International Air Freight Services

Air freight is the fastest international shipping method. Transit times include: North America to Europe 1-3 days, to Asia 2-4 days, to Middle East 2-5 days, to South America 2-5 days, to Africa 3-6 days, and to Australia 2-5 days. These are airport-to-airport transit times. Total door-to-door service includes: pickup and delivery to origin airport (1 day), customs clearance and loading (1 day), flight time (1-2 days), destination customs clearance (1-2 days), and final delivery (1 day), totaling 3-8 days typically. Express air freight offers even faster service with priority handling. Standard air freight balances speed and cost. We provide guaranteed delivery dates for urgent shipments requiring specific timelines.

Air freight can ship most cargo including: electronics and computers, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, fashion and apparel, automotive parts, machinery and equipment, perishable goods (proper packaging required), high-value items, documents and samples, e-commerce packages, and general merchandise. Prohibited items include: explosives, flammable liquids and gases (except in limited quantities with permits), toxic substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials, and items banned by aviation authorities. Restricted items requiring special handling include: lithium batteries (specific packaging required), dry ice (limited quantities), biological samples, live animals (cargo holds only), and dangerous goods with IATA certification. We verify all cargo compliance and arrange proper documentation for restricted items.

Air freight is charged based on chargeable weight - the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Actual weight is straightforward weighing on scales. Volumetric weight accounts for space cargo occupies, calculated as: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000 = volumetric weight in kg. For example, a package measuring 100×80×60cm weighing 80kg has volumetric weight of (100×80×60)÷6000 = 80kg. You pay for whichever is higher. Light, bulky items (furniture, balloons) are charged by volumetric weight. Dense, heavy items (machinery, books) are charged by actual weight. Additional charges include: fuel surcharge (15-30% of base rate), security fees, documentation fees, handling charges, and customs clearance. We provide all-inclusive quotes showing exact chargeable weight and all fees.

Yes, proper packaging is essential for air freight due to handling procedures and altitude changes. Requirements include: sturdy corrugated boxes or wooden crates capable of withstanding multiple handling, adequate cushioning (bubble wrap, foam, packing peanuts) to protect against impacts, secure sealing with strong tape and strapping, waterproof wrapping for moisture protection, and clear labeling with handling instructions. Special considerations for air transport: cargo experiences pressure changes during flight (ensure containers can breathe), temperatures can vary in cargo holds (temperature-sensitive items need insulation), and handling is more frequent. Hazardous goods require IATA-certified packaging. We provide packaging guidelines and professional packing services if needed. Improper packaging may result in shipment rejection or damage claims denial.

Air freight requires: Commercial Invoice (detailed cargo description, value, sender/receiver information), Air Waybill (contract between shipper and airline - like bill of lading for ocean), Packing List (itemized contents with weights and dimensions), Export Declaration (required for shipments over $2,500), and Certificate of Origin (if required by destination country). Additional documents may include: Import/Export licenses for regulated goods, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for chemicals, Dangerous Goods Declaration for hazardous materials (IATA certified), Phytosanitary certificates (plant products), Health certificates (food/animal products), and insurance certificate. Electronic filing is standard - most documentation is submitted digitally through cargo management systems. We prepare all required documents and handle customs compliance for smooth clearance.

Yes, air freight can handle large and heavy cargo, though with practical limitations. Standard cargo holds accommodate pallets up to 96"×125" (2.4m×3.2m) and individual pieces up to 16,000 lbs (7 tons) depending on aircraft type. Freighter aircraft can carry cargo weighing up to 150 tons (Boeing 747F, AN-124). Maximum dimensions vary by aircraft but typically don't exceed 20 feet length. For cargo exceeding these limits, ocean freight is more practical. Air freight advantages for heavy items include: specialized handling equipment at airports, climate-controlled environments, reduced transit time (minimizing risk for sensitive equipment), and direct routing. We assess your cargo dimensions and weight to determine feasibility and provide aircraft options. For oversized cargo, charter services are available for dedicated aircraft.

Air freight tracking is comprehensive and real-time. Upon booking, you receive an Air Waybill number (AWB - 11-digit number starting with airline code). Track your shipment through: our online tracking portal providing real-time status updates, airline tracking websites using AWB number, email notifications at key milestones (picked up, departed origin, in transit, arrived destination, cleared customs, out for delivery), and direct communication with your account manager. Tracking shows: current location/airport, flight numbers and routes, scheduled/actual departure and arrival times, customs clearance status, and delivery updates. Modern air freight uses barcode scanning at each handling point, providing minute-by-minute location accuracy. We proactively notify you of any delays or issues requiring action, ensuring complete visibility throughout your shipment's journey.