Air Freight from China: Cost & Documentation
3 resources tagged with "Air Freight"
Air freight from China makes sense when speed beats cost — typically 3–8 days door-to-door versus 30–45 for sea, at roughly 5–10x the per-kg rate. Most shipments out of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or Shanghai price on chargeable weight (the greater of actual or volumetric weight at 1:6000), so bulky-but-light goods get penalized. For anything with lithium cells, the airline will refuse the booking without a valid UN 38.3 test summary and proper Class 9 dangerous-goods documentation.
Choosing air means weighing the freight premium against the cash freed up by faster delivery and the certification overhead for batteries. The common pitfall is first-time importers quoting on actual weight and getting surprised by a volumetric bill — always confirm chargeable weight before booking.
Guides (2)
Wiki (1)
FAQ
How much does air freight from China cost?
Express courier (DHL/FedEx) runs roughly $5–9/kg for small parcels; standard air freight is often $4–7/kg with higher volumes, plus fuel and security surcharges. It is typically 5–10x the per-kg cost of sea freight.
How long does air freight from China take?
Express courier is usually 3–5 days door-to-door; consolidated air freight is around 5–8 days including handling and customs. Sea freight by comparison takes 30–45 days.
Can I air freight products with lithium batteries from China?
Yes, but only with a valid UN 38.3 test summary and compliant dangerous-goods packaging and labeling. Airlines reject lithium shipments without this documentation, so arrange battery testing before booking.
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