How much is air cargo per kg in UAE?
Air cargo rates in the UAE don’t have a fixed tag. They breathe. They stretch. They compress depending on what you’re shipping, where it’s going, and how soon you want it there. Want to ship 5 kg of textiles from Dubai to India? That might be AED 15 per kg. Got 200 kg of electronics for London? Now you’re talking about AED 9 to 12 per kg, if you’ve got a savvy freight forwarder and a bit of luck on carrier availability.
The sweet spot begins once you move into bulk. Many don’t know this, but the air cargo cost per kg in UAE dramatically drops when you’re sending volume. Ship over 50 kg and suddenly you’re not a customer—you’re a client. Go beyond 300 kg and the rates begin to whisper in your favor, sometimes dipping as low as AED 6 or even AED 4.5 per kg, especially on busy lanes like Dubai to Mumbai, or Abu Dhabi to Delhi. It’s like airline miles, but for your boxes.
General Air Cargo Rates in the UAE
Standard Rates: Air freight rates typically range from AED 12 to AED 40 per kilogram, depending on the type of cargo and available space .
Door to Door Cargo
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Freightos
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Bulk Shipping Discounts
Large Shipments: For shipments over 300 kg, rates can decrease significantly. For example, air freight from Dubai to Chennai (MAA) can be as low as AED 11 per kg for 500 kg shipments and AED 9.5 per kg for 1000 kg shipments .
Door to Door Cargo
International Air Cargo Rates
To India: Door-to-door air cargo services from Dubai to India are priced around AED 12 per kg, with delivery times ranging from 15 to 20 days .
To the USA: Air freight rates from the UAE to the USA can range from $6.50 to $10.00 per kg, depending on the shipment specifics .
Additional Considerations
Volumetric Weight: Air cargo charges are based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric (dimensional) weight. The volumetric weight is calculated using the formula: (Length × Width × Height) / 5000.
Surcharges: Additional costs such as fuel surcharges, customs duties, and handling fees may apply, depending on the destination and nature of the goods.
But let’s not ignore the villain in this cargo drama: dimensional weight. Just because your box is light doesn’t mean it’s cheap. In air cargo, it’s not just what your parcel weighs—it’s how much space it takes. That awkwardly shaped package that barely hits 10 kg? If it’s bulky, it might be billed like it’s 30 kg. Welcome to the airline world’s version of “looks matter.” The industry uses a sneaky little formula—Length × Width × Height / 5000—and trust me, it can double your rate in seconds.
Now, where are you shipping to?
Destination plays the game like a wildcard. Air freight from UAE to India remains the most budget-friendly route. That’s partly due to high demand, partly due to the massive logistics pipelines that have been running between the two regions for decades. Prices hover between AED 12 to AED 18 per kg for non-urgent cargo, and maybe AED 20 to AED 28 if you want it to beat the clock.
The US? Be ready to spend. Air cargo per kg to USA from UAE floats around AED 20 to AED 35, depending on the season, weight, and urgency. London? A little cheaper AED 14 to AED 22 per kg, especially for consolidated freight. Africa? Rates spike due to fewer direct flights AED 22 to AED 30 per kg is common, but again, it all depends.
And then there’s the mystery tax surcharges. What the rate card doesn’t tell you is the bundle of extras: fuel surcharge, security fees, airport handling, customs clearance, destination taxes. So while air freight per kg in Dubai might be AED 10, your final invoice can sing a different tune. Always ask for an all-inclusive quote—what logistics insiders call “freight + frowns.”
Here’s a golden rule for survival: If your shipment is under 30 kg and non-urgent, sometimes door-to-door cargo services from UAE offer better per kg rates than airline-based express. These services combine sea-air-road models to slash your cost down by 20-40%, though delivery times stretch a bit.
So how much is air cargo per kg in the UAE? You could say it’s between AED 6 and AED 35, but that would be like saying cars cost between $5,000 and $200,000. True, but useless. The real price? It lives in your shipment’s size, route, urgency, and negotiation skill.
What’s the smart move?
Call around. Get three quotes. Know your volumetric weight. If you’re shipping often, build a relationship with a cargo company. They remember loyalty. They reward bulk. And in the UAE’s hyper-competitive air freight scene, loyalty often comes with a better rate—and sometimes a faster ride.
Because when it comes to air cargo costs in Dubai, it’s not about what the internet says. It’s about what you ask for—and what you know not to accept.
First Things First: Let’s Talk Paperwork Before Pistons
Forget the horsepower for a minute. When shipping from Dubai, the journey starts with the right paperwork. That means your car’s original registration card a copy of your passport or Emirates ID, and if it’s being shipped under someone else’s name—power of attorney. If the car is under a loan, you’ll need a bank clearance. Sounds heavy? Don’t worry—we’ve built relationships with customs offices to keep things running smoother than a turbocharged engine.
Container or RoRo? That’s Not Just Shipping Jargon
At Al Usood, we like to say shipping is like tailoring—a custom fit works best. If your vehicle’s a classic beauty or a supercar that deserves a little privacy, container shipping is your velvet rope. It’s sealed, secure, and suits personal or high-value shipments. Need to move it faster and on a budget? RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the sturdy workhorse—perfect for operational vehicles heading to ports around the globe. We’ll help you pick the right fit, not just push an option.
The Dubai Advantage: Ports, Proximity, and Precision
Jebel Ali Port doesn’t just sound cool—it is a major global player. With connections spanning continents, shipping from Dubai gives your car a head start. What Al Usood brings to the table is knowing every gate, every route, and every regulation like it’s the back of our clipboard. We don’t just drop your car off at the port and wish it luck—we shepherd it, with real-time updates, custom clearance finesse, and solid coordination on the receiving end.
Packing Like a Pro: This Isn’t Your Average Suitcase
Car shipping isn’t a game of “throw it in and hope for the best.” At Al Usood, we use wooden bracing, wheel locks, moisture-control measures, and even extra cushioning for delicate parts. Each car is treated like it’s headed for a museum exhibit, not just a new garage. Our prep team is hands-on, detail-obsessed, and frankly, proud of it.
Where’s It Going? We’ve Probably Been There
USA? We’ll land it in Houston or New York like clockwork. UK? We’re talking Southampton or Felixstowe, no detours. Africa, Asia, Oceania? We’ve got sea lanes mapped and partners waiting. In fact, we’ve handled everything from expat SUVs to collector Ferraris, fleet cars to family sedans. And no, we don’t blink if it’s right-hand drive or a one-of-a-kind import. We get it.
Timelines That Respect Yours
While ships don’t run on your schedule, we align our service so you don’t feel the tide’s delay. A typical Dubai-to-Europe shipment takes about 3–4 weeks port to port. Add customs time, and yes, you’ll need a bit of patience. But Al Usood ensures everything is so well-prepared and tracked that your wait never feels like guesswork. You’ll know where your car is, how it’s doing, and when to expect it—without chasing updates.
Insurance That Actually Covers
We don’t just offer marine insurance—we insist on it. Not because we expect things to go wrong, but because the unexpected doesn’t send warnings. Our policies are tailored, not cookie-cutter, and yes, we’ll explain them in human language. No 6-page fine print in lawyer-ese.
What Sets Al Usood Apart? It’s Personal
We’re not just freight forwarders. We’re car people. Gearheads, logistics nerds, border-crossing pros. Every shipment we handle, we treat like it’s our own. You’ll deal with a person, not a portal. Want to call us at 7 p.m. to ask if your vintage Porsche cleared customs? We’ll pick up. Want a full walk-through of how your Bentley will be strapped down? We’ll show you.
We believe in no surprises, no shortcuts, and no nonsense. That’s why people come to Al Usood again and again—because they know it’s more than a car. It’s a promise, and we take it seriously.
FAQs – Your Key Questions Answered
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes, but we’ll need to know upfront. Non-runners can’t be driven onto RoRo vessels, so they require container shipping and additional equipment for loading. We’ve done it before—it just needs a bit more planning and a forklift or two.
Do I need to be present at the port?
No, not unless you like hanging out with cranes and customs officers. Once we’ve got the documents sorted and you’ve authorized us, we’ll handle the rest. That’s why you hire Al Usood—to make it hands-free for you.
What are the customs charges in the destination country?
We’d love to say “none,” but that depends on where it’s going. Each country has its own rules, duties, and love letters to bureaucracy. We’ll connect you with our trusted agents on the receiving side so you’re not guessing. Just let us know the destination—we’ll tell you the real deal.
Can I put personal items inside the car?
Technically? Sometimes. Practically? We don’t recommend it. Most ports and shipping lines frown on extra items for safety and insurance reasons. If it absolutely has to travel with the car, tell us in advance. No surprises—on either side.
How early should I book?
The earlier, the better. A week’s notice is good. Two weeks is better. We can hustle in emergencies, but keep in mind: carriers, port slots, and customs don’t always work on your timeline. Booking early means smoother sailing—literally.
What about insurance—do I really need it?
Yes. Always. Full stop. We’ll walk you through coverage options, from basic liability to comprehensive “bumper-to-bumper” marine insurance. It’s not about expecting trouble—it’s about being ready just in case Neptune decides to throw a tantrum.
What’s the cost of shipping my car from Dubai?
Depends on the destination, size of the vehicle, shipping method, and type of service. We’ll quote it clearly—no vague fees or mystery math. Need door-to-door service or just port-to-port? You tell us your plan we’ll break down the cost.
How long does the shipping process take?
Port-to-port, you’re generally looking at:
- Europe: 3–4 weeks
- USA: 5–6 weeks
- Africa: 2–4 weeks (depending on port)
- Asia/Oceania: 3–5 weeks
That’s after the paperwork clears and the ship sails. We’ll give you a more exact window when you tell us where and when.
Can I track my shipment?
Yes, and not just with vague “it left last week” updates. We’ll send you vessel tracking, container numbers, and actual updates—straight from our logistics team, not a robot.
Why Al Usood, though?
Because we don’t outsource your headache. We solve it. We’ve shipped everything from dusty Pajeros to showroom-ready McLarens. We know Dubai. We know global customs. And we treat your car like it’s worth something—because it is.