AIR FREIGHT
International air freight refers to transporting goods to international destinations by airplane. It is typically used for goods that need to be transported quickly and over long distances, such as high-value items, perishable goods, or time-sensitive goods. The advantages of international air freight include speed, safety, and the ability to reach destinations worldwide.
Air freight advantage
FAST SPEED:
Air freight is one of the fastest modes of transportation. Compared with sea transportation and land transportation, air transportation can deliver goods to the destination in a short time, and is especially suitable for goods that have strict transportation time requirements, such as fresh produce, medical supplies, emergency spare parts, etc.
GLOBAL COVERAGE:
The aviation network covers an extensive global area and can reach almost anywhere of the airport. This makes air transport an important bridge connecting different countries and regions, especially in the era of cross-border trade and globalization.
SECURITY:
Air transportation usually has high security. Airlines and relevant safety regulatory agencies conduct strict safety control and supervision of goods to ensure the safety of goods during transportation.
FLEXIBLE:
Air freight transportation can accommodate different sizes and types of cargo, from small packages to large cargo can be transported by air freight. In addition, because air transportation is generally more flexible than other modes of transportation, it can quickly respond to unexpected transportation needs and changes.
How long does it take to air cargo from china to all continents in the world?
Asia:
Southeast Asia: usually takes 3-5 days.
Middle East: usually takes 5-12 days.
Indian subcontinent: usually takes 3-7 days.
Europe:
Western Europe (such as UK, France, Germany): usually takes 5-9 days.
Eastern Europe (such as Russia, Poland): usually takes 3-7 days.
North America:
East Coast of the United States (such as New York, Washington): usually takes 4-6 days.
West Coast of the United States (such as Los Angeles, San Francisco): usually takes 5-7days.
Canada (such as Toronto, Vancouver): usually takes 4-9 days.
South America:
Brazil (such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro): usually takes 5-9 days.
Argentina (such as Buenos Aires): usually takes 5-11 days.
Africa:
South Africa (such as Durban, Johannesburg): usually takes 5-11 days.
Zimbabwe (eg Harare): usually takes 5-8 days.
Oceania:
Australia (such as Sydney): usually takes 2-5 days.
New Zealand (such as Auckland): usually takes 3-5 days.
These times are for reference only and may vary due to factors like flight arrangements, cargo type, transfer conditions, destination, and customization needs. For accurate delivery estimates and service recommendations, consult GB FREIGHT when choosing air freight services.
What factors affect air freight prices?
The price of air cargo is usually affected by a variety of factors, including the volume, weight, destination, seasonal demand, airline transportation policies, and special requirements of the cargo. Here are some general considerations:
Cargo volume and weight:
Air freight charges are usually calculated based on the actual weight or dimensional weight of the cargo, whichever is greater. The volumetric weight calculation formula is: (length cm × width cm × height cm) / 6000 (unit: kg). Typically, the heavier or larger the shipment, the higher the shipping cost.
Destination:
Different destinations will have different shipping distances and costs. For example, the cost of air shipping to Europe, North America, Asia or South America may vary.
Shipping speed:
Urgent shipments typically cost more to ship than regular shipments because they may require faster shipping arrangements.
Shipping season:
Certain seasonal peak demand periods, such as around holidays, may result in increased air freight charges.
Additional services and requirements:
If the shipment requires special packaging, insurance, or customization, these may increase the total shipping cost.
For accurate air freight costs, please contact GB INTL FREIGHT with details about your cargo and transportation needs. We will provide tailored quotations and recommendations to ensure your shipping requirements are met cost-effectively.
Which goods are suitable for air transport?
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGH VALUE
- PERISHABLE AND FRAGILE ITEMS
- URGENTLY NEEDED GOODS
- GOODS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- SMALL-VOLUME, HIGH-DENSITY CARGO
When choosing an air transportation method, you need to consider many factors such as the nature of the goods, transportation distance, timeliness requirements, and cost.
What are the size requirements for air cargo?
Dimensional requirements for air cargo generally depend on the type of cargo, the airline and the specific model of aircraft. Generally speaking, the size requirements for air cargo mainly include the following points.
a) Maximum size of a single piece of goods
Airlines typically set size limits for cargo, with the longest side not exceeding 317 cm (125 inches) and the combined width and height not going over 203 cm (80 inches). For oversized cargo, consider special cargo flights or charters, but confirm arrangements with the airline in advance.
b) Cargo weight to size ratio
Air freight charges are based not only on actual weight, but also on volumetric weight (the calculated weight of the volume of the cargo). Volumetric weight is usually calculated as length × width × height (unit: centimeters) divided by 6000 (unit: kilograms). Compared with the actual weight, the airline will charge the larger one.
c) Palletized goods dimensions
If the goods need to be loaded on standard aviation pallets, the usual dimensions of the pallet are 317 cm × 224 cm × 160 cm (125 inches × 88 inches × 63 inches), and the specific dimensions vary depending on the type of pallet.
d) Special cargo dimensions
For special shipments, such as fragile, over-length or over-weight items, custom packaging and special handling may be required. These goods usually require confirmation of shipping conditions with the airline or freight forwarder in advance
How to choose a cargo airport in china?
China has several major international cargo airports distributed across the country that support a large number of international air cargo operations. Here are some of the most important international cargo airports:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is China’s largest international cargo airport and one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. It is located in the Yangtze River Delta region, connecting China and major economic centers around the world.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital International Airport is the largest international cargo hub in northern China, carrying a large number of cargo flights from Europe, North America and Asia.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is an important cargo hub in South China, especially for trade with Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.
Shenzhen Baoan International Airport (SZX)
Shenzhen Baoan International Airport is located in southern China, close to Hong Kong. It is an important cargo center connecting China and major global markets. It especially plays an important role in the cargo transportation of electronic products and high-tech industries.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Although Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. Its geographical location makes it an important hub connecting mainland China with the world.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport has developed rapidly in recent years, especially occupying an important position in the field of cross-border e-commerce logistics. Located in central China, it is a rapidly growing freight hub.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is a major cargo hub in southwest China and an important route connecting mainland China with Europe, Central Asia and other places.
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Kunming Changshui International Airport is an important cargo hub in southwest China, especially playing an important role in trade with Southeast Asia and South Asia.
These airports connect China to global markets through a strong cargo network, supporting China’s position as the world’s leading manufacturing and exporting nation.
When you have an air freight plan, you should avoid holidays
Air freight rates change frequently, and when market demand is high, prices even change every day. Prices will rise significantly during holidays, and it is difficult to book space, and it takes 5-7 days to wait in line for space.
Cargo and passenger aircraft
In international air traffic, there is a difference between cargo planes and passenger planes. Cargo planes are flights that are dedicated to transporting cargo, while passenger planes are mainly for passengers and also have some cargo transport functions. What is the difference between both of them? Cargo planes can carry larger cargo and have better time efficiency. Passenger planes are mainly for passengers, and when the transport carrying capacity is insufficient, they will give priority to passengers, so there are often delays in air cargo during holidays.
Necessity analysis of cargo air freight
Is my shipment urgent?
Do we need this shipment urgently? Generally, air freight is used to reduce transportation time and deliver the shipment quickly. The direct air freight time is 1 day, and the transit time is 3-5 days.
Reduce transportation risks and uncertainties.
Both sea and ground transportation are affected by factors such as weather and congestion, especially rail and truck transportation, because they will enter many countries and regions on the way and will also be affected by the policies of different countries. However, point-to-point transportation at global airports by air transportation can greatly reduce these risks and ensure the smooth and safe delivery of goods.
Are you ready to pay?
Air freight is very effective in terms of transportation time and safety, but the high freight rate is a problem. The air freight rate per KG is 3-5 times that of sea freight and 2-3 times that of railway and truck.
Can the size of the cargo fit on the plane?
We have met many customers whose cargo is too big to fit on the plane. Especially for the emergency transportation of mechanical equipment, since the cargo cannot be inverted, the height of the cargo exceeds the requirements of air transportation. In terms of the length, width and height of the cargo, air transportation has more stringent restrictions.
Dangerous goods? There are strict restrictions!
Air transport has strict restrictions on the composition of goods. For example, the requirements for goods containing magnetism and batteries are stricter than sea transport. There are requirements for the power of batteries, and goods containing magnetism need to be inspected for magnetism.
When choosing air freight, customers can confirm the price, transit time, direct flight or transit and other information with professional freight forwarders.
FAQ
Can cosmetics be shipped by air?
Cosmetics can be transported by air, but you need to pay attention to some regulations and requirements. Different countries and regions have different regulations on the air transportation of cosmetics, mainly involving the following aspects:
1. Ingredient restrictions: Some cosmetics contain ingredients that may be considered dangerous goods (such as alcohol, certain chemicals) and may be subject to air transportation restrictions.
2. Packaging requirements: When transporting cosmetics by air, the packaging needs to meet the safety standards of the airline and the destination country to prevent leakage or damage.
3. Declaration and document requirements: Some countries may require relevant product descriptions, ingredient lists, certificates of origin and other documents.
4. Quantity restrictions: Some cosmetics such as liquid products (such as perfumes, lotions, etc.) usually need to follow the liquid transportation restrictions stipulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) when transporting by air.
What should I pay attention to if my goods are shipped by air during the holidays?
1) You need to book the aircraft space in advance
2) You need to confirm the price with the freight company, as the price fluctuates greatly during the holidays
3) Confirm whether it is a passenger plane or a cargo plane. Cargo planes are preferred to avoid delays.
4) Confirm whether it is a direct flight or a connecting flight. Direct flights only take one day to arrive, while connecting flights usually take 3-5 days.
5) Try to avoid arriving on weekends and holidays, as airport storage fees are expensive.
