According to Supply Chain Dive, global air cargo spot rates declined to $3.13 per kilogram in August 2026 — a 3% month-over-month decrease, marking the third consecutive monthly decline since a May peak, per Xeneta.
Rate Trajectory Shows Steady YoY Deceleration
August’s $3.13 per kilogram spot rate represented a 24% year-over-year increase — down from 28% in July, 38% in June, and a peak of 41% in May. These figures confirm a consistent slowdown in annual growth momentum across four consecutive months, with all percentages reported by Xeneta.
The softening trend reflects reduced upward pressure on pricing despite persistently elevated YoY levels. The August rate was recorded on Aug. 17, 2026, at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where a line of UPS cargo planes was photographed on the tarmac.
Xeneta’s data covers globally benchmarked spot rates, which are valid for up to one month — distinguishing them from longer-term contract agreements that shippers increasingly avoid amid uncertainty.
Shippers Prioritize Flexibility Amid Budget Pressure
Shippers are responding to sustained high costs by purchasing short-term capacity rather than committing to long-term contracts, according to Xeneta Chief Airfreight Officer Niall van de Wouw. He noted that elevated year-over-year rates have a “
big effect on budgets
” and that carriers are hoping to stabilize at current levels ahead of the busier seasonal period.
Van de Wouw added:
Rates are easing their way down month-on-month, and the gap to last year’s levels is narrowing, perfectly in line with what we expected, and airlines will be hoping to hold on at the current level until the busier season starts
— a statement underscoring cautious carrier expectations for Q4 2026 demand.
Notably, van de Wouw emphasized that no strong signals indicate an imminent surge in demand over the coming months — a key factor influencing shipper behavior and capacity procurement strategy.
Source: Supply Chain Dive
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
