Ten SUVs from Frankfurt to Dubai
Ten SUVs at 2,200 kg each weigh 22,000 kg — more than the 21,450 kg maximum payload Boeing states for the 737-800BCF, so that type is out. The 767-300F, 777F and 747-400F carry the weight with room to spare; on cars, volume and vehicle height against the door decide more often than payload.
Source: Worked example (assumption, not a booking) · Boeing ACAPS D6-58325-7 Rev C (737NG), sec. 2.1
The calculation
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pieces | 10 vehicles | Worked example (assumption, not a booking) |
| Weight | 10 × 2,200 kg = 22,000 kg | Worked example (assumption, not a booking) |
| Volume | ≈ 165 m³ | Worked example (assumption, not a booking) |
| Distance FRA → DXB | 4,844 km | CCN route database (great-circle distance, block-time estimate) |
| Block time | ≈ 6.1 h | CCN route database (great-circle distance, block-time estimate) |
Aircraft choice — and why not
Boeing 737-800BCF
Does not fitMaximum payload 21,450 kg against 22,000 kg cargo. The load is 550 kg too heavy before any pallets or lashing material.
Boeing 757-200F
TightPayload 39,008 kg (757-200PF) carries the weight. Main deck volume is 187 m³ across 15 ULD positions against ≈ 165 m³ of vehicles — vehicles do not stack, so the stow plan decides.
Boeing 767-300F
FitsMaximum structural payload 53,977–54,884 kg depending on engine — more than twice the load.
Boeing 777F
FitsMaximum payload 102,010 kg; the weight is not a constraint.
Source: Boeing newsroom, 777 Freighter delivery release (15 Dec 2020)
Boeing 747-400F
FitsPayload 112,900 kg and 609.2 m³ main deck volume.
Source: Atlas Air 747-400F data sheet
Loading: door against vehicle
With cars, payload is rarely the limit. What decides is volume and vehicle height plus pallet base against the clear door opening.
Verified: the 747-400F main-deck side door is 3.4 m wide by 3.1 m high. For the 757, 767 and 777 Boeing shows door dimensions only as drawings; we read them from the ACAPS document for the actual vehicle height before confirming an aircraft.
Source: Atlas Air 747-400F data sheet · Boeing ACAPS D6-58327 Rev H (757), sec. 2.1.3 · Boeing ACAPS D6-58328 Rev K (767), sec. 2.1
Vehicles as dangerous goods
In air transport, vehicles with a fuel system are classed as dangerous goods under UN 3166. The ICAO Technical Instructions set requirements including the quantity of fuel in the tank. We clarify the exact preparation with the operator for each vehicle.
Source: ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel, DGP/26-WP/4 (vehicles, UN 3166)
What drives the price
Positioning: if no suitable freighter is at or near Frankfurt, the flight to get there is part of the price. Standing time: vehicles take longer to load and lash than standard pallets.
Handling at both ends, dangerous-goods acceptance for each vehicle and any return leg out of Dubai complete the picture. We list each item separately in the offer.
Documents and requirements
Related industry page
AutomotiveQuestions
Can a Boeing 737-800BCF fly ten SUVs?
Not at 2,200 kg each. Ten vehicles weigh 22,000 kg, above the 21,450 kg maximum payload Boeing states for the 737-800BCF.
Which aircraft carries cars from Germany to Dubai?
By weight, the 767-300F, 777F and 747-400F carry ten SUVs comfortably; the 757-200F carries the weight but gets tight on volume. Final choice depends on vehicle height against the door.
Are cars dangerous goods in air freight?
Yes. Vehicles with a fuel system are shipped under UN 3166, with requirements including the fuel quantity in the tank.
Plan your vehicle charter
Send the number of vehicles, weight and dimensions. No account needed; CCN is an independent broker.