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Discover how ExFreight’s digital platform simplifies air freight services and air cargo shipping. Instant quotes, real-time tracking and full transparency from an experienced air freight forwarder.
In today’s global economy, getting your goods from Point A to Point B fast and intelligently matters. ExFreight offers a technology-driven, fully digital air freight service – letting you instantly quote, book and track your air cargo shipping, whether domestic or international. Read on to learn how air freight works, why choosing the right air freight forwarder is key, and how you can make smart decisions for your shipping needs.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of international shipping, you’re not alone. Especially when it comes to air freight services, there are lots of moving parts: different carriers, air cargo routes, scheduling, paperwork, tracking, and cost controls. That’s where ExFreight steps in. As a forward-thinking, non-asset-based logistics provider, ExFreight connects your business to multiple air (and ground and sea) carriers through a single digital platform. The result? You get the speed and global reach of air cargo shipping with transparency, efficiency and control. In this article we’ll walk through what air freight services are, how air cargo shipping works, why you want a good air freight forwarder, and actionable tips for choosing and using these services. By the end, you’ll feel confident about whether air freight is the right route for your shipments — and how to work with ExFreight to make it happen.

What are Air Freight Services?

Air freight services refer to the movement of goods via aircraft, across domestic or international routes, often for time-sensitive or high-value cargo. In the logistics world, air freight is typically faster (but often more expensive) than sea or ground transport, making it suitable for shipments where speed or schedule reliability matter.

How Air Freight Differs from Other Modes

Compared to ocean freight (LCL, FCL) or ground transport, air freight offers much shorter transit times — useful for urgent shipments, perishable goods, high-value items.
On the other hand, cost per kilogram or per cubic metre can be higher, which means you’ll want to optimize packaging, weight, and volume for best results.
Because air cargo is tightly integrated with airports, carriers and schedule slots, there’s also more regulation and more need for precision.

Key Services Within Air Freight

Full Truckload equivalent: for large shipments, you might book an entire air-freight unit or certain air-cargo slots (analogous to FTL).
Less Than Truckload (LTL) equivalent: smaller consignments that are consolidated with other shippers’ freight into one aircraft or cargo unit.
Door to Door, Door to Airport, Airport to Airport: depending on how much you want the logistics provider to do.
Customs clearance, handling and tracking: air freight services often include or integrate with customs, export/import formalities, security screening, etc.

With ExFreight’s fully digital platform, you can quote, book and track your air freight shipment in real time — all in one place. That removes many of the delays and opacity typical of older freight companies.

Understanding Air Cargo Shipping

Air cargo shipping is the process of sending goods via air from origin to destination. It involves multiple steps—from quoting and booking, to packaging, export documentation, flight routing, import customs, and final delivery.

The Air Cargo Workflow

Quotation & Booking – You submit shipment details (origin, destination, weight/volume, type of goods) and receive air freight rates. With ExFreight you can get instant quotes from multiple carriers.
Packaging & Documentation – Goods must be packaged and labelled correctly, compliant with air-cargo regulations (we’ll cover packaging requirements in a dedicated section). Export documentation (export license, AWB = air waybill, customs forms) must be completed.
Handling & Pre-Flight Checks – The freight forwarder (or logistics provider) arranges transport to the airport, hand-over to carrier, security screening, loading onto aircraft.
Air Transit – The flight moves the goods from origin to destination airport (or multiple legs).
Destination Handling – On arrival, the cargo is offloaded, customs clearance begins, duties/taxes may be applied, terminal handling fees paid.
Final Delivery – Once cleared, goods are transported to consignee, or you pick up from airport/terminal depending on service.
Tracking & Visibility – Throughout the journey you should have real-time updates (especially if using a digital platform like ExFreight’s).
Claims & Liability (if needed) – If goods are lost, damaged or delayed, you may need to lodge a claim. The liability regime for air cargo is dictated by conventions such as the Montreal Convention or the older Warsaw Convention.

Why Businesses Choose Air Cargo Shipping

Time sensitivity: goods must arrive quickly (just-in-time manufacturing, seasonal products, perishable items)
Reliability: scheduled flights and premium handling often reduce delays compared to slower surface modes
Global access: air freight enables shipping between continents (for example shipping from Italy to US or UK) with fewer intermediate steps
Value vs. weight: when goods are high value but relatively light, air freight can be cost-effective

Points to Watch

Cost vs. weight/volume: because air freight costs are higher, you’ll often want to optimize packaging and select the best service level
Destination fees & terminal charges: At arrival your goods may incur destination terminal fees or handling charges. For example: “destination terminal fees are payable to the destination terminal to offload your freight from the ocean vessel, aircraft or ocean container … be wary of anyone quoting a shipment where there are not destination terminal fees included in the quote as you or your buyer at the destination may get a large destination terminal fee surprise.”
Packaging and compliance: Poor packaging increases risk of damage, and non-compliance can delay your shipment or incur cost
Liability limits: Under the Montreal Convention, unless you declare a higher value, the carrier’s liability may be limited (e.g., 22 SDR per kilogram) for loss or damage.

The Role of an Air Freight Forwarder

An air freight forwarder acts as your logistics partner: they coordinate carriers, book space, handle export/import formalities, manage documentation and often offer value-added services such as packaging advice, customs clearance, tracking and claims handling. When you work with a digital forwarder such as ExFreight, you get an integrated online platform combined with forwarding expertise.Let’s get started by exploring how ExFreight leverages its global air freight capabilities and extensive global network to provide tailored solutions that streamline your supply chain and support global trade. Whether you have time critical shipments or time sensitive shipments, our dedicated team ensures your shipment arrives safely and on time, using the right aircraft and air charter options to meet urgent needs.

Our air freight services cover major cities worldwide, offering fast delivery and a wide range of comprehensive transportation options. We handle all aspects from pickup at the origin country to final destination delivery, including customs clearance and managing dangerous goods with utmost safety. This includes specialized handling for healthcare products and other sensitive cargo, ensuring compliance and care throughout the process.

With ExFreight, you avoid delays thanks to our efficient operating processes and additional services designed to match your business demand and provide convenience throughout the shipping journey. Our platform also supports next flight bookings for urgent shipments, giving you flexibility and speed when it matters most.

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of air freight by optimizing routes and managing fuel consumption, including gas emissions, to offer more sustainable logistics solutions.

Contact us today to discover the right solution for your air freight needs and experience seamless air freight solutions backed by a customer-focused approach.

What a Good Air Freight Forwarder Brings to the Table

Access to multiple carriers: A forwarder that is non-asset-based connects you to a wide network of airlines and routes, increasing flexibility and often reducing cost.
Instant quoting and booking: Instead of manually requesting rates, you get fast digital quotes.
Real-time tracking and transparency: You can monitor your shipment’s status from quote to delivery.
Documentation support: Export licences, air waybills (AWBs), customs compliance, packaging requirements.
Handling of destination issues: Including destination terminal fees, duties/taxes, final delivery.
Risk and liability management: Advising on limits of liability, insurance, claims handling.
Simplification of complex processes: Especially for small and medium businesses that don’t have large in-house logistics teams.

Why Choose ExFreight as Your Air Freight Forwarder

ExFreight is positioned as a modern digital forwarder offering:

A single digital platform to quote, book, track — reducing manual effort and fragmented systems.
Non-asset-based model: Meaning you aren’t limited to one carrier’s fleet; you get carrier-choice and competitive rates.
Domestic and international capabilities: Whether you need LTL/FTL, air or ocean freight, ExFreight covers the full spectrum.
Transparent pricing and full service: Including handling of destination terminal fees when booked door-to-door.
Focus on simplifying logistics: Especially helpful if you’re a small or medium business looking to scale globally without the complexity.

How to Optimize Your Air Freight Shipping with ExFreight

Here are actionable tips to make the most of air freight services via ExFreight.

1. Prepare Your Shipment Info Accurately

Before requesting a quote, have the following ready: origin & destination airports, weight (kg) AND volume (m³), commodity description (what you’re shipping), packaging type, whether there are any special conditions (e.g., hazardous goods, perishables), preferred service (door-to-door, airport-to-airport). The more accurate your info, the better your quote.

2. Compare Cost vs Speed vs Service Level

Air freight is often chosen for speed, but you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the right balance. Ask:

What is the estimated transit time?
Which airlines or carriers are being used (how many stops)?
Is the rate inclusive of all charges (fuel surcharges, security fees, airport fees, customs clearance)?
Does the quote include destination terminal fees or will there be surprises later?

3. Understand and Include Destination Terminal Fees

Make sure the quote you receive from ExFreight (or any forwarder) is clear about destination charges. As one industry note states: “If you book a shipment on a DOOR TO PORT service these fees ARE NOT INCLUDED. The consignee will have to pay for these charges at the destination … be wary of anyone quoting a shipment where there are not destination terminal fees included in the quote as you or your buyer at the destination may get a large destination terminal fee surprise.” With ExFreight’s door-to-door service, these fees are included.

4. Optimize Packaging for Air Freight

Proper packaging not only protects your goods but can save cost and reduce risk. Some guidelines:

Use sturdy boxes or crates; avoid loose items, bags, or flimsy packaging.
When shipping multiple pieces, consider palletizing: for example if a single piece is over 75 lbs, palletizing is required.
For air freight, items may be banded or shrink-wrapped; barrels or pallets need 4-way banding.
If using wood pallets or crates internationally, ensure the wood is treated and stamped with ISPM 15 (IPPC logo) to avoid rejection.
For air shipments, especially internationally, ensure compliance with TSA or equivalent security regulations (especially for hazardous goods, engines, etc).
By properly packaging, you reduce risk of damage or delay and may avoid additional handling fees.

5. Check Liability Limits and Consider Insurance

Under the Montreal Convention (and older Warsaw Convention in some cases) the carrier’s liability for loss or damage to air cargo is limited unless a higher value is declared. For example: liability may be limited to 22 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram under many circumstances.

That means if your cargo is high-value or delicate, consider declaring additional value or buying cargo insurance. Also keep in mind: claims must usually be made in specified time-frames (e.g., within two years).

6. Use the Digital Platform for Tracking & Visibility

With ExFreight’s platform you should be able to:

Monitor booking status
View flight and routing details
Track shipment status (origin, loading, in-flight, arrival, customs clearance)
Receive alerts for exceptions (delays, customs holds, etc)
Access documents (air waybill, export/import paperwork)
This visibility improves accountability and allows you to proactively intervene if needed.

7. Plan for Customs & Final Delivery

Even with a smooth air freight transit, customs clearance and final delivery remains the last leg. Ask:

Are duties/taxes estimated or included?
Is customs documentation (HS codes, licenses, certificates) complete?
Who arranges delivery from destination airport to consignee (if door-to-door)?
Are there any local destination terminal fees or local handling charges?
By planning ahead, you reduce the chance of last-mile delay or surprise cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General FAQs from Google & the Industry

Q: What is the difference between air freight and ocean freight?
A: Air freight uses aircraft to carry goods, typically much faster but with higher cost per kilogram or per volume than ocean freight (which uses ships). Air freight suits time-sensitive or high-value goods; ocean freight suits large volumes and less urgent shipments.

Q: How do I get an air freight quote?
A: Provide shipment details (origin, destination, weight/volume, commodity, required service) to a forwarder. You’ll receive rates showing cost, transit time, carrier options, surcharges and any additional fees.

Q: What is an air waybill (AWB)?
A: The AWB is the carrier’s contract of carriage for air freight: it includes details of shipper, consignee, origin/destination airports, weight/volume, commodity description, and terms. It is key documentation for tracking and customs.

Q: How long does air freight shipping take?
A: Transit time varies widely depending on origin-destination, carrier, number of stops, customs clearance, local delivery. Some routes may arrive in 1-2 days, others may take 4-7 days or longer if multiple legs or customs delays.

Q: Can you ship large/heavy items via air freight?
A: Yes, but cost increases significantly with weight and volume; there are also dimensional weight and aircraft-slot constraints. Heavy or oversized items might be more cost-efficient via sea or a combination of sea + air.

FAQs Specific to ExFreight

Q: Are destination terminal fees included by ExFreight?
A: Yes — if you book a shipment with ExFreight on a “door-to-door” air freight service, destination terminal fees are included in the quoted rate. That means no surprise terminal-handling charges on arrival.

Q: Does ExFreight support instant quoting and booking for air freight?
A: Yes — ExFreight’s digital platform allows you to submit your shipment details and receive instant quotes from multiple carriers in one place, book your shipment and track it real-time.

Q: What happens if my air freight shipment is delayed or damaged?
A: ExFreight will support you through the process. It’s important to note that the carrier’s legal liability may be limited according to international conventions (for example 22 SDR per kg in many cases). If you have high-value or sensitive goods, consider declaring higher value or purchasing cargo insurance.

Q: Do I need to pack and palletize my shipment for air freight?
A: Yes — packaging is very important. ExFreight expects all merchandise to be packed in sturdy boxes/crates, palletized if multiple pieces or if a single piece exceeds ~75 lbs. For international shipments, wood packaging must be ISPM 15-treated. For air freight specifically, pallets may need 4-way banding or shrink wrap to transport safely. Poor packaging increases risk of damage or delay.

Q: Can I ship from the UK/Italy to the US or other global destinations via ExFreight?
A: Yes — ExFreight supports international logistics services including air freight, ocean freight and door-to-door solutions. Whether you’re shipping from Italy to the US, from the UK to Asia, or across continents, ExFreight can handle the door-to-door chain with its digital platform and carrier network.

Air freight services are a powerful tool in your logistics arsenal — offering speed, global reach and high reliability. But to get the most out of air cargo shipping, you need the right partner, accurate shipment info, good packaging, awareness of fees and liability, and real-time visibility. That’s exactly what ExFreight brings: a technology-driven, fully digital freight forwarder that connects you to multiple carriers through one platform, giving you transparency, efficiency and control from quote to delivery. Whether you’re shipping domestically or internationally, whether you need LTL, FTL, air or ocean — ExFreight simplifies the complexity so you can focus on growing your business, not managing logistics. Ready to move your freight smarter, faster and simpler? Let’s get started.Let’s get started by exploring how ExFreight leverages its global air freight capabilities and extensive global network to provide tailored solutions that streamline your supply chain. Whether you have time critical shipments or time sensitive shipments, our dedicated team ensures your shipment arrives safely and on time, using the right aircraft and air charter options to meet urgent needs.

Our air freight services cover major cities worldwide, offering fast delivery and comprehensive transportation options. We handle all aspects from pickup at the origin country to final destination delivery, including customs clearance and managing dangerous goods with utmost safety.

With ExFreight, you avoid delays thanks to our efficient operating processes and additional services designed to match your business demand and provide convenience throughout the shipping journey. Contact us today to discover the right solution for your air freight needs and experience seamless air freight solutions backed by a customer-focused approach.