Air Freight from China
Air freight is the way of transporting goods by air, and it is one of the fastest modes of transportation worldwide. For high-value, time-sensitive goods, air freight is the preferred option. It is particularly suitable for quickly transporting various goods from China, a global manufacturing center, to all parts of the world.
Air freight can also be divided into two categories according to the size and demand of the goods
Express air freight usually arrives within 24 to 72 hours, providing a one-stop service suitable for small parcels and documents, with transparent tracking and insurance services.
Air transport is suitable for all types of cargo transportation and supports a variety of routes and modes of transportation. Compared with land transportation, it can effectively shorten transportation time and reduce the risk of cargo damage or loss.
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Guide to Air Shipping from China
Air shipping from China has become a popular and viable option. In the intricate world of air shipping, the journey begins at the airport, where the goods are carefully loaded onto the plane, a process that requires precision and efficiency. The steps of air shipping from China are described in detail below:
Pack and mark the goods: Make sure the goods are safely packed and clearly marked, including the destination, sender and recipient information.
Prepare relevant documents: Gather necessary documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists and customs declarations for easy customs clearance.
Choose an airline: Choose a suitable airline based on timeliness and price, and arrange flights.
Go through customs clearance procedures: Submit relevant documents to the customs, apply for export permission, and ensure that the goods comply with export regulations.
Cargo inspection and weighing: Customs or airlines inspect and weigh the goods to confirm that they meet transportation standards.
Load the goods: Load the goods safely onto the plane to ensure that they are not damaged during transportation.
Flight transportation: After the plane takes off, the goods will be transported in the air and usually arrive at the destination within 24 to 72 hours.
Customs clearance after arrival at the destination: After the goods arrive, they need to go through import customs clearance and submit necessary documents for release.
Delivery to the consignee: After customs clearance is completed, the goods are arranged to be delivered to the consignee by the logistics company or airline.
Why choose air freight from China
Air freight has several advantages over other modes of transport. Here are some of the reasons why businesses prefer air freight:
Speed: Air freight is undoubtedly the fastest mode of transport. Goods that would take weeks to arrive by sea can reach their destination in a few days by air freight.
Reliability: Airlines offer relatively fixed flight schedules, highly reliable arrival and departure times, and fewer delays than sea or land transport.
Global coverage: Most major cities and regions have airports that can be reached directly by air, which is particularly suitable for cross-border trade.
Lower packaging requirements: Because air freight is fast and the goods are in transit for a short time, the packaging usually required is not as heavy as that of sea freight, which saves packaging materials and costs.
Security: Air cargo is subject to strict security checks at airports and is less susceptible to theft and damage during transportation.
Major Airports in China
China’s air ports occupy an important position in global air transportation and are one of the busiest air hubs in the world. Here are some detailed introductions to some major airports:
Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport is located in Beijing and is China’s largest air hub and the second busiest airport in the world. In 2019, the passenger throughput exceeded 100 million.
Major routes and strategic importance: As the political and cultural center of China, Beijing Capital International Airport has close flight connections with major cities around the world, including North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. If you plan to conduct international business, especially with the North American and European markets, Beijing Capital International Airport is an important part of your shipping and logistics strategy.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in Shanghai and is one of the busiest international airports in China, with a passenger throughput of more than 76 million in 2019.
Major routes and strategic importance: Pudong Airport is connected to more than 300 destinations worldwide, especially with Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia. If you want to expand your business in the Asian market, especially into China and the Pacific region, Pudong Airport will provide you with great convenience with its excellent geographical location and efficient flight arrangements.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located in Guangdong Province and served more than 70 million passengers in 2019.
Major routes and strategic importance: Baiyun Airport is a major aviation hub in South China, with flights covering Southeast Asia, Europe and North America.
Business background: If your business involves Southeast Asia or international trade, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport will provide you with good flight options and logistics support.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is located in Shenzhen City and is a fast-growing aviation hub with a passenger throughput of more than 45 million in 2019.
Major routes and strategic importance: Bao’an Airport has frequent flights to cities in Asia and some European and American cities, especially suitable for logistics transportation of high-tech and electronic products. If you plan to enter the East Asian or international markets, the convenient flights provided by Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport will help your business expansion.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located in Sichuan Province and is a major aviation hub in western China, with a passenger throughput of more than 50 million in 2019.
Major routes and strategic importance: Shuangliu Airport connects western and eastern China and international markets, especially Southeast Asia and Central Asia. If you plan to develop in the western market, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport will become your important logistics fulcrum.
Tianjin Binhai International Airport
Tianjin Binhai International Airport is located in Tianjin, with a passenger throughput of more than 15 million in 2019.
Main routes and strategic importance: As a major aviation hub in the north, Binhai Airport connects China with other Asian countries as well as European and American markets. If your business involves North China or needs to connect with international markets, Tianjin Binhai International Airport can provide you with important logistics support.
How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Air Freight from China
Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
The calculation of air freight chargeable weight introduces the concept of volumetric weight, alongside actual weight. While traditional weight considerations are crucial, the limited loading space of aircraft requires an additional parameter – volumetric weight. Transport companies may charge based on the space occupied by products, ensuring profitability even for large, lightweight objects that take up a lot of space.
Dependence on Weight and Space
Air freight rates are determined based on more than just the weight of the shipment. Airlines can choose volumetric weight calculations to take into account the space occupied by products. This ensures fair compensation for space utilization, safeguarding profitability for airlines in situations where large, lightweight items may occupy the cargo hold.
Two Methods of Calculating Volumetric Weight
Air freight rates are determined based on more than just the weight of the shipment. Airlines can choose volumetric weight calculations to take into account the space occupied by products. This ensures fair compensation for space utilization, safeguarding profitability for airlines in situations where large, lightweight items may occupy the cargo hold.
There are two common methods of calculating volumetric weight:
Length x Width x Height / 6000
Formula 1 Cubic Meters: 167 Kilograms
It is crucial to understand these methods, as they affect the final chargeable weight. A practical example illustrates this: a parcel of 100cm x 100cm x 100cm weighs 100kg. The volumetric weight calculated using the formula length x width x height / 6000 is 200kg for express and 167kg for air.
This practice is in line with industry standards and ensures that parcel charges are based on the maximum parameters, whether it is actual weight or volumetric weight. To improve cost efficiency, compressing the parcel to reduce the volumetric weight is a viable strategy to ensure that the charge is closer to the actual weight.
Cost composition of air freight from China
Basic freight
Calculated according to the gross weight or volumetric weight of the goods, usually charged per kilogram or per cubic meter. Heavy goods may be charged by gross weight, while large goods may be charged by volumetric weight.
Fuel surcharge
A fee adjusted based on the current international oil price, usually calculated as a fee per kilogram of goods, and updated regularly.
Security surcharge
Used to cover the security measures implemented during transportation, such as cargo inspection and security checks, and the fee standards are set by the airline.
Insurance fee
Calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods, usually between 0.3% and 1%, the specific fee depends on the nature and value of the goods.
Customs clearance fee
Includes the fees required for handling export and import customs clearance, depending on the type and quantity of goods.
Ground service fee
Includes loading and unloading fees, storage fees and transportation to the airport, usually charged according to the actual service
Additional fees
Includes overweight fees (exceeding the weight specified by the airline), oversize fees (larger than the standard size), and special cargo handling fees (such as dangerous goods, fragile goods).
Taxes and fees
Depending on the laws and regulations of the destination country, you may need to pay VAT, customs duties, etc. The specific tax rate depends on the type and value of the goods.
Air freight time from China to the destination country
Shipping time from China to North America
Air freight time from China to the United States is usually shorter. It usually takes about 1 to 3 days to the west coast (such as Los Angeles or Seattle), while it may take 2 to 4 days to the east coast (such as New York), depending on flight arrangements and customs clearance speed.
Shipping time from China to the Middle East
Air freight time from China to the Middle East is also relatively fast. For example, it generally takes about 3 to 5 days to Dubai, UAE, while it takes about 4 to 6 days to major cities in Saudi Arabia (such as Riyadh).
Shipping time from China to Europe
Air freight time from China to Europe is usually between 6 and 10 days, depending on the destination city. Cargo transportation time to major ports such as Frankfurt and London may be relatively short.
Shipping time from China to Africa
Air freight time from China to Africa varies depending on the destination. For example, it takes about 6 to 8 days to Johannesburg, South Africa, while it may take 7 to 10 days to Lagos, Nigeria. Shipping time is also affected by customs clearance and flight arrangements.
Things to note when transporting by air from China
Weight and size restrictions
Each airline has specific regulations on the weight and size of a single piece of cargo. For example, the maximum weight is usually between 32 kg and 70 kg, and the size limit is generally no more than 150 cm in length and no more than 300 cm in total size (length + width + height).
Liquids and gases
Liquid transportation is usually limited to no more than 100 ml per container and must be placed in a transparent sealed bag. For large volumes of liquids, shipping instructions and safety data sheets are required.
Perishable items
Food, flowers and certain plants may be subject to quarantine requirements in the destination country, and proper packaging and preservation conditions must be ensured during transportation.
Dangerous goods
Including flammable, corrosive, toxic substances, etc., must comply with the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and provide corresponding documents and labels. Usually, special permits must be applied for in advance.
Special cargo
Such as large equipment, artworks, etc., may require specific packaging and handling, and must be negotiated with the airline before transportation to ensure compliance with the requirements.
Security inspection requirements
All cargo must undergo strict security inspections, and any undeclared or suspicious items will be refused transportation and may even face legal consequences.
Destination restrictions
Countries have embargoes or restrictions on certain goods. For example, some countries prohibit the import of certain types of electronic products or high-tech equipment. Be sure to check the relevant regulations in advance.
Animals and plants
Animals and plants and their products usually require special health certificates and quarantine inspections to ensure that they meet the import regulations of the destination country.
Why Choose Freight Ubest Shipping Air Freight China Delivery Service
Safety First
At the heart of Ubest Shipping’s air freight service is an unwavering commitment to safety. As a China-based air freight forwarder, Weipu Logistics places safety as a top priority and has a vast network of routes. This vast network ensures that cargo can be delivered to any corner of the globe in a timely and safe manner.
Vast Route Network
Ubest shipping stands out with its vast route network, offering direct air freight services from major international airports in China. The promise of direct routes contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of cargo transportation, ensuring that every shipment reaches its destination reliably and quickly.
Direct Air Freight Services from Major International Airports
Providing direct air freight services from major international airports underscores Ubest shipping’s commitment to providing quality logistics solutions. This direct connection minimizes transit time and improves the overall reliability of cargo transportation, meeting the needs of businesses seeking timely and safe transportation.
Comprehensive Solutions and Expertise in Handling Freight
Ubest shipping not only stands out with its shipping services, but also offers comprehensive solutions. The company’s team of trained experts is able to handle large-scale, multi-point distribution as well as single-point door-to-door delivery. This versatility makes Ubest shipping a reliable partner that can meet a variety of logistics needs.
Coordinated Customs Clearance
Handling the complex customs clearance process is an important aspect of international logistics. Ubest shipping recognizes this challenge and goes beyond shipping services by coordinating customs clearance through its customs broker. This holistic approach streamlines the logistics process and ensures that shipments pass regulatory requirements smoothly.
In summary, Ubest shipping is a trusted ally for businesses seeking efficient, secure, and affordable air freight solutions from China to destinations around the world. With an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Ubest shipping is able to navigate the complexities of air freight logistics to provide customers with a seamless and reliable shipping experience.