China to Dubai: Rates and Pricing

Air freight from China to Dubai is one of the most important trade routes in the Middle East. Due to the high volume of imports from China and the high speed of goods circulation in the Emirates, many businesses use this route to supply their goods. In recent years, with the increase in e-commerce, the need for fast and secure shipping has been felt more than ever. However, one of the biggest concerns for trading companies and professionals involved in import and export is understanding the air freight pricing methods, rate calculation, and choosing the best shipping services. This article provides you with a comprehensive guide to all aspects of air freight from China to Dubai, so that you can have the required knowledge to make the best decision with a more accurate view. 

Importance of Air Cargo from China to Dubai

Dubai has become one of the world’s largest trade hubs due to its strategic geographical location, flexible trade laws, affordable taxes, and advanced infrastructure. Dubai is known as a final destination for goods as well as a key transit route in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Many of these goods, such as mobile phones, electronics, clothing, accessories, and even small household appliances, require fast and safe transportation. For this reason, air transport plays a critical role. Air cargo China-Dubai offers several benefits, including high speed (from 1 to 4 days, depending on the service), security, and low risk of damage, suitable for high-value and lightweight cargoes, instant tracking with Air Waybill (AWB), and no necessity for long-term storage of goods, and reduced warehousing costs.

What Factors Affect Air Freight Rates from China to Dubai

Air freight rates are determined by several main factors. Each of which can reduce or increase the price. Therefore, for individuals involved in China to Dubai shipping, it is essential to consider these factors to have a better understanding of prices.

• Actual Weight and Volumetric Weight

The cost of air freight is determined based on the Chargeable Weight almost all over the world. This weight can be the actual weight of the goods or their volumetric weight, whichever is higher.

Dimensional weight calculation formula= Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6000

This formula is used by most airlines, freight forwarders, and global express services as a criterion to avoid taking up unnecessary cabin space. Volumetric weight is the most important for bulky and light goods such as blankets, shoes, and winter clothes.

• Cargo Origin in China

Air freight transportation, warehousing, and loading costs vary in the different cities within China. Below is a comparison of different cities and their main advantages. 

City	Main Advantages
Guangzhou (CAN)	Reasonable rates, many flights to Dubai
Shenzhen (SZX)	Popular for electronics and light goods
Shanghai (PVG)	Premium and fast service
Yiwu (YIW)	Suitable for commercial and bulk cargo
Beijing (PEK)	Suitable for official and bulk cargo

 

• Air freight service type

There are different types of air freight. From standard air freight, international express, and charter flights.

• Standard air freight means cargo being shipped from airport to airport, and here are some of the other features:

• Delivery time: 3 to 7 days
• Suitable for loads of 20 to 1000 kg
• More economical rate than express

 

• International express, which is door-to-door delivery by some companies such as PSG Air Cargo. In this service, which is the fastest type, the delivery time takes between 1 to 3 days; however, it costs more.

 

• Charter flights are most suitable for heavy loads. This type of service is cost-effective for volumes of several tons, and there may be a possibility of ultra-fast delivery for some cases.

• Type of goods

Air freight rate is also affected by the type of goods, as some goods have typically higher costs:

• Dangerous goods such as batteries
• Fragile and delicate items
• High-value products that require insurance
• Temperature-controlled goods such as medicine and food

 

• Business season and time changes

Air freight rate is not a fixed number throughout the year. Sometimes, rates rise as volumes of imports and exports from China increase. Below is a list of the most important timetables, and during these periods, freight charges may increase.

• January: Before Chinese New Year
• April and October: Canton Fair
• November: Black Friday
• December: Christmas

Air Freight Additional Costs

Many freight forwarders consider the rate per kilo; however, it is worth mentioning that the following costs may also be calculated separately, therefore, all these details should be agreed in advance‌ in order to ensure transparent invoices.

• AWB fee
•  X-ray and inspection fee
•  Specialized packaging fee
• Domestic shipping fee in China (Pick up)
• Warehousing fee
• Delivery fee in Dubai (for door-to-door service)
• Cargo insurance
• Customs fee

Customs and Clearance Fees for Air Freight from China to Dubai

When cargo arrives in Dubai from China, upon arrival at the airport, there are several types of fees related to the entry of the goods into the country and the customs clearance process. These fees are common to all air cargoes; only their amount changes based on the value of the goods, weight, and speed of clearance.

• Import Duty

This fee is the amount that UAE Customs charges for the entry of goods into the country and is based on the goods’ value under the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) terms. UAE Customs bases the duties on the actual value of the goods at the time of arrival in the country, not the purchase price.

• Value Added Tax (VAT)

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a tax levied on the total cost of importing goods. It is applied to the sum of the value of the goods, freight charges, customs duties, and certain fixed costs such as handling.

• Airport Handling

This fee is charged by Dubai Airport and is not directly related to Customs.

Handling includes:

• Unloading the cargo from the aircraft
• Transferring the cargo to the warehouse
• Security scanning
• Preparing the cargo for delivery to the customs officer

This fee is determined based on the weight and type of cargo, and light, small, or standard cargo costs less, while large, bulky, or special cargo costs more.

• Fees for Customs Clearance Agent

A clearance agent or forwarder in the UAE charges a fixed fee for the following services:

• Registering the declaration in the customs system
• Preparing customs documents
• Paying duties and taxes on behalf of the cargo owner
• Following up on the inspection and release of the goods
• Receiving the goods from the airport warehouse
• Final delivery or coordinating the collection of the cargo

This fee can vary depending on the type of goods, the complexity of the clearance, the time-consuming nature of the process, and the need for special permits.

• Warehousing Fee

If the goods are not cleared after arriving at the airport, the airport warehouse charges a daily fee for space occupancy to prevent cargo accumulation, and encourages the cargo owner to clear quickly.

Warehousing usually starts after an initial free period, and the later the cargo is cleared, the higher the cost.

Tips to Lower Air Freight Costs

Many businesses think that air freight is always expensive; however, by following a few tips, the cost can be managed positively.

1. Reduce packaging volume

By eliminating space inside cartons or using compact cartons, packaging volume can be reduced. It is important to know that by modifying the packaging, you can pay less.

2. Choose the right airport in China

It is essential to know that usually, goods shipped from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai have more affordable shipping costs.

3. Air Freight Consolidation 

In this method, which is a logistics strategy, several cargoes are sent together on the same flight. This reduces the rate per kilo.

4. Use economy services

The economy air freight service is a suitable option if the cargo does not need to be sent urgently.

5. Negotiate for loads over 100 kilos

Forwarders offer considerable discounts for high weights.

Final Thoughts

Air freight from China to Dubai is the fastest and safest way to import for many businesses. Freight rates vary depending on actual or volumetric weight, type of goods, city of origin, type of shipping service, and business season. By fully understanding these factors, optimizing packaging and shipping costs can be managed efficiently. Working with the right shipping company specialized in air freight from China, such as PSG Air Cargo, helps you experience a smooth and hassle-free operation and prevents potential damages, unexpected costs, and even fines and penalties. This company provides a real door-to-door service and online tracking, as well as the ability to provide daily rates. Having an active office, offering competitive rates for high weights ,is among the other benefits that this company presents. 

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