NORTH · Air

Air freight — when time is worth more than the freight cost

Air is for urgent cargo, cargo with high value per kg and cargo that requires tight control. Most of the risk lies not on the aircraft but at both ends: air cargo terminals, cut-off times and documentation.

North — the North Star guides the flights.

When to choose

Spare parts, samples, short-season goods
High value per kg — freight is a small share of the shipment value
Pharmaceuticals and temperature-controlled cargo via airport cold storage
Small shipments to many international destinations

Not suitable when

Heavy, bulky cargo with low value per kg
Packages exceeding the hold-door dimensions or floor load limits
Dangerous goods not correctly classified, packed and declared
When delivery time is not a priority

Typical legs

Which points the cargo passes through

Shipper's warehousePacking to air cargo specifications, labelling, weighing and measuring

Origin air cargo terminalScreening, weighing, build-up on ULD pallets/containers; cargo acceptance cut-off

FlightMay connect at a transit airport

Destination air cargo terminalStorage charged by time; customs clearance

Consignee's warehouseLast-mile trucking

Documents usually required

Air waybill (master air waybill, and house air waybill where applicable)
Commercial invoice, packing list
Customs declarations at both ends
Dangerous goods declaration when the cargo is on the regulated list

Reference list; specific requirements depend on the cargo, the route and current regulations.

Watch-outs to avoid extra costs

Freight is charged on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight — light, bulky cargo costs more than expected
Terminal storage charges depend on the pickup time after landing
The cargo acceptance cut-off is well before departure — plan packing back from it with enough margin