Air delivery has long been a vital element of logistics and global trade. It’s truly remarkable how an aircraft soaring thousands of miles above can carry substantial weight—essentially anything. Continuous advancements in aviation technology have simplified international cargo shipping, enabling eCommerce businesses to reach customers worldwide. With air freight, sellers can offer a diverse range of products, from clothing and toys to electronics and beyond.

This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to air freight for international shipping, tailored to support eCommerce businesses.

Air Freight Costs: Understanding International and Express Air Freight Rates Per Kilogram

Air cargo has become a preferred choice for eCommerce businesses needing to transport goods quickly and reliably on a global scale. While ocean freight accounts for 90% of all shipped goods, offering a more economical solution, air cargo significantly reduces transit times. For instance, shipping from China to the U.S. can take 20-30 days by sea, whereas air freight can deliver packages in just three days.

Express Air Freight
Typically managed by companies like DHL, UPS, or FedEx, express air freight provides door-to-door service within five days. These shipments are generally smaller, with a maximum weight limit of 200 kilograms and a volume of less than one cubic meter.

International Air Freight
In contrast, international air freight can accommodate larger shipments and often involves multiple carriers throughout the transit process.

Air cargo rates fluctuate based on several factors, including the type of goods being transported, available capacity, and market demand. Normally, costs range from $2.50 to $5.00 per kilogram. However, since February 2020, disruptions in ocean freight and rising consumer demand have driven air cargo rates up, currently ranging from $4.00 to $8.00 per kilogram.

It’s essential to remember that air cargo shipping costs depend on various factors such as the size, weight, and value of the cargo, routing, transit time, handling, security, storage, and customs clearance. Therefore, collaborating with a freight forwarder can help you obtain a comprehensive quote for your shipment, ensuring you receive the best possible rates and services.

How is Air Freight Shipped?

Registration and Pickup

This initial stage involves the shipper, often an eCommerce business owner, coordinating with the air carrier or freight forwarder to arrange for cargo pickup:

The shipper must ensure that all necessary documentation and permits are prepared and in order.
Once the required documents are ready, the shipper should contact the air carrier or freight forwarder to schedule a pickup date and time. This can usually be done via phone or email.
The shipper needs to provide the carrier with all pertinent details about the cargo, including its location, packaging, and any special handling requirements.

Confirmation and Labeling

Before the cargo is loaded onto the aircraft, the air carrier or freight forwarder will verify the shipment details. This includes checking that the cargo is properly packaged and secured, as well as ensuring that all necessary documentation and permits are in order. The carrier will also confirm that the cargo is adequately packaged to protect it during transit and that it is labeled with essential information such as the shipper’s contact details, the destination, and any special handling instructions.

Customs Clearance at the Airport of Origin

After confirmation, labeling, and packaging, the cargo moves to the next phase: customs clearance at the airport of origin. Before the cargo can be loaded onto the aircraft, it must undergo customs clearance. This entails completing the necessary customs paperwork and declarations. Once all required documents are submitted, customs officials will inspect the cargo to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. If everything is in order, customs officials will grant clearance for departure.

Stowage and Departure

Once cleared for export, the cargo is prepared for stowage and then loaded onto the aircraft. This process typically utilizes specialized equipment, such as cargo loaders and dollies, to transfer the cargo from the loading area to the aircraft’s cargo hold. After loading, the cargo is secured in the hold to prevent movement during transit. Following this, the aircraft departs from the airport of origin.

Unloading of Cargo

Upon reaching the destination airport, the aircraft will be directed to a designated cargo unloading area. Specialized cargo handling equipment will be used to offload the cargo from the aircraft. The cargo is then inspected to ensure it is in good condition and matches the information provided on the bill of lading and other shipping documents.

Customs Clearance at the Destination Airport

Once offloaded and inspected, the cargo must undergo customs clearance at the destination airport. This requires completing necessary customs paperwork and declarations, including an import declaration, bill of lading, and any required import licenses or permits. Once all paperwork is finalized, customs officials will inspect the cargo to verify compliance with regulations in the destination country.

Delivery

Before delivery can occur, the air carrier or freight forwarder coordinates with the receiving party to ensure they are aware of the cargo’s arrival and can arrange for pickup. After this, the cargo is transported to its final destination, typically involving a combination of ground transportation methods such as trucks, vans, or delivery bikes.