Goods and transport requirements
The product and its attributes determine which options can be considered. Describe the material, intended use and packing, alongside quantity, supplier location and readiness.
- Flag batteries, liquids, powders, magnets and wireless functions.
- Identify branded, used, fragile or high-value goods.
- Share any applicable safety, transport or product documents.
- Keep samples and urgent stock linked to their purchase references.
Acceptance, additional documents and packing requirements depend on the goods and selected service.
Gross and volumetric weight
Chargeable weight considers gross weight and volumetric weight. The divisor, rounding and minimum charge belong in the quotation.
| Illustrative carton | Calculation | Result before rounding/minima |
|---|---|---|
| 60 × 40 × 40 cm; gross weight 10 kg | 60 × 40 × 40 ÷ 6000 | Volumetric weight 16 kg; larger than 10 kg gross. |
| Same dimensions; gross weight 20 kg | Compare 20 kg gross with 16 kg volumetric | 20 kg is the larger value. |
60 × 40 × 40 cm; gross weight 10 kg
- Calculation
- 60 × 40 × 40 ÷ 6000
- Result before rounding/minima
- Volumetric weight 16 kg; larger than 10 kg gross.
Same dimensions; gross weight 20 kg
- Calculation
- Compare 20 kg gross with 16 kg volumetric
- Result before rounding/minima
- 20 kg is the larger value.
Illustrative arithmetic, not a Jeton rate or a universal divisor. The actual channel’s calculation must be stated.
Per-carton and shipment calculations
Consider two hypothetical cartons: one is 10 kg gross / 16 kg volumetric; the other is 20 kg gross / 10 kg volumetric.
| Agreed assessment method | Calculation | Illustrative total |
|---|---|---|
| Larger value for each carton | max(10, 16) + max(20, 10) | 36 kg |
| Larger value after shipment totals | max(10 + 20, 16 + 10) | 30 kg |
Larger value for each carton
- Calculation
- max(10, 16) + max(20, 10)
- Illustrative total
- 36 kg
Larger value after shipment totals
- Calculation
- max(10 + 20, 16 + 10)
- Illustrative total
- 30 kg
These calculations exclude rounding and minimum charges. The quotation must identify the method; neither is a promise of how a particular service bills.
The full air-freight cost
| Quote component | Scope to compare |
|---|---|
| Origin | Collection, receiving, checks, packing, export handling and documents. |
| Air movement | Route, chargeable weight, minimum, applicable surcharges and rate validity. |
| Destination | Airport handling, customs service, duties/import VAT and any tax-payment charge. |
| Delivery | Address/postcode, local transport, access, remote areas and any separate unloading. |
Origin
- Scope to compare
- Collection, receiving, checks, packing, export handling and documents.
Air movement
- Scope to compare
- Route, chargeable weight, minimum, applicable surcharges and rate validity.
Destination
- Scope to compare
- Airport handling, customs service, duties/import VAT and any tax-payment charge.
Delivery
- Scope to compare
- Address/postcode, local transport, access, remote areas and any separate unloading.
Ready dates and urgent items
State the date you need the goods
A target receiving date is more useful than “as soon as possible”. Supplier readiness, flight space, handling and import work all sit on the timeline.
Identify the items that cannot wait
Compare moving urgent stock by air while the balance follows the planned route. Separate packing and freight minimums can change the result.
Complete the import preparation early
Arrival at an airport does not mean the goods are ready for delivery. Import roles, documents and tax-payment arrangements still need to be workable.
Shipment stages and delivery scope
Preparation
Product acceptance, receiving, checks and final packing measurements.
Movement
Export handling, booked air route and arrival information.
Import and delivery
Clearance, release and collection or delivery at the named point.
An estimate should identify its start and finish. A flight or airport-to-airport estimate is not the whole purchasing and delivery journey.
Prepare your air-freight request
You can start the conversation before every field is known. Final packed information is needed to refine the charging basis and acceptance.
- Goods description, quantity, special attributes and supplier location.
- Each carton’s gross weight and dimensions, or the packing information currently available.
- Goods value, ready date and required receiving date.
- South African address/postcode, intended importer and document requirements.
Reference library
Sources and reference material
01DHL: dimensional-weight guidancedct.dhl.com02SARS: importing goodssars.gov.zaReviewed 27 October 2026