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We strive to provide full transparency and disclosure to make the process easy on you.

What is the difference between air freight and small parcel service?

Airfreight and small parcel services are very similar in their speed and efficiencies. The biggest difference between the two services is the first and final mile trucks we use to pick up and deliver the freight. For air freight we use larger dock level trucks that are capable of carrying large and heavy pieces of cargo. The trucks require loading docks and move freight between terminals using pallet movers therefore your items must be palletized and shrink wrapped or crated when shipped. For small parcel we use smaller vans to pick up and deliver shipments. These vans are NOT dock level and the freight moves through terminals that have conveyor belt sorting systems. This allows you to ship your boxes loose and unpalletized with small parcel. The maximum dimensions and weight per piece for small parcel service is less than the established maximums for air freight. The Exfresso system will automatically show you the small parcel service if your shipment falls within the maximum thresholds.

Air freight

  • Larger maximum dimensions per piece
  • Cheaper for larger shipments but has a higher minimum freight charge
  • Higher maximum limited liability per kg
  • Must be palletized and banded
  • Customs clearance fees, duties, and taxes are separate service items with associated costs

Small parcel

  • Transit times are faster
  • A specialized pickup and delivery network is used to allow smaller shipments and lower costs
  • Small maximum dimensions per piece
  • Maximum length is 120 cm, max girth is 243 cm, and maximum weight is 67 kgs per piece
  • Cheaper for small shipments but expensive on heavier shipments
  • Low maximum limited liability per kg. Be sure to consider purchasing insurance.
  • Does not need to be palletized
  • Can ship in loose cartons
  • Lower dimensional weight factor resulting in higher costs for light packages
  • Small parcel customs clearance fees are included up to the de minimis value
  • Additional customs clearance, duties, and taxes are applicable when cargo value exceeds the allowed de minimus value