Why Are There Big Price Differences Between Freight Forwarders for Air Freight to Dubai?

When arranging air freight to Dubai, you might notice that the quotes from different freight forwarders vary significantly. Why does this happen? Here are the main reasons:

1. Different Shipping Channels

Freight forwarders access air freight to Dubai through different channels. Prices can vary significantly depending on the airline used. It’s essential to ask about the specific channel being utilized—whether it’s direct or via transit. Direct flights are typically faster but more expensive, while transit flights are slower and cost less.

2. Type of Cargo

The type of cargo plays a crucial role in pricing. General goods and DG (Dangerous Goods) like items containing batteries or magnetic materials are treated differently. For example, DG cargo can often only be loaded on cargo aircraft and usually needs to be exported from Hong Kong since most mainland airports, except for Beijing and Shanghai, cannot handle such shipments. DG cargo also tends to have lower priority for space, meaning slower processing times and no option to specify flight schedules.

3. Are You Using a Primary Agent?

If your freight forwarder is a primary agent for air freight to Dubai, they likely have a direct contract with the airline and enjoy significant discounts, resulting in lower rates. However, smaller freight forwarders might only act as secondary or tertiary agents, purchasing space from primary agents at a higher price.

Even among primary agents, there are different tiers based on the volume of goods they handle. Sunny Worldwide Logistics is a top-tier primary agent for airlines like Air China and China Southern Airlines. We secure fixed space on flights to Dubai, with 30 guaranteed slots weekly, equivalent to over four slots daily. This makes us one of the largest direct logistics providers for air freight to the UAE.

4. Advantages of Partnering with Sunny Worldwide Logistics

Our commitment to airlines includes guaranteed delivery of fixed cargo volumes, enabling us to negotiate lower rates and maintain high shipment success rates. As a direct agent with extensive resources, we offer reliable, cost-effective services. The ability to secure such consistent capacity requires significant financial strength, cargo volume, and expertise—qualities that smaller freight forwarders often lack.

By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions when selecting a freight forwarder for air freight to Dubai. Sunny Worldwide Logistics ensures competitive pricing, consistent availability, and reliable service, making us your ideal logistics partner.