International Air Freight

Air freight is worth considering when a delayed supply affects production, a sale or a project deadline. Typical enquiries involve spare parts, components, product samples and smaller commercial consignments. The decision should consider both the freight bill and the cost of waiting. Sea freight or a multimodal solution may be more appropriate for heavy, non-urgent cargo.

International air freight involves more than a flight between two airports. A business shipment depends on the whole chain: cargo readiness at the warehouse, collection, terminal acceptance and release after arrival. Planning should take account of the sender’s and recipient’s opening hours, unloading requirements and time for documentation. This makes it possible to compare options by the actual delivery schedule rather than the flight timetable alone.

A cargo shipment and a personally accompanied courier delivery are different services. AOG can be considered for time-sensitive aircraft parts, while On Board Courier may suit eligible small urgent consignments. The choice depends on dimensions, cargo acceptance, available flights and the required deadline. No single delivery method is suitable for every commodity.

Routes and transit times

Direct and connecting flights differ in availability, cost and handling time. Total transit includes collection, terminal acceptance, checks, the flight, customs formalities and delivery after arrival. Flight duration is therefore not the same as a door-to-door lead time. Schedules, cargo space and route restrictions must be assessed for each request; a specific delivery commitment belongs in the agreed offer.

Start by sending shipment details and your timing priorities. We clarify the data and propose an available option with an agreed scope of work. Once confirmed, the relevant transport stages and document exchange are coordinated. Your contact person provides progress information and discusses changes if schedules move. Additional insurance and delivery confirmation arrangements should be agreed before dispatch.

For regular shipments, agreeing typical cargo specifications and a document handover process in advance can simplify preparation. Changes to weight, packaging or the contents of a consignment require the transport conditions to be checked again before booking. Consolidating packages may be appropriate depending on the route and available time. The quotation should make clear which stages are included, where cargo is handed over and which party prepares each part of the shipment.

Documents and packing

For an initial assessment, provide a commodity description, invoice or value information, packing list, addresses and the dimensions of every piece. Additional permits or customs information may be needed depending on the goods and destination. The Air Waybill, or AWB, documents the air carriage. Packing must suit the goods and handling requirements; missing documentation can change the planned departure date.

Batteries, chemicals, certain cosmetics and other products may fall under dangerous goods requirements. They must not automatically be treated as general cargo or assessed only under road ADR rules. Disclose the composition, batteries and special conditions before acceptance. Temperature requirements, packaging, marking and airline acceptance are assessed separately. Not every category can travel on every service.

What determines the price

The origin and destination airports, commodity, urgency, package count and actual or volumetric weight affect the quote. Light but bulky cargo may be charged at a weight higher than its scale weight. The applicable conversion factor is checked against carrier terms. Collection, terminal charges, packing, customs support, final delivery and insurance must also be defined. Freight charges should be clearly distinguished from taxes and duties.

Include the cities or airports, collection and delivery addresses, commodity, gross weight, dimensions, number of pieces and readiness date. State whether the cargo is stackable, any temperature limits and the agreed Incoterms where applicable. Complete information helps assess the route, charges and timing without unexpected additional steps.