HART Worldwide is among the best air freight forwarders. You can ship almost anywhere from Chinese airports to and from us. We provide pickup services for your package, this means you just have to provide your suppliers’ address and we will pick that up from them and provide you the final delivery.
HART Worldwide ensures hassle free customs clearance, as we can also take care of your customs clearance on both suppliers’ and importers’ ports. We are among the best international air freight companies that will arrange your cargo according to your needs and specifications.
No Matter if you want faster or cheaper delivery we can arrange the freight for you. As we can provide the customs clearance work, you will be rest assured knowing we will manage everything on your behalf including paperwork, duties and taxes.
However, you can do the customs clearance yourself and leave the air forwarding procedure for us, or you can also give us the responsibility. We have air freight agents and air freight brokers to maintain everything on your behalf.
HART is experienced in providing you air freight forwarding services, we are one of the air freight forwarding companies that can arrange you your desired international air freight forwarder.
Our team of dedicated workers are always alert about the latest market insights and the changes that happen continuously. This is why we, as an air shipping company, are able to give you the information you deserve.
Our customs affair department and specialized air forwarder team is up to date on the customs policies of both the port of origin and destination. Our agreement with the major airlines CA, ET, CZ, TK, AY, EK, CX, QR ensures we can provide you with available space and affordable shipping rates.
Our standardization and systematization are our two major plus points. Our in-house logistics system tracks, monitors, and operates your air forwarders online. Our work never depends on anyone and this is why we can provide you the smoothest uninterrupted services.
Our Other Services Besides Air Forwarding
Sea Freight
HART provides sea freight services from China and we complete your customs clearance process. Along with that we can deliver your parcels right at your destination.
Rail Freight
For the destination with access to rail route HART provides rail freight services from China. We can additionally do your customs clearance and provide the final delivery.
Door to Door Shipping
Our door to door service is another advantage you can avail. We provide shipment from China to worldwide at your designated location or vice versa in air, sea, and train.
Express Services
Packages from China can be delivered using express services like DHL, FedEx, China Post, TNT, UPS, USPS, and others or vice versa. We avail special prices from them.
Customs Clearance
HART has a specialized customs clearance team to clear your goods from customs. Our team maintains and ensures smooth shipping by always keeping in touch with the brokers.
Warehousing
We provide warehouse facilities for your goods on a long or short-term basis. We have personal warehouses in China and other countries. Send us your request to know more.
Pickup & Delivery
We can pick your goods from the supplier’s location and safely deliver them at your doorstep without any third-party interference. Just give us the details.
FBX
FBA shipping from China to Amazon warehouses can be done and we also support other e-commerce platform services like Jumia. We can provide these facilities at a cheap rate.
Consolidated Shipping
We can consolidate your shipping orders from various suppliers and ship them to you without any problem. This will ensure you get the safest delivery and save shipping cost.
Why Choose HART For Your Air Freight Forwarding Services?
Focus
Our deep focus on the shipping market and extensive knowledge on international air freight forwarders help us to give you the best prices without hampering service.
Cheap Shipping Rate
Our agreements with the top ranking airlines allow us to offer the cheapest shipping rate and we emphasize on our services so you get the best shipping experience.
Standardization
Standardization in logistics, package assembly and handling promises you the best freight forwarding solution. We respond to your queries and maintain professionalism.
Systematization
Systematic working conditions and in-house software team controls everything online without any hassle of papers. Customized support systems can monitor online.
Full Self-control
The entire air forwarding process is under our control and every shipping point has an expert of HART to monitor the entire process. You can as well check your cargo.
Custom Clearance Service
We have expert customs clearance teams in China and other countries and with the help of other country’s agents we ensure the most trustworthy customs clearance work.
Wide Coverage
We have branches and warehouses in more than 20 Chinese cities. Warehouses in the UK, Germany, Poland, and African countries like Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, etc.
Highly Trained Team
Our staff training is extremely important to us and this is why we keep our employees well trained so that they can keep updated on the latest happenings to serve you.
Professionalism
We know professionalism is the key to success, our workers are skilled and have the knowledge to provide you the information you ask for and you get the shipping advice.
Qualifications And Honor For Air Forwarding
Business Form for International Freight Forwarders
<Foreign Trade Laws of the People’s Republic of China> and < Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of International Cargo Transport Agency> This is implemented and approved by the Ministry of Commerce, for international freight forwarding business that all international freight forwarders in China must have the certificates
NVOCC Business Operation Qualification Registration Certificate
The Ministry of Transportation of China requests registration with NVOCC. It requires a special request to obtain; most international freight forwarders do not get it in China. It has much higher requirements than an ordinary freight forwarder. NVOCC gives better opportunities in booking and shipping, and one can issue its bills of lading which can help you better control the goods.
ISO9001 2015 Quality Management System Certificate
International quality management system is there to assure impeccable performance experience for the customers. They ensure that the customer gets flawless service and with no misunderstanding. Our main motto is to give our customers quality service at an affordable price. This certificate is the proof of our uninterrupted communication and ensures reliable customer care service.
Certificate of Membership for WCA
The world’s largest and most powerful network of independent freight forwarders is World Cargo Transportation Alliance (WCA). And HART Worldwide is a member of it. Thus we are automatically protected by the most generous and extensive financial protection program in the industry, which allows us to conduct business with other WCA members with complete security and peace of mind.
Certificate of Membership for CIFA
China International Freight Forwarders Association, CIFA is a national social organization in China’s international freight forwarding industry. China’s Ministry of Commerce guides it. The mission of CIFA is to strengthen industry self-discipline and coordination management and create a fair competition market environment.
Member Unit for SIFFA
SIFFA or Shenzhen International Freight Forwarders Association is a social organization with legal officials approved by Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau. The mission of SIFFA is to guide, protect and coordinate the members to exchange information, coordinate relations, enhance cooperation, and member interests to promote the international freight forwarding industry.
Air Forwarding | The Ultimate FAQ Guide
Introduction
We sometimes can not trust or decide which freight to choose.
Sea freight, rail freight, and air freight are the methods commonly used for goods transportation, and air forwarding is the popular one for medium to lightweight cargoes.
Air forwarding can be an easy choice. However, there can be many questions regarding this.
In this FAQ guide, we will cover all your questions regarding air forwarding and everything related to this.
Table Of Content
- What Is Air Forwarding?
- How Much Does Air Freight Companies Charge?
- Does An Air Freight Forwarder Need Permission To Import And Export Goods?
- Do International Air Freight Companies Provide Shipping From China To Worldwide?
- How Do Air Freight Shipping Companies Calculate Shipping Cost?
- How Long Does It Take For An Air Shipping Company To Deliver Goods?
- What Are The Advantages Of Air Forwarder?
- What Are The Documents Needed For Air Forwarding?
- What Are The Responsibilities Of An Air Freight Agent?
- Can Air Freight Brokers Help With Customs Clearance?
- Is There Any Weight Limit For Air Freight Forwarding Services?
- Is Door To Door Delivery Provided By The International Air Freight Forwarder?
- What Are The Shipping Restrictions In Air Forwarding?
- How To Avoid High Shipping Cost In Air Freight Forwarding Services?
- Are There Any Container Sizes Available In Air Forwarding?
- What Is The Customs Clearance Process In Air Forwarding?
- How Long Does Customs Clearance Take During Air Forwarder Service?
- How Long After Customs Clearance Will The Goods Reach Their Destination?
- Do Air Freight Companies Pay For Customs Clearance?
- How To Choose The Best Air Shipping Company?
1. What Is Air Forwarding?
Air forwarding is the process of delivering goods from one place to another through an airplane.
Much like other freight methods, air freight forwarding services help businesses to transport their goods from China to overseas or vice versa.
This process is escorted by an air freight forwarder.
An air freight forwarder is an expert in air forwarding who helps to get your job done without any hassle.
Air freight forwarder works as a part of air freight companies and provide air freight forwarding services.
While an air freight forwarder will not physically carry your goods, they will assist the cargo, clear any issues that might occur, and ensure safe delivery.
The goods in air forwarding travel through the sky route; hence it is much faster, safer, and requires less effort.
Several international air freight companies provide air forwarding services, and HART Worldwide Logistics is one such.
We provide air freight forwarding services along with customs clearance and door to door delivery from the supplier to your location.
2. How Much Does Air Freight Companies Charge?
The air freight companies charge for air forwarding depending on several factors.
Air forwarding is used by businesses when they want to transport goods in a faster and safer way.
Although a massive percentage of commodities is shipped in sea freight, air forwarding is often chosen for its efficiency.
Air freight companies charge differently for express air forwarding and standard air forwarding.
Express air forwarding is done by express companies like DHL, UPS, TNT, FedEx, and companies as such.
They provide door to door delivery within 5 days and usually take smaller shipments.
On the other hand, standard air forwarding can take a significant amount of load and reach the destination faster than sea cargo.
Air freight companies charge differently for types and weight of goods.
Larger quantities will be charged higher, similarly sensitive and expensive items will be charged higher as well.
Air forwarding rates can range from 2 to 5 dollars per kilogram, depending on your goods.
3. Does An Air Freight Forwarder Need Permission To Import And Export Goods?
An air freight forwarder is a bridge in the import and export of goods.
They bring goods from one country to another, crossing borders; hence international air freight companies need to have permission to do their job.
The role of an air freight forwarder is vital in international trade.
They provide air forwarding as well as advice on shipping-related costs, documentation, insurance, etc.
One of the most crucial services offered by air freight companies is that they collaborate with international associations.
It is crucial as they are delivering goods overseas, and understanding foreign rules are essential for shipping successfully.
An air freight forwarder needs to be reputed, experienced, have a good track record and financial strength to be recognized by international associations like FIATA and WCA.
Recognition of an air freight forwarder by these associations means they have the experience and quality to perform the air forwarding tasks skillfully.
4. Do International Air Freight Companies Provide Shipping From China To Worldwide?
Yes, international air freight companies provide shipping from China to worldwide.
Air forwarding, unlike rail freight, is permissible everywhere around the world, and air freight shipping companies perform the task.
As air forwarding transports goods through airplanes, that is why it has a far-reaching destination.
An air forwarder carries goods from one airport to another.
As airports are available worldwide, international air freight companies can arrange for air forwarding extensively.
HART Worldwide Logistics offers air forwarding services from China to Worldwide and vice versa.
You can get air freight forwarding services at an affordable cost to your desired location.
We have experienced air freight brokers to guide you through customs clearance and provide you door to door delivery.
5. How Do Air Freight Shipping Companies Calculate Shipping Cost?
Air freight shipping companies calculate the cost of shipping in one of two ways.
These are calculating the air forwarding cost by volumetric weight or by actual weight, whichever is higher.
The amount is then multiplied by the international air freight forwarder shipping charge to get the shipping cost.
Actual weight is the gross weight of the cargo measured, including palette weight and packaging materials (container, box, foam, tapes, etc.).
Volumetric weight is when the weight of the cargo is measured by multiplying its length, width, and height (L x W x H) and divided by 6000.
Volumetric weight is measured in kilograms, so if you get the amount in cubic centimeters, dividing it by 6000 will give you the amount in kilograms.
If the actual weight is higher than the volumetric weight, the air freight forwarding companies will calculate the shipping cost with the actual weight.
The same rule applies to volumetric weight.
For example, a bag containing wool will weigh less than an iron rod but will have a greater volumetric weight.
So, in this case, the shipping cost will be calculated by the volumetric weight.
To know more on how to calculate the shipping cost, you can watch this YouTube video-
6. How Long Does It Take For An Air Shipping Company To Deliver Goods?
It is not definite how long air forwarding takes.
The air shipping company will deliver goods to their destination depending on the distance between the two ports.
The longer the distance is, the longer it takes to ship the goods to their destination.
On top of that, several other factors can increase or decrease air forwarding time.
Weather hazards, traffic in an air shipping company, air freight agent, customs clearance, etc., can impact your delivery time.
Larger cargo loads or sensitive items can also take longer to reach the destination in air forwarding.
However, smaller parcels will reach their destination faster.
Regardless of the type and size of goods, air freight forwarding companies will deliver your goods in between 8 hours to 7 days.
Some customs formalities may result in even prolonged shipping time; check your shipping documents and ensure you pay the duties and taxes to avoid delay.
7. What Are The Advantages Of Air Forwarder?
Air forwarding has many advantages, which is why it is among the most popular freight methods for import/export.
Nowadays, people want their deliveries fast, safe and cheap.
This is precisely what the air forwarder promises.
Air forwarder helps to deliver your goods faster than other available freights, and it is cost-effective for shipping small to medium scale packages.
Other advantages the air forwarder offers are:
Worldwide Reach
With air forwarding, you do not need to worry about rail, sea, or road routes.
Your air forwarder can deliver your goods anywhere from China and vice versa.
No connecting routes or changing transportation, your goods reach straight from point A to B without interruption.
Security
Airport securities are one of the best in the world.
All the activities and logistical movements are closely monitored and guarded by the airport authorities; hence they offer maximum security.
When choosing your air forwarder, you can benefit from the strict monitoring system.
Less Packaging Required
As air forwarding offers high security for all kinds of goods transportation, you do not need to add extra packaging for protection.
Air forwarder also keeps your fragile items safe, and heavy packaging is also avoided to reduce the weight limit.
Additionally, an air forwarder reduces your warehousing cost, and it is reliable logistics.
8. What Are The Documents Needed For Air Forwarding?
Documentation is an integral part of air freight forwarding services.
Without proper paperwork, your international air freight forwarder will not be able to deliver goods safely.
Your shipping documents are proof that your business is legal, and the paperwork contains vital information about your cargo and the goods inside.
Let’s see what documents you need to keep ready for air forwarding are.
- Commercial Invoice
- Certificate Of Origin
- Air Waybill
- Packing List
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice holds detailed information about each item in a cargo.
This includes the value of the goods, their type, and the value of the whole shipment.
The commercial invoice also contains information about the seller, the buyer, transaction details, shipping terms, payments, etc.
This document is among the most important ones, as this is used by the customs to evaluate customs duties and taxes.
Certificate Of Origin
The certificate of origin is issued to determine the country of origin of the goods in the shipment.
It is to declare that the goods are entirely manufactured and owned by the particular country.
This is essential for customs clearance as goods from different countries have separate rules for customs clearance in air forwarding.
Although not all countries require a certificate of origin, it is better to keep it ready.
Air Waybill
An air waybill is issued by air freight shipping companies as proof that the goods were transported by them.
It is shown to the customs clearance as an authorization that the cargo is delivered legally by an authorized air shipping company.
Packing List
The packing list contains the list of goods a cargo includes.
This holds every detail of every item in the cargo, its weight, cost, ingredients, and other information.
9. What Are The Responsibilities Of An Air Freight Agent?
An air freight agent plays a vital role in the entire logistical process.
The process and coordinate the entire shipping process from the origin port to the destination port.
The air freight agent regulates that the goods are picked up and delivered on time, their cargo is safe, the duties and taxes are paid, etc.
Air freight agents keep all the logistical data and can also advise the clients on their shipping payment and method.
Other responsibilities of an air freight agent are:
- Negotiate and pay for the customs clearance.
- Deal with clients and update them on the delivery time, location, and other cargo details.
- Prepare shipping documents.
- Find any lost cargo.
- Keep detailed information about the cargo, including price, weight, time of delivery, etc.
To get a better idea about air freight agents, watch this YouTube video-
10. Can Air Freight Brokers Help With Customs Clearance?
Yes, air freight brokers can help you with customs clearance.
They are the intermediary between the importer and the customs.
Air freight brokers, on behalf of their clients, submit documents and payments to the customs and charge for their given service.
Air freight brokers can be a part of an organization, work in partnership, or individually.
However, regardless of the way they work, they need to have the certificates and expertise to handle the task.
The air freight brokers are specially hired to handle the customs clearance procedures.
They know the customs clearance process of the importer country and keep up-to-date data on the latest customs policies.
Air freight companies provide air freight brokers to their clients when necessary.
However, air freight brokers can not provide freight facilities.
HART Worldwide Logistics provides air freight brokers to deal with your customs clearance.
We have the experience, expertise, and human resources to handle the trickiest of shipments.
11. Is There Any Weight Limit For Air Freight Forwarding Services?
As reliable, fast, and cost-effective air forwarding is, it does have some limitations.
International air freight companies can not ship massive cargo loads in a single shipment in air freight.
Although you can send multiple shipments, your freight cost increases.
Heavy items such as metal, iron, machinery, vehicle, equipment, etc., get very expensive to ship by air freight.
Along with that, raw materials, hazardous items are best if avoided to ship in air cargo.
Different planes can hold different amounts of goods.
Cargo planes are specially built to transport large quantities of goods.
Passenger planes too can carry cargo in smaller loads.
There are several kinds of cargo planes as well, each with various capacities.
Air freight has different pallet sizes as well.
Not all sizes fit every plane. It is best to consult your air forwarder to get the best fit for your goods.
12. Is Door To Door Delivery Provided By The International Air Freight Forwarder?
Yes, international air freight forwarder provide door to door shipping services.
Freight forwarders have truck facilities to pick up the goods from the supplier’s location and deliver them straight to your destination.
All you have to do is provide the necessary details to your international air freight forwarder, and they will handle the rest.
A good freight forwarder company will do everything on your behalf without causing you any inconvenience.
The international air freight companies will do your customs clearance, check your cargo, and provide the final delivery.
13. What Are The Shipping Restrictions In Air Forwarding?
Air freight forwarding services have some strict rules when it comes to shipping.
They are not only cautious about their checking, but they also maintain a list of items that will not be allowed on board.
However, rules for restricted items and prohibited items are not similar.
Restricted items are those that can be shipped under certain restrictions and with the necessary documentation.
Some businesses have the permission to deal with restricted goods.
Although the same rules do not imply prohibited items.
Prohibited goods are items that are strictly forbidden regardless of importers or documents.
These items can not be allowed to import under any circumstances.
Every international air freight forwarder must be obliged by the rules, and no logistics will ship such materials.
If these articles are found on board, there is a chance that the licenses of the freight company and the importer will be abolished.
Goods will be sent back to the supplier country, and involved parties will have to pay the penalty.
Below is a list of prohibited items for air freight forwarding companies:
- Cash
- Hazardous materials
- Alcohol
- Pornographic materials
- Leather
- Human body parts
- Dry Ice
- Gas
- Live animals
- Explosives
- Precious metals, etc.
14. How To Avoid High Shipping Cost In Air Freight Forwarding Services?
As we have discussed above, air freight forwarding services are best for shipping small to medium-scale goods.
Goods with particular shelf life or fashion items that run out of style after a certain period are best if shipped in air freight.
Large scale items, heavy equipment, etc., is best to avoid shipping in air freight as it will increase your shipping cost.
Shipping during yearly holidays and weekends can also result in a higher shipping cost.
As freight companies work overtime during weekdays and holidays, you have to pay extra to fulfill your orders.
Certain goods can also cost more to ship.
Sensitive, expensive, particular parcels will be charged more than standard goods shipping.
You can pack your goods in an adequate-sized box to avoid additional charges.
Proper packaging will not add extra weight; hence the shipping cost will be more accurate.
15. Are There Any Container Sizes Available In Air Forwarding?
There are several different container sizes available in air forwarding.
These containers are called Unit Load Device (ULD), and different aircraft have different capacity of storage.
ULDs even have different shapes to maximize the aircrafts’ storage.
There are two forms of ULD: containers and pallets.
Here are the names of some ULD used in air forwarding.
- Demi
- HMA Stall
- LD-1
- LD-2
- LD-11
- LD-9 Reefer
- LD-4
- LD-7 With folding wings
- LD-7 With angled wings
- LD-39
- M-1H
- M-2, etc.
16. What Is The Customs Clearance Process In Air Forwarding?
Customs clearance is a necessary step for transporting goods from one country to another.
It is followed by all freight companies in all freight methods.
The customs authority ensures product quality, checks for any illegal item, collect import fees, and allows legal entry for imported goods.
After the goods reach the port of destination, customs officers will inspect the goods and match them with the information provided in the paperwork.
After inspection, your import duty and tax will be evaluated and collected from you or as per agreed terms between you and the supplier.
When all the steps of customs clearance are successfully completed, your cargo will enter the destination country.
17. How Long Does Customs Clearance Take During Air Forwarder Service?
Customs clearance for air forwarder service depends on the type and quantity of your goods.
Small cargoes can be checked faster than large cargo loads and will take less time to clear customs.
Similarly, sensitive items, restricted goods take longer to inspect.
These items need to be handled with care; hence take longer for customs clearance.
If there is any illegal commodity in your shipment or you fail to pay import duty and tax, it will keep your cargo on hold.
Problems or misleading information in your shipping documents will also cause hassle while clearing customs.
18. How Long After Customs Clearance Will The Goods Reach Their Destination?
After you are done with the customs clearance, it will not take long to get your goods delivered.
If you have signed up for door to door shipping, your goods will be delivered to you within 24 hours to 7 days, depending on your cargo load.
You can also collect your goods from the airport once you get confirmation of your customs clearance.
19. Do Air Freight Companies Pay For Customs Clearance?
Yes, air freight companies can arrange for your customs clearance payments.
They will pay your duties and taxes on your behalf, which will then be added to your total shipping bill.
The amount depends on the cost of your cargo.
However, you can also skip paying for your customs clearance by agreeing to your supplier on certain Incoterms.
20. How To Choose The Best Air Shipping Company?
A good air shipping company will have certain qualities.
It would be best to do proper research before trusting a company with your goods.
Air freight companies with offices in reputed areas, a good market name, experience, and certificates are the ones to choose for your logistical needs.
Final Word
We hope we have resolved your queries regarding air forwarding.
Good and trustworthy air freight shipping companies can resolve your logistics-related issues and help you get problem-free shipping.
At HART Worldwide, we take care of your needs and serve you as per your requirements.
You can knock us for any other question, information, or logistical advice.