How to export through air freight forwarding? These 10 questions you must understand in advance!

How to choose reliableAir TransportationFreight forwarding?

When selecting an air freight forwarder, key considerations should include:

• : Customs AEO certification, Class A foreign exchange management enterprises: Check whether it holds IATA certification (International Air Transport Association qualification).
• Route coverage: Confirm whether the target country has stable cooperative airlines.
• Service capabilities: Check whether door-to-door service, hazardous materials transportation, and other special services are provided.
• Case Verification: Request to provide recent transportation cases of similar goods.

What are the basic steps in the air export process?

The standard air export process for 2025 includes:

• Booking confirmation (requires 3-5 working days in advance)
• Cargo consolidation (palletizing/packing as per airline requirements)
• Customs Declaration (Single Window Declaration via Electronic Port)
• Security Inspection and Verification (including special inspections for items such as lithium batteries)
• Flight loading (cargo handover to be completed 6 hours before departure)

What specific items are included in the air freight costs?

Latest Cost Composition Standards:

• Basic freight: Charges are based on the higher of the actual weight or volumetric weight.
• Fuel surcharge: The standard for Q2 2025 is 18% of the freight rate.
• Ground handling fee: Including costs such as warehousing and palletizing
• Special handling fee: A 15%-20% service fee surcharge will be added for cold chain cargo.

How to handle the air transport of sensitive items?

Key transportation requirements for priority control categories in 2025:

• Lithium batteries: UN38.3 test report must be provided.
• Liquids: The volume of a single item must not exceed 500ml.
• Magnetic materials: Demagnetization certification documents must be submitted.
• Pharmaceuticals: Import license from the destination country required.

How to track air freight shipments in real time?

It is recommended to use the following tracking methods:

• Check on the airline's official website (enter the master air waybill number)
• Freight forwarding system tracking (including customs clearance status updates)
• Customs data integration (some countries provide API for cargo clearance status)

What should I do if the goods are detained by customs?

Suggested response procedure:

• Get the cargo detention notice number immediately.
• Please contact the local customs broker to verify the specific reason.
• Prepare compliance documents (such as CE certification, ingredient descriptions, etc.)
• Apply for the return of goods when necessary (must be processed within 30 days).

What customs clearance documents are required for air freight?

2025 Essential Document Checklist:

• Commercial Invoice (Trade Terms Must Be Specified)
• Packing List (with detailed item description per carton)
• Air Waybill (Master and House AWB must correspond)
• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:(Some countries require Form A)

How to Avoid Loss of Air Cargo?

Professional advice:

• Opt for all-cargo aircraft transportation (the loss rate for belly cargo on passenger aircraft is higher).
• Purchase transportation insurance (recommended coverage amount not less than 130% of the cargo value).
• Use RFID tracking tags (supported by major airlines by 2025).
• Avoid mixing cargo from multiple freight forwarders.

Can air cargo be temporarily returned?

Key Points for Return Processing in 2025:

• Uncleared goods may apply for return on the original flight.
• Cleared goods must be processed according to import procedures.
• The return shipping cost is approximately 2-3 times the original shipping fee.
• Legal documents such as a return agreement must be provided.

How to decide between a direct flight or a connecting one?

Decision Reference Criteria:

• Time-sensitive priority: Direct flights save 12-24 hours.
• Cost control：Transit can reduce shipping costs by 15%-30%.
• Goods characteristics: Cold chain cargo must be flown directly.
• Customs clearance difficulty: For countries with complex customs clearance procedures, direct flights are recommended.