Air freight
Air freight forwarding, when time matters most.
Consolidated and express air cargo, airport-to-airport or door-to-door. We select the airline and routing for each shipment, prepare the paperwork and keep you informed from collection to delivery.
Overview
Speed, security and control, at a price worth understanding.
Air freight moves a small share of world trade by weight but a large share by value. It is the right choice when delay costs more than transport: production parts that keep a line running, seasonal goods with a selling window, pharmaceuticals, electronics and samples.
Air pricing works differently from sea and road. Airlines charge on chargeable weight, which accounts for the space a shipment takes as well as what it weighs. Light, bulky cargo can cost far more than its weight suggests. We explain the calculation on every quote and, where packaging can be made more compact, we tell you before you ship.
Photograph to comeFreighter main deck, ULD pallets, night, cool light
What is included
Air cargo services, matched to urgency.
From economical consolidations to next-flight-out, we quote the service level your deadline actually requires.
Consolidated air cargo
Your shipment travels with others under one master air waybill. The most economical air option, with departures on set days.
Express and priority
Booked on the first suitable flight with priority handling, for shipments where hours matter.
Airport-to-airport or door-to-door
Terminal delivery only, or including collection, export formalities, import formalities and final delivery.
Security and screening
All air cargo must be secured under aviation security rules before loading. We arrange screening where the cargo does not come from a known consignor.
| Shipment | Actual weight | Volumetric weight (1:6000) | Chargeable weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pallets, 120 × 80 × 120 cm, dense goods | 800 kg | 384 kg | 800 kg |
| 2 pallets, 120 × 80 × 120 cm, light goods | 150 kg | 384 kg | 384 kg |
| 10 cartons, 60 × 40 × 40 cm | 90 kg | 160 kg | 160 kg |
When to choose air freight
An honest comparison with sea and road.
Air is the fastest mode and usually the most expensive per kilogram. It earns its cost in specific situations.
Air freight usually makes sense when
- A delay would cost more than the freight, for example a stopped production line
- The goods are high in value per kilogram, such as electronics or pharmaceuticals
- The goods are perishable or have a short selling window
- Lower inventory in transit matters more than the transport rate
Consider another mode when
- The cargo is heavy or bulky relative to its value: sea freight is often a fraction of the cost
- The destination is within a few days by land: road freight can match air door-to-door at lower cost
- The goods are restricted or forbidden for air transport under dangerous goods rules
How an air shipment runs
From booking to delivery.
Booking
We confirm the airline, flight and cut-off time, and send you labelling and packaging guidance for the airline's requirements.
Collection and security
Cargo is collected or delivered to the airport cargo terminal, where it is measured, weighed and secured or screened for flight.
Export and departure
Export formalities are completed and the air waybill issued. We confirm departure and share the AWB number.
Arrival and clearance
On arrival the cargo is broken down at the destination terminal and import formalities are arranged for release.
Delivery
Delivery to your premises with proof of delivery, and a final invoice that matches the quote.
Documents
What an air shipment needs.
We send a checklist with every booking. These are the documents most air shipments require.
- Air waybill (AWB)
- The contract of carriage with the airline, issued as a master AWB with a house AWB for consolidated cargo. Unlike an original bill of lading, it is not a document of title. See air waybill.
- Commercial invoice
- States the goods, their value and the Incoterm, and is required by customs at both ends.
- Packing list
- Pieces, weights and dimensions per piece. Accurate dimensions matter because they set the chargeable weight.
- Dangerous goods declaration
- For hazardous goods, the Shipper's Declaration under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and the Safety Data Sheet. Lithium batteries are regulated even in small quantities.
- Licences and certificates
- Where required, for example export licences, certificates of origin or health certificates for food products.
Transit guidance
How long it typically takes.
Flight time is only part of the journey. Collection, security screening, terminal handling and clearance all take time, and each quote states the expected timing for its specific routing.
- Consolidations depart on set days, so waiting time depends on when the cargo is ready
- Direct flights are faster than routings via a hub
- Screening, inspections and public holidays can add a day or more
- Door-to-door adds collection, import formalities and delivery
Indicative only
| Service | Indicative airport-to-airport |
|---|---|
| Express or priority | 1–3 days |
| Consolidated, major routes | 3–7 days |
| Consolidated, secondary airports | 5–10 days |
Indicative airport-to-airport transit times. Not a commitment: actual times depend on the airline, routing and season.
Air freight FAQ
Common questions.
What is chargeable weight?
The weight an airline charges for: the higher of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is usually calculated as length × width × height in centimetres, divided by 6,000. The quote form has a calculator that shows an indicative chargeable weight.
Can I send batteries or chemicals by air?
Often yes, but under strict rules. Lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids and many chemicals are dangerous goods under IATA regulations and require classification, specific packaging, labelling and a declaration. Some are forbidden on passenger aircraft. Send us the Safety Data Sheet and we will confirm what is possible. {{TODO: confirm whether Cargo Captain handles dangerous goods by air}}
What surcharges apply to air freight?
Usually a fuel surcharge and a security surcharge from the airline, plus terminal handling, screening where required and AWB fees. Our quotes list each one. See how a freight quote is built.
How should I pack goods for air freight?
Robustly, compactly and clearly labelled, ideally on stackable pallets within the airline's height limits. Read how to prepare cargo for air freight.
Need it there quickly?
Send us the dimensions, weight and deadline. You will receive an itemised air freight quote within {{TODO: quote response time}}, with the routing and chargeable weight explained.
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