Delta Cargo adopts all-in pricing for US domestic and export shipments

Delta Cargo has introduced an all-in pricing model for its US domestic and export shipments, effective October 1, in a move aimed at simplifying its rate structure and improving transparency for customers. Under the new system, all cargo surcharges are now included in the quoted rate, eliminating the need for separate fuel or other surcharge listings. However, screening fees, taxes, and ancillary charges will continue to be itemized separately.

The Atlanta-based carrier said the shift reflects customer feedback and is intended to make shipment quotes more straightforward. “This new simplified pricing enhancement reflects feedback from our customers and our commitment to making it easier to do business with Delta Cargo,” the company said in a note to clients.

Delta emphasized that the adjustment does not represent a rate increase but rather a move toward “clearer and more transparent” pricing that provides shippers with an upfront view of total costs.

Several airlines have previously experimented with similar all-in pricing models. Emirates SkyCargo, for instance, adopted all-in rates in 2015 but reverted to a separate fuel surcharge two years later, citing a lack of flexibility in adapting to market volatility. While shippers and freight forwarders initially welcomed the simplicity of all-in pricing, some carriers found it difficult to manage when fuel and operating costs fluctuated sharply.

By reintroducing the approach, Delta Cargo joins a renewed industry push to streamline pricing practices and enhance predictability in a market often characterized by complex surcharges and shifting cost components.