International Air Freight Services: What’s Included and How to Choose

Air freight has become a cornerstone of global trade, offering unmatched speed, security, and accessibility for time-sensitive shipments. As global supply chains expand and e-commerce drives consumer expectations for rapid delivery, the demand for reliable air freight providers continues to grow. However, for shippers, especially those new to international logistics, understanding what is included in air freight services and how service quality is maintained can be confusing. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of what shippers can expect when working with an air freight provider, detailing not only the services offered but also the evolving standards of logistics service quality. Drawing from in-depth academic and industry research, including insights from the LSQ study on service quality, the Air-Cargo Guide, and the Future of Aviation Industry 2035 report, we’ll explore how freight forwarders, digital tracking technologies, and strategic planning contribute to a seamless air cargo experience. Whether your priority is speed, reliability, or complete shipment visibility, understanding the underlying components of air freight delivery is crucial for making informed decisions in a competitive logistics landscape.

What Is Included in Air Freight Services?

Air freight services encompass much more than simply transporting goods from one airport to another. A full-service air freight provider manages multiple phases of the logistics chain, which often begin at the point of pickup and end with delivery at the consignee’s location. The primary components of these services typically include cargo pickup, preparation of export documentation, booking with airlines, real-time cargo tracking, customs clearance (both export and import), and final-mile delivery. Depending on the service selected, such as door-to-door or door-to-port, coverage may vary. For instance, ExFreight’s international air freight services specify that Door-to-Port includes pickup, basic export declaration, and air transport to the destination airport, but excludes import-related fees and delivery. Door-to-Door, on the other hand, extends coverage to customs clearance and delivery to the final address, assuming no special import permits or taxes are due. Additionally, air freight shipments are subject to dimensional restrictions based on airline handling capabilities. According to ExFreight standards, most lanes accept cargo up to 125 inches in length, 95 inches in width, and 63 inches in height. Other major destinations allow taller cargo with proportional rate increases. These standards directly impact pricing and packaging decisions for shippers. Beyond the physical movement of goods, freight providers also offer value-added services, including shipment consolidation, cargo insurance, and warehousing. What makes a modern air freight service effective is not just its transport capacity but the integration of these services under a centralized, technology-enabled platform that improves transparency and responsiveness across the logistics journey.

Understanding Logistics Service Quality in Air Freight

Understanding logistics service quality in air freight requires more than an assessment of delivery speed—it involves evaluating the consistency, transparency, reliability, and responsiveness of the entire shipping experience from the shipper’s perspective. According to a comprehensive study, Shippers’ Perceptions of Aviation Logistics Service Quality (LSQ), five critical factors shape the perceived quality of air freight services: ground handler attitude, information sharing, product reliability, fast delivery, and pricing. Each plays a crucial role in shaping the shipper’s satisfaction and their likelihood of continuing business with a particular provider. For example, the attitude and professionalism of ground handlers have a significant impact on operational efficiency at terminals, particularly in handling sensitive or oversized cargo. Product reliability—the assurance that cargo arrives in good condition and on schedule—remains a non-negotiable standard for logistics excellence. Fast delivery, often cited as the most valuable benefit of air freight, must be complemented by clear communication and digital transparency throughout the process. Many shippers expect real-time air cargo tracking and prompt notifications of delays or customs issues. Additionally, service pricing must align with performance, meaning that higher costs must correlate with superior handling, visibility, and delivery precision. Logistics service quality is therefore not a single factor but a matrix of interdependent variables that air freight providers must manage proactively. With today’s customers expecting data-driven insights, shipment tracking accuracy, and on-demand service adjustments, logistics providers are evolving into technology-enabled partners, rather than just transport contractors. This strategic shift is redefining how air freight is marketed and evaluated globally.

The Role of Freight Forwarders in Air Cargo Development

Freight forwarders have historically played a pivotal role in shaping the development of air cargo services, acting as essential intermediaries between shippers and carriers. As highlighted in the academic study The Freight Forwarder and the Development of Air Freight, these entities emerged in the mid-20th century as demand for rapid global distribution outpaced the operational capacities of airlines to manage small and medium-sized cargo bookings directly. Forwarders assumed responsibility for consolidating shipments, managing export and import documentation, negotiating space with carriers, and providing logistical coordination across multimodal transport. Their function is not merely operational but strategic—they mitigate complexity by offering a single point of contact for varied services, thereby enhancing efficiency for both shippers and carriers. Historically, airlines have viewed freight forwarders as competitors, particularly in terms of pricing and customer ownership, resulting in periods of tension within both regulatory and commercial frameworks. However, as logistics networks became more intricate and demand for integrated services rose, the partnership between airlines and forwarders matured. Today, freight forwarders are recognized not only as booking agents but also as value-adding logistics experts capable of providing specialized cargo handling, customs brokerage, and warehousing services. For air freight providers like ExFreight, this role involves leveraging digital platforms to automate rate quotes, track cargo in real-time, and optimize routes across global networks. Forwarders also help bridge the operational gaps that airlines cannot fill, especially for SMEs who require tailored service levels and hands-on support. As the logistics landscape becomes increasingly digitized and customer-centric, the forwarder’s role as a logistics architect becomes even more vital, ensuring that air cargo operations remain agile, competitive, and customer-focused.

Digital Infomediaries and Air Cargo Tracking

The rise of digital infomediaries in the air freight industry marks a significant shift in how cargo tracking and logistics intelligence are managed. As explored in the study “A Study of Logistic Infomediary in Air Cargo Tracking,” infomediaries serve as third-party digital platforms or technology providers that aggregate, analyze, and distribute shipment data in real-time to shippers, forwarders, and carriers. Their primary value lies in increasing visibility, transparency, and responsiveness within the logistics chain. Traditionally, tracking information was fragmented across airline systems, freight forwarders, and customs databases, often causing delays or discrepancies in cargo status updates. Infomediaries resolve this by centralizing data collection and offering live status updates, predictive alerts, and historical analytics on shipment performance. This is particularly critical in sectors dealing with time-sensitive or high-value goods, such as pharmaceuticals or electronics, where precise location and condition tracking are non-negotiable. For logistics providers like ExFreight, integrating with digital infomediaries enhances their service by enabling customers to track air freight shipments via online dashboards, receive automated notifications, and access documentation from a single interface. Beyond operational advantages, this level of digitalization enables shippers to make strategic decisions, allowing them to analyze trends in delivery times, customs delays, and carrier reliability. It also improves compliance with international standards and regulatory audits by maintaining an auditable digital trail of cargo movements. As the air cargo industry becomes increasingly data-driven, the role of digital infomediaries will continue to expand, not only improving logistics efficiency but redefining customer expectations around service transparency and control.

Air Freight Trends and Strategic Challenges to 2035

Looking ahead to 2035, the air freight industry is expected to undergo profound transformations shaped by technological innovation, global trade realignment, environmental regulations, and shifting customer expectations. The report Future of the Aviation Industry 2035 identifies several emerging trends with long-term strategic implications for air cargo operators and logistics providers. First, the growth of cross-border e-commerce will significantly increase demand for rapid delivery services, pushing air freight to serve as the backbone of fast-moving global supply chains. Second, the implementation of stringent carbon emissions targets will compel carriers to invest in fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and potentially even electric or hybrid propulsion systems for short-haul cargo flights. Third, automation and artificial intelligence will become key drivers of efficiency, with predictive analytics optimizing routes, warehouse robotics reducing handling times, and autonomous ground vehicles transforming airport logistics. From a regulatory perspective, governments are likely to increase pressure on carriers to disclose emissions, improve cargo security, and share real-time data through digital customs systems. The rise of mega-hubs and regional cargo corridors will also redefine global cargo flows, with investment concentrating in multimodal logistics nodes in Asia, the Middle East, and North America. These structural changes require logistics providers to adapt not only their operational capabilities but also their business models. Freight forwarders and digital logistics platforms will need to offer flexible, real-time services that scale with the changing dynamics of supply and demand. For shippers, navigating this evolving landscape will mean selecting air freight partners who not only offer capacity and speed but who demonstrate technological agility, sustainability leadership, and global network reach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Freight

What are the maximum dimensions for air freight?

At ExFreight, the maximum dimensions per piece vary depending on the destination. All destinations can accept up to 317 cm long × 241 cm wide × 160 cm tall (or 125 in. × 95 in. × 63 in.). However, some major global hubs can accommodate pieces as tall as 297 cm (117 in.). Note that lanes accepting taller cargo often come with higher rates per kilogram or pound. For cost efficiency, always try to pack cargo below 160 cm (63 in.) in height per piece.

What is included in each ExFreight international freight service?

• Door to Port: Includes pickup from the shipper, basic export customs declaration, and air or ocean freight to the port. Excludes destination terminal fees, customs clearance, import taxes, storage, and other destination services.
• Door-to-Door: Includes pickup, export declaration, air or ocean transport, destination terminal fees, basic customs entry, and delivery to the consignee’s address (must have a loading dock during regular hours). It does not include duties, special permits, storage fees, or exams unless specifically arranged.

How do I track my air cargo?

ExFreight provides real-time tracking through its online platform. Once your shipment is booked, a tracking number is generated. You’ll receive automated status updates, and you can access the portal at any time to check your shipment status and related documentation.

What happens after I book my import shipment?

Once booked, our local origin agent coordinates with the shipper for pickup. Depending on the service type, cargo may be picked up or dropped off at a designated location. The shipper must provide export licenses. ExFreight handles the customs process, and once the cargo clears, it’s moved to our warehouse or forwarded for final delivery. You can pay duties through your ExFreight account or arrange for the recipient to pay via credit card.

How do I get an air freight quote?

Visit ExFreight’s website and use our quote platform. Enter your shipment details, including origin, destination, cargo dimensions, and weight, and preferred service level. The system will provide instant, real-time pricing, along with options for air freight rates and transit times.

What kind of cargo can be shipped via air freight?

Air freight supports a wide array of cargo, including general merchandise, perishables, high-value electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and more. Items must comply with IATA regulations, particularly when transporting dangerous goods.

Is air freight faster than ocean freight?

Absolutely. Air freight is designed for speed, typically delivering cargo within 1–5 days, depending on the destination and service level. In contrast, ocean freight may take several weeks, especially on intercontinental routes.

Can I ship oversized or heavy cargo?

Yes, oversized and heavy cargo can be accommodated, subject to aircraft capacity and route availability. Rates and acceptance may vary. For huge shipments, special freight arrangements and carrier approvals may be required.

What documents are needed for air freight?

Key documents include the air waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list, and any applicable export/import licenses or permits. ExFreight can support document preparation to ensure compliance and smooth customs processing.

Air Freight Services Built for Modern Global Trade

In a world where speed, precision, and reliability define competitive advantages, air freight has become an essential pillar of global logistics. From pharmaceuticals to e-commerce to critical components for manufacturing, companies worldwide rely on air freight shipping to meet the demands of just-in-time delivery and cross-border commerce. As this article has explored in depth, the value of air freight services lies not only in their speed but also in their structure: options such as door-to-door and door-to-port provide shippers with flexibility, while advances in air cargo tracking and digital intermediaries offer unprecedented visibility and control.

Moreover, the strategic factors influencing logistics service quality—such as ground handler efficiency, timely communication, fast delivery, and product reliability—remain central to maintaining shipper satisfaction. At the same time, freight forwarders like ExFreight are reshaping the industry by integrating instant rate quotes, real-time updates, and automated customs workflows into a seamless digital experience. Industry-wide transformations, such as carbon-neutral aviation, AI-powered route optimization, and hybrid aircraft, will further evolve how air freight services are delivered and evaluated.

For shippers navigating this evolving landscape, the priority is to align with freight partners that not only offer competitive air freight rates and reliable delivery services but also demonstrate operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to innovation. ExFreight is at the forefront of this transformation, merging technology with logistics expertise to offer transparent, scalable, and high-quality freight solutions.

If you’re ready to move faster, smarter, and more efficiently across global supply chains, now is the time to explore ExFreight’s air freight solutions. Visit our platform to get an instant quote, track your shipment, or speak with a logistics expert.