Air freight from China has become a vital option for businesses needing fast shipping. Whether you’re importing products or sending samples, understanding China air freight can help you make better shipping decisions.
Why Use Air Freight?
The Quickest Mode of Delivery
Compared to sea freight or road transport, air freight is, without a doubt, a faster option when your items need to be transferred quickly.
Reliable Delivery Timings
Flight arrival and departure timings are highly accurate because airlines frequently adhere to their timetable. This can be a welcome relief for business owners who must promptly deliver goods to customers.
Since there are typically flights leaving every hour, even missing a flight wouldn’t cause much hassle.
Wide Delivery Coverage
The extensive network of destinations covers nearly the entire planet. This implies that you can ship the package to almost any location. Again this can present great opportunities for businesses that wish to reach more customers
Large Savings Due to Low Insurance Premiums
The insurance premium is lower for air freight because the distance traveled is relatively short. Even while air freight can be expensive, this results in savings because insurance costs are reduced significantly.
High Level of Security and Low Danger of Damage and Theft
Because of the strict management of airport safety controls over goods, shipping by air benefits excellent security. And tightly controlled airport security measures lessen the risk of theft and damage to the cargo.
Air freight is an excellent way to move delicate or precious goods, provided they are properly wrapped. Compared to sea freight, the damage is less likely.
Less Inventory and Warehousing Requirements
You don’t need to keep things in stock because air freight has quicker transit times, which reduces your demand for local warehousing.
Since most goods are cleared in a matter of hours, customs clearance, cargo inspection, and cargo handlers are more effective. Consequently, businesses can spend less on the cost of renting a warehouse or managing inventory.
Requires Less Packaging
As opposed to ocean shipping, for instance, air shipments typically don’t need as much heavy packing. As a result, you can offer extra packing services for less money and effort.
Key Airports for Air Freight in China
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
PVG stands as China’s busiest cargo hub, handling millions of tons annually. Its strategic location serves the manufacturing-rich Yangtze River Delta region.
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
PEK functions as both a major passenger hub and important cargo gateway. It connects northern China’s industrial centers to global markets.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
CAN serves the Pearl River Delta’s massive manufacturing base. It has seen substantial cargo growth in recent years.
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
Modern facilities, excellent connectivity, and efficient customs services. SZX supports the city’s rapidly growing technology and manufacturing industries.
How Air Freight Works?
- Source a supplier that can comply with air transport
- Decide on incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
- Engage a freight forwarder
- Provide commercial documents
- Define the volumetric ratio of your cargo (to calculate the cost of the Air Freight)
- Pack your cargo complying with all air freight security regulations
- Review your route and airline options with your freight forwarder
- Provide the documentation to your freight forwarder to arrange your shipment
- Once your flight is booked, an airway bill will be produced. This will be provided to you once your goods have departed
- Goods in transit
- Freight forwarder commences customs clearance for your cargo prior to its arrival
- Cargo arrives at destination
- Cargo terminal operator retrieves cargo from aircraft and stores under customs bond awaiting clearance and collection
- Transport operator collects the cargo
- The cargo is delivered to its final destination
Most Common Air Cargo Commodities Shipped from China
China exports a diverse range of products via air freight, with certain categories dominating due to their value-to-weight ratio and time-sensitive nature. These goods typically require faster shipping times than sea freight can provide.
Consumer Electronics
Consumer electronics make up a significant portion of air freight shipping from China, accounting for approximately 40% of shipments. This category includes:
- Smartphones and accessories
- Laptops and tablets
- Smartwatches and wearables
- Digital cameras
- Bluetooth speakers and headphones
These items are ideal for air freight because they’re high in value but relatively low in weight.
Many electronics retailers choose air freight during peak shopping seasons like Black Friday and holiday periods to maintain inventory levels. The speed of air shipping also protects these valuable items from extended exposure to potential damage during longer sea journeys.
Industrial Machinery
Precision industrial equipment and machinery components frequently travel by air from China when production deadlines are tight. Common items include:
Specialized manufacturing equipment:
- CNC machine parts
- Robotics components
- Industrial automation systems
- Testing equipment
- Specialized tools and dies
When your factory needs a critical replacement part or you’re racing to complete a production line setup, air freight becomes essential. The cost of air shipping is often justified by preventing expensive downtime in manufacturing operations.
These shipments typically require special handling and packaging due to their precision nature and high value. Many industrial machinery parts are custom-made for specific applications, making them irreplaceable on short notice.
Electronic Components
Microchips, circuit boards, and other electronic components are crucial air freight commodities from China. These include:
- Semiconductors and microprocessors
- Memory chips and storage components
- Printed circuit boards (PCBs)
- Display panels and touchscreens
- Power supply units
The global semiconductor shortage has highlighted how critical these tiny components are to manufacturing. When you need these parts for production, air freight helps maintain just-in-time inventory systems.
Electronic components benefit from air shipping’s reduced transit time, which minimizes exposure to humidity and temperature fluctuations that could damage sensitive parts. Most components are lightweight but high-value, making the air freight cost-to-value ratio reasonable.
Automotive Parts
Critical automotive components frequently ship by air from China to prevent manufacturing delays. Popular items include:
Electronic systems:
- Engine control units
- Infotainment systems
- Sensor arrays and camera modules
Mechanical components:
- Specialized gaskets and seals
- Precision machined parts
- Prototype components for testing
When your assembly line needs parts quickly, air freight prevents costly production stoppages. The automotive industry increasingly relies on just-in-time delivery systems where inventory is minimized.
Many auto manufacturers use air shipping for e-commerce automotive parts and accessories intended for the aftermarket. This category has grown significantly as vehicles become more electronically complex and require specialized components that may only be manufactured in China.
Types of Air Freight Services
Air freight from China offers multiple service levels to match your shipping needs. Each option balances speed, cost, and handling capabilities to give you flexibility when importing goods.
Standard Air Freight
Standard air freight provides a balanced approach between cost and transit time.
This service typically delivers your goods from China to destinations like the USA in 5-7 business days. It’s perfect when you need reliable delivery without the premium cost of express options.
Standard shipping follows a predictable schedule with regular departures from major Chinese airports like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing. Your cargo travels on commercial passenger flights or dedicated freight planes.
Benefits of standard air freight:
- Lower cost than express services
- Regular scheduled departures
- Suitable for goods weighing over 100 kg
- Good tracking capabilities
Many logistics providers offer door-to-door service with standard air freight, handling customs clearance and final delivery to your warehouse.
Express Air Freight
When time is critical, express air freight delivers your goods from China in record time. This premium service can get your shipments to you in as little as 1-3 days, depending on the destination.
Express services prioritize your cargo, ensuring it gets loaded onto the first available flight. Your goods typically travel via major carriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS with dedicated handling teams.
Key features of express air shipping:
- Priority boarding on flights
- Expedited customs clearance
- Real-time tracking systems
- Guaranteed delivery times
This option costs significantly more than standard service but provides peace of mind for urgent shipments. Express is ideal for time-sensitive products, samples, or emergency stock replenishment.
What Do I Need to Do Ahead of Air Shipping from China?
Understand Prohibited and Restricted Items
Check the latest list of prohibited items for air cargo, which typically includes explosives, flammable materials, toxic substances, and items like firearms, counterfeit goods, and perishable goods without proper packaging.
Some items require special permits or certifications, such as chemicals, batteries, medical devices, and food products. Ensure your goods comply with these regulations.
Prepare Necessary Documentation
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice listing the goods, their value, and the terms of sale.
- Packing List: Specifies the contents of each package, including weight, dimensions, and quantity.
- Certificate of Origin: Required for certain goods to claim preferential tariff rates or comply with destination country regulations.
- Export License: For restricted or controlled goods, such as military items or dual-use technologies.
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Required for hazardous materials.
- Other Certifications: Depending on the product, you may need certifications like CE, FCC, or RoHS.
Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder or Airline
Research and select a reputable freight forwarder or airline with experience in air shipping from China. Compare quotes, services, and transit times to find the best option for your needs.
Book Space and Confirm Flight Details
Work with your freight forwarder or airline to book space on a flight. Provide accurate details about your cargo, including weight, dimensions, and any special handling requirements.
Confirm the flight schedule and ensure your cargo is ready for pickup or delivery to the airport in advance.
Package and Label Your Cargo
Use sturdy, appropriate packaging to protect your goods during transit. Ensure all packages are labeled with the correct shipping information, including the recipient’s address, contact details, and any special handling instructions.
For hazardous materials, follow IATA (International Air Transport Association) packaging and labeling guidelines.
Arrange Customs Clearance
Work with your freight forwarder to handle customs clearance. Provide all necessary documentation and ensure your goods comply with both Chinese export regulations and the destination country’s import regulations.
Pay any applicable duties, taxes, or fees in advance or arrange for payment at the destination.
Purchase Insurance
Consider purchasing cargo insurance to protect your goods against loss, damage, or theft during transit.
Track Your Shipment
Obtain a tracking number from your freight forwarder or airline and use it to monitor the progress of your shipment.
Prepare for Delivery at the Destination
Ensure the recipient is aware of the estimated delivery date and any required customs clearance procedures at the destination.
Provide any necessary documentation to the recipient to facilitate smooth customs clearance and delivery.
Stay Informed About Regulations and Requirements
Stay updated on changes to export/import regulations, customs requirements, and airline policies that may affect your shipment.
Air Freight Terminology You Need to Know
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Air Waybill (AWB) |
A bill of lading covering both domestic and international flights transporting goods to a specified destination. It serves as a receipt for the shipper and indicates the carrier’s obligation to carry the goods. |
|
Aircraft Container |
A unit load device (ULD) that links directly with the airplane cargo handling and restraint system. |
|
Allotment |
Blocked space by airlines on behalf of forwarders/shippers. |
|
ATA |
Actual Time of Arrival |
|
ATD |
Actual Time of Departure |
|
Bonded Warehouse |
A warehouse authorized by customs for storage or manufacture of goods on which payment of duties is deferred until the goods enter the customs territory. |
|
Break Bulk (B/B) |
The process of breaking down consolidated air freight into individual consignments for customs clearance. |
|
Carnet |
A customs document permitting the holder to carry or send merchandise temporarily into certain foreign countries without paying import duties or posting bonds. |
|
Combi Aircraft |
An aircraft configured to carry both passengers and cargo on the main deck. |
|
Consignment |
Delivery of merchandise from an exporter to an agent under agreement that the agent sell the merchandise for the account of the exporter. |
|
Import Restrictions |
Restrictions applied by a country to control the volume of goods coming into the country, which may include tariffs, quotas, or other measures. |
|
Incoterms |
A set of rules maintained by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers in foreign trade contracts. |
|
Insurance Certificate |
A certificate used to assure the consignee that insurance is provided to cover loss or damage to the cargo during transit. |
|
Intermediate Consignee |
An intermediary such as a bank or forwarding agent that acts on behalf of the exporter, purchaser, or ultimate consignee for the purpose of effecting delivery. |
|
Intermodal |
Movement of goods by more than one mode of transport, such as airplane, truck, railroad, and ship. |
| lATA | International Air Transport Association |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organization |
|
Main Deck |
The deck on which the major portion of payload is carried, also known as the upper deck of an airplane. |
|
NVD |
No Value Declared |
|
Packing List |
A shipping document issued by the shipper to the carrier, customs, and consignee, detailing information such as package count, product count, measurements, and weights. |
|
POD |
Proof Of Delivery, a cargo/package receipt with the signature of the recipient. |
How to Calculate Air Freight Cost?
Figuring out how much it costs to ship by air from China is easier than you might think. The basic formula is quite simple – you multiply the weight of your cargo by the shipping rate per kilogram.
For example, if you’re shipping 171 kilos of products, and the rate is $5 per kilo, your transport cost would be $855.
But wait! There’s something called volumetric weight you need to know about. Airlines don’t just consider actual weight – they also look at how much space your packages take up.
To calculate volumetric weight:
- Measure your package dimensions (length × width × height) in centimeters
- Divide this number by 6,000
- Compare this with the actual weight
- The airline charges you for whichever is higher
You can save time by using an online shipping cost calculator where you just enter your package details to get a quote.
Remember that other fees might apply too! These often include:
- Pickup charges
- Export customs clearance
- Documentation fees
- Fuel surcharges
- Import duties
- Insurance
Freight forwarding costs can add up, so it’s worth getting quotes from different providers. Many companies offer free freight rate calculators online to help you budget accurately.
Regulatory Landscape
Understanding the rules for China air freight can save you time and money. These regulations can be complex but following them correctly keeps your shipments moving smoothly.
Domestic Regulations
In China, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) oversees all air freight operations. You need to know that all cargo must pass through security screening before loading onto aircraft. This includes x-ray scanning and physical inspections when necessary.
Chinese customs requires complete documentation including:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Import/export licenses (for controlled goods)
Remember that compliance with Chinese customs regulations is essential before shipping. Many shippers face delays because of incomplete paperwork.
Special permits are needed for dangerous goods, oversized cargo, and valuable items. The rules change periodically, so check for updates before each shipment.
International Compliance
When shipping from China to international destinations, you must follow both Chinese regulations and those of the destination country. This means understanding multiple sets of rules.
Recent changes have made many Chinese e-commerce companies switch to ocean freight instead of air. These stricter rules affect how quickly your goods can move.
International air freight must comply with:
- IATA dangerous goods regulations
- Security requirements of destination countries
- Import duties and taxes documentation
- Product-specific certifications
You should be aware of global regulations reshaping logistics, including carbon emissions rules. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affects shipments to European countries.
Proper air freight compliance ensures your shipments avoid customs holds and penalties. Working with experienced freight forwarders can help navigate these complex requirements.
Why Use an Experienced Freight Forwarder to Ship from China by Air?
Shipping by air from China can be complex, but using a freight forwarder makes the process much easier for you. When you work with experienced professionals, you get access to better rates and deals on air freight shipments.
Cost Savings
Freight forwarders can offer lower shipping rates than if you tried to arrange shipping directly with carriers like DHL or FedEx. They achieve this by consolidating goods from multiple customers.
Faster Delivery
Time is money in business. Air freight forwarders ensure your products reach their destination in hours rather than weeks, which is crucial for time-sensitive shipments. They provide speed and efficiency that can give your business a competitive edge.
Customs Expertise
Navigating customs can be a headache. Experienced freight forwarders handle all the paperwork and customs clearance for you, preventing delays and potential fines.
Personalized Customer Service
You’ll also benefit from personalized service. Many forwarders offer dedicated platforms to track your shipments and provide support when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do door to door and door to port differ from one another?
Door to port refers to collection from the point of origin and delivery only to the port of destination, from which you must proceed independently. Door-to-door refers to collection from the point of origin and direct delivery to your home.
What does volumetric weight mean for shipments of air freight?
The formulas for determining the bigger volume for light objects are listed below under the international air cargo agreement to charge for weight or volume. Height (cm), breadth (cm), and length (cm)
How long is air freight from China to the USA?
Air freight from China to the USA typically takes 8 to 10 days for standard shipping. This timeline includes pickup, customs clearance, and delivery to your final destination.
If you need your items faster, express air freight can deliver in as little as 1 to 3 days with premium services.
How much is air freight from China to the USA?
The cost of air freight from China to the USA varies significantly. Generally, standard air freight ranges from $4 to $10 per kilogram, while express services can cost between $15 and $20 per kilogram.
Contact Us
With extensive experience, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer service, lkystar can help you navigate the complexities of shipping by air from China with ease and confidence.
If you’re looking for a reliable partner to handle your air freight logistics, consider reaching out to lkystar today.