Air freight from China
The fastest cargo option — for goods where being out of stock costs more than the freight.
Air freight is priced on chargeable weight: the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight, where volumetric is calculated by dividing length × width × height in centimetres by 6000. A light, bulky consignment therefore pays for space it does not weigh, and that single rule decides whether air freight is expensive or merely costly.
The honest case for air is narrow but real. Goods worth a lot per kilogram, a production line waiting on a part, a launch date that will not move, or a first small batch you need in hand before committing to a container. Outside those situations the sums usually favour rail or sea.
One thing worth planning for: air freight compresses the transport time but not the customs time. Clearance still takes what it takes, and a shipment that flew in three days can sit for two more waiting on a document that was never prepared.
Who it is for
- Goods above roughly 50 EUR per kilogram
- Urgent replenishment where a stockout costs more than the freight premium
- First production samples and pre-series batches
- Spare parts holding up a machine or a line
What it covers
- Air cargo on the chosen route
- Handling at both airports
- Air waybill and the accompanying documentation
- Optional: pickup from the supplier, customs clearance, delivery to your address
What to watch for
- Chargeable weight, not actual weight. Bulky and light means paying for volume — check the calculation before you commit.
- Lithium batteries, aerosols, magnets and flammable liquids carry restrictions, extra documentation and sometimes an outright refusal.
- The quoted transit is airport to airport. Pickup, clearance and delivery are added on top.
- Fuel and security surcharges are often quoted separately from the base rate.
Common questions
Check whether you are overpaying
The form takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Even if you stay with your current forwarder, you will know what the market is worth.
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