HART Worldwide can help you on air shipping from China to worldwide or ship from worldwide to Chinese airports.
You can tell us where your cargo is, for example, your supplier’s address, we can send truck to pick up your cargo. Then finish the customs work in China customs.
Arrange the airplane shipping based on your needs, either the soonest, or the cheapest, or the balance between air freight and timeframe.
At customs of destination airports, we will work out the customs procedures and deliver your cargo to your assigned address directly.
You will be worriless during the whole international air shipping process.
Surely you can do customs work and pickup by yourself and only leave the airplane shipping part with us.
HART has rich experience for airline shipping. We have dedicated market team to monitor the airline market changes continuously. So, we can provide valuable market insights to you, just send your request.
We also have the customs affair department to study and follow up the customs policies for air shipping. Customs compliance is our one of our operation principles, so your shipment from China will always be risk-free.
HART has signed agreements with the major airlines for contract shipping rate, such as ET, TK, EK, QR, CX, AY, CA, CZ airlines. Which ensures our space availability and competitive shipping rate.
Standardization and systematization are another two big advantages of HART. Our in-house developed logistics system operates, monitors, and tracks all your air shipping orders online. The processing doesn’t rely on any individual person, you will always enjoy the smooth services.
No matter how complicated your air shipping is, you can get your ideal solutions here. Just knock the door.
Our Other Services Beside Air Shipping
Sea Freight
We ship your cargo from China by sea, and/or additionally finish the customs clearance and make the local delivery. Or vice versa.
Rail Freight
For those countries which can be reached by train, we can ship your goods from China by train, and/or additionally finish the customs clearance and make the local delivery.
Door to Door Shipping
We provide door to door shipping service for your shipment from China, goods will be picked up in Chinese address, send to your assigned address by air, sea or train.
Express Services
Your goods can be shipped from China by international expressers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, China Post, or other dedicated special routes. We have heavy discounts from them.
Customs Clearance
We have dedicated team to research the customs policy for each country, plus close contact with the local brokers. Which make sure the problem-free customs work.
Warehousing
Whether you need short-term or long-term warehouse services in China other countries, Our wide network will have some options for you. Just send a message.
Pickup & Delivery
Door to Door service is one of our advantages. So just give us the addresses in China and destination, we send truck to pick up and make the last local delivery.
FBX
We help e-commerce customers do FBA shipping from China to Amazon warehouse. Other e-commerce platform services are also available, like shipping to Jumia.
Consolidated Shipping
We can help you consolidate the orders from different suppliers and ship them together to you. In this way, you can save the shipping cost and reduce the risk of damage.
Why Choose Hart for Services
Focus
Focus target markets, deep understanding the air shipping markets. Focus on standardization and systematization to reduce the shipping rate without compromised services. Focus makes professionalism.
Cheap Shipping Rate
Signed long-term agreements with major airline and shipping companies. Continuously improving the working procedures and efficiency to ensure the lower operational costs.
Standardization
Standardized logistics solutions, standardized service procedures and standardized cargo handling ensures that we can quickly respond to you and maintain the consistency for quality service level.
Systematization
Dedicated in-house software development team developed the customized support system to ensure the 100% online paperless operation, monitor and tracking. Procedures don’t rely on any individual person. Dock with your system as well if needed.
Full Self-control
All nodes on the whole air shipping procedure are all self-controlled. Every checkpoint has dedicated person to monitor through the in-house software system. Everything is under your control.
Custom Clearance Service
Own customs clearance team in some regions, plus cooperation with local professional customs agents in some regions to assure the customs work. The compliance team is studying the different customs policies every day.
Wide Coverage
Branches or warehouses in more than 20 Chinese cities. Warehouses in UK, Germany, Poland, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and African countries like Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Senegal, etc.
Highly Trained Team
We attach huge importance to staff training, so we provide continuous systematized training to all employees. Timely summary and replay to make sure they always provide the excellent services to you.
Professionalism
Professionalism makes greatness, we request our staff to must have the professional knowledge and skills in their work scope. Always provide the complete information and optimal advice for your air shipping solutions.

Qualifications and Honor for Services
Business Form for International Freight Forwarders
According to the <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> implemented and approved by the Ministry of Commerce, all international freight forwarders in China must have this certificate for international freight forwarding business.
NVOCC Business Operation Qualification Registration Certificate
Most international freight forwarders in China are not NVOCC as it requests the registration with Ministry of Transportation of China, which has much higher requirements than an ordinary freight forwarder in China. NVOCC has advantages in booking and shipping, can issue its own bills of lading which can help you better control the goods. And more advantages.
ISO9001 2015 Quality Management System Certificate
In order to assure the excellent experience for customers and avoid any mistake even misunderstanding with customers. International quality management system is brought in. And we strive to provide the consistent quality service level to all customers. This certified system regulates our communications and working procedures.
Certificate of Membership for WCA
World Cargo Transportation Alliance (WCA) is the world’s largest and most powerful network of independent freight forwarders. Being member of it, HART is automatically covered 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 (China freight forwarding Association) is a national social organization in China’s international freight forwarding industry guided by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The mission of CIFA is to strengthen industry self-discipline and coordination management and create a fair competition market environment.
Member Unit for SIFFA
Shenzhen International Freight Forwarders Association (SIFFA) is a social organization with legal personality approved by Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau. The mission of SIFFA is to guide, protect and coordinate the members to exchange information, coordinate relations, enhance mutual cooperation, member interests to promote the international freight forwarding industry.
Air Shipping – The Ultimate FAQ Guide
Introduction
Air shipping is the fastest shipping method for overseas shipping.
The outstanding feature of air shipping is that a particular surface route is not essential for its services.
When international importers and exporters need to get goods fast and efficiently, they choose an air shipping method.
If other shipping methods take a couple of weeks to deliver your shipment, air shipping will do it in under a week usually.
In this FAQ guide, you are going to get all the information you have been searching for on the internet comprising air shipping method, duration, and cost.
So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Air Shipping?
- What Are The Types Of International Air Shipping?
- How Long Does International Air Shipping Take?
- What Are The Documents Required For International Air Shipping?
- What Are The Step By Step Process Of Airline Shipping?
- What Are The Advantages Of Airline Shipping?
- What Are The Most Often Used Incoterm In International Air Shipping?
- Why Choose International Air Shipping Over Other Shipping Methods?
- What Are The Differences Between Airline Shipping And Air Express Shipping?
- How Airplane Shipping Chargeable Weight Is Calculated?
- What Are The Factors That Determine The Airplane Shipping Costs?
- Are There Surcharges In Airplane Shipping Rates?
- Who Pays The Customs Charge In Airplane Shipping?
- Who Is Liable For Customs Clearance In Airplane Shipping?
- Is There A Weight Limit On Airplane Shipping?
- Is Airplane Freight Insured?
- Are There Restrictions On Imports In Airline Shipping?
- Who Are The Most Renowned Airline Carriers?
- Can I Track My Package In Airline Shipping?
1. What Is Air Shipping?
Air shipping means the transportation of your shipment through an air carrier around the world.
It is one of the fastest mediums of shipment transportation throughout the world.
When it comes to transporting express packages around the world, air shipping systems are the most important.
This is one of the safest shipping even though charges a little higher than other methods of shipping.
Air freight flies the same manner as flights with commercial and commuter airlines.
2. What Are The Types Of International Air Shipping?
There are mainly two types of international air shipping depending on the urgency of your shipment.
Air Express Shipping
Air express shipping indicates the fastest shipping through airlines or air cargo locally or internationally.
It takes a minimum amount of time and understands your urgency.
It generally takes 1-6 days to send your parcel from anywhere to everywhere in the world.
Generally, air express carriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS provide such services.
Most of the carriers provide same-day or next-day delivery depending on the distance with door-to-door service.
It costs the highest charge for transporting your shipment.
Air Standard Shipping
Regular or standard air shipping refers to shipping through different airlines or airplanes that carry cargo.
It generally takes 3-12 days to complete the shipment all over the world.
It costs a little less than air express shipping.
Air express shipping carriers also provide standard air shipping all over the planet.
You get to subscribe to door-to-door shipping in standard air shipping as well.
3. How Long Does International Air Shipping Take?
It usually needs 3-12 days to send the shipment all over the world.
Air freight is one of the quickest modes of delivering the shipment.
It depends on the distance between your shipment’s origin airport to the destination airport.
The frequency of flights by your carrier also plays an important role here.
If you are sending a package to a place where the flights are frequent of your carrier, it takes a much lower time.
4. What Are The Documents Required For International Air Shipping?
Shipping merchandise by air demands that many major shipping documents be completed and submitted.
You may require some or more of the various paperwork outlined below.
Depending on where the products are shipped and what category of items you export you may need more or less of these papers.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
The BOL indicates the shipper, delivery person, and the forms and quantities of the products.
The Lading Bill is simply the agreement between the products’ owner and the carrier.
This is also the case with domestic transportation.
Two kinds of loading bills are available. A direct Lading letter is non-negotiable.
On the other hand, Bill of Lading can be purchased, auctioned, or exchanged in transit for a negotiable or shipper order.
It is also used for dealings of letter of credit.
The customer normally wants the primary BOL letter or a replica to show ownership and take over the product.

Certificate of Origin
The origin certificate is often used to identify the ethnic background of the shipment.
For aspects of clearing customs, this is very relevant since each foreign destination has different laws and regulations depending on where the items came from.
The origin certificate is usually certified by a semi-official approved body.
Even if the commercial invoice includes the same content, a certificate of origin could be needed.

Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)
If any product exceeds $2,500, the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is needed when exporting products from most countries.
This detail is used for administrative purposes by the Census Bureau.
The Census Bureau is in the process of transition to a mandatory electronic submission for the SED.
This is all the more justification for using your company’s electronic transport document control.

Packing List
Usually, a list of export packages is extensive rather than packing lists for domestic shipments.
Below are a few highlights of the export packaging list:
- Costing of freight in USD
- Complete contact details of the business shipper
- Company profile
- Complete name and recipient address
- Detailed product description
- Cargo quantity
- The load weight
- Source place of commodities
To check the weight and volume of the product, the shipper usually uses the packaging list.
This freight checklist can also be used by customs officers in the U.S. and foreign countries.

Commercial Invoice
You must have a commercial invoice in your shipment paperwork.
This invoice form contains a concise summary frame of each product of the shipment.
The value of each package and the gross shipping value are both mentioned.
In some states, customized invoices may be used.
The commercial invoice also contains detailed details about the purchase, including the shipper’s and seller’s contact information.
And it contains the arrangements of distribution and payment as well.
The buyer can make proof of ownership with the commercial invoice, and some administrations use this paper to evaluate customized duties.

Certificate of Inspection
Certain buyers and countries need a certificate of inspection.
This certificate confirms that the items delivered are authentic.
Usually, a third party conducts the investigation.
You must receive a certificate of inspection from an independent certification agency.

These are the most important documents you need while choosing international air shipping.
5. What Are The Step By Step Processes Of Airline Shipping?
Airline shipping is very easy and convenient, you know the procedure.
To get helped you with the process, follow the steps below-
Step # 1
The first thing you need to do is, sourcing your required products.
Collect all the commodities for the shipment from a trustworthy vendor.
Step # 2
Once sourcing is done, now pack all your items in a way that shipment takes a minimum amount of space for packaging.
The lesser space they consume, the lower your shipping cost would be.
For better packaging, you can also take help from your shipping carriers or freight forwarding agent.
Step # 3
Now, collect all the required documents for air shipping.
Usually, your freight forwarding agent issues all the required paperwork for your shipment.
But you should be aware of all the terms and conditions mentioned in each paper.
Step # 4
Once all the required documents are issued, you are good to go with the shipment.
Now, you may clear all the payments and get ready for airline shipping.
Step # 5
Your freight forwarder will send a truck as soon as possible and pick up your shipment.
Your shipment will be loaded on the air cargo and before that customs checking will be done.
Step # 6
Air cargo will ship the product to your desired airport.
Pay customs charges and import taxes & duties to release the product.
Usually, your freight forwarder does that on your behalf charging you a little cost.
Step # 7
Come and collect your shipment from your freight forwarder warehouse.
If you choose door-to-door service, the freight forwarding agent will deliver the shipment to your desired doorstep.
And this is the complete step-by-step guide for your air cargo shipment.
6. What Are The Advantages Of Airline Shipping?
The benefits of airline shipping are immense.
Let’s discuss a few of them in the following lines –
Fastest Mode of Shipping
The fast mobility in airlines is the ultimate benefit.
Airline shipping is about 10 times quicker than sea ships.
Commercial airliner cruises fly at 575 mph whereas ocean liners run at 16-18 mph.
It is the quickest transport mode and thus the most appropriate method of transportation when time is a key factor.

No Physical Barrier
It is along the fastest and most direct path as airline shipping is not prevented by sea, mountains, or forests.
It offers constant, convenient, reliable, and fast service.
Airline shipping can be used to transport goods and persons to places where other modes of transport cannot be accessed.
Suitable For High-value Carriage of Light Goods:
It is best suited to transport goods that require fast distribution and high-value light goods like gems, diamonds, precious stones, etc. over greater distances.
These are some of the many advantages of airline shipping.
7. What Are The Most Often Used Incoterm In International Air Shipping?
A set of 11 incoterms is available for international air shipping.
But several incoterms will be in your benefit if you are a freight importer.
You should end up choosing the incoterm to manage shipping costs as low as possible.
It can be difficult to choose the right incoterm for the buyer as the final decision would rely on many considerations.
Here are the top three most used incoterms in international air shipping –
Free On Board (FOB)
The exporter is primed and ready for foreign transport to drop the goods at its port of origin under the FOB incoterm.
All procedures and paperwork will be taken care of by the exporter.
You, the purchaser, are responsible for the picking of international air shipping.
This ensures that all costs and coordinates the transportation of freight to the final destination is fully regulated.
The simplicity that it provides is a major advantage in preferring FOB incoterm.
You can pick the routes and schedules for shipment and discuss rates with the freight transport agent of your company.
This incoterm is for importers and purchaser’s most recommended.
Ex Works (EXW)
Another strong choice for purchasers is EXW incoterm.
However, more attention should be paid when dealing with this incoterm.
Only when the consumer is familiar with the laws of imports of the country should it be included.
In order also to avoid problems, the forwarder should be present in the region.
You should stop using EXW incoterm until you are 100% relaxed, and know the laws and regulations.
The best solution in such a situation will be to get the products shipped at the airport.
From there you can work to the end destination with a service provider’s representative.
Delivered at Place (DAP)
The DAP incoterm enables you to import conveniently, and it carries no responsibility and risks for the buyer in general.
As a customer, you are free to choose, and you will save money.
Watch the advantages and disadvantages properly when determining whether this incoterm is the right one.
Choose carefully or else, you will lose more than you win merely because of the lack of control.
These are the top three incoterms used in international air shipping.
8. Why Choose International Air Shipping Over Other Shipping Methods?
The reason for choosing international air shipping over other shipping methods are stated as follows-
- International air shipping is the fastest way of transportation than any other shipping method.
So, if you need your shipment to arrive quicker, then you must choose international air shipping over other methods. - International air shipping needs less packing process for your shipment.
A less packing process means less weight, and less weight leads to less cost. - International air shipping is more secure for your shipment from being theft or stolen.
So, it’s a big advantage over other methods of shipping. - Besides, international air shipping charges less premium of insurance as it takes such low time to ship your products.
That’s another cost-saving feature.
For these reasons, you should choose international air shipping over other shipping methods.
9. What Are The Differences Between Airline Shipping And Air Express Shipping?
Below are all the distinctions between Airline shipping and Air Express Shipping –
Shipping Method
International airlines typically transport air shipping.
And international business express providers such as – UPS, DHL, FedEx, etc. generally forward express delivery.
However, these commercial express services often deliver air freight transport through private charter or airlines.
Duration of Shipping
Air shipping follows a pretty hard and fast schedule.
Shipping duration mainly relies on the routes of shipping such as it could be a straight flight to a destination or sometimes it could be transshipment.
But, whatever the situation is, it doesn’t take more than six to twelve days to deliver a shipment throughout the world.
Air express shipping takes much less time.
It delivers products within 1-6 days throughout the world.
Delivery Method
In air shipping, this is an airport to airport delivery method.
Here, when the plane lands, you have to collect the shipment and complete the customs formalities.
These formalities could be done by your freight forwarder also.
But in air express shipping, the delivery method is always door-to-door.
Weight Recording Differences
In airline shipping, minimum cargo weight begins at 45 kilograms and then recorded at every kilogram.
In international expresses, small parcels begin at 500 g for documentation.
And the documents should have a weight of just 2 kilograms.
For parcels, per kilogram is registered while weighing more than 22 kilos.
Per 500 grams is registered for parcels weighing less than 22 kilos.
The Chargeable Weight
Cost freight is measured based on gross weight and volumetric weight, under international express and air shipping.
Needless to say, the heavier one will be taken as the chargeable weight.
Gross weight is the package’s actual weight.
Volumetric weight is often referred to as dimensional weight or DIM.
And it is calculated by measuring the cubic meter accommodated by the package.
Weight per cbm in express shipment amounts to 200 kilos, while the weight per cbm in air shipping is 166.7 kilograms.
Price Difference
Air shipping is much cheaper if compared to air express shipping.
Since the air shipping chargeable weight constant is lower than air express shipping the cost varies.
Besides, air express shipping delivers the product at minimum time, that’s why it charges higher.
These are the main differences between air shipping and air express shipping.
To know more, watch the video –
10. How Airplane Shipping Chargeable Weight Is Calculated?
At first, the actual weight of the shipment is measured.
Then, volumetric weight is measured.
Whichever one is greater, is picked as the chargeable weight.
And the cost is calculated by the chargeable weight.
Calculation Of Gross Weight In Air Shipping

Calculation Of Volumetric Weight In Air Shipping

Chargeable Weight Of Air Shipping If Gross Weight > Volumetric Weight

Chargeable Weight Of Air Shipping If Volumetric Weight > Gross Weight

This is how you can measure the chargeable weight for air shipping.
For a more clear view on this, watch the video –
11. What Are The Factors That Determine The Airplane Shipping Costs?
The following considerations decide air shipping costs –
- Size and volume of the parcel,
- The actual mass of the parcel,
- Shipping duration,
- Freight value,
- Goods category,
- Distance of target destination.
12. Are There Surcharges In Airplane Shipping Rates?
Yes, there are surcharges in airplane shipping rates.
The airplane shipping surcharges include-
- Fuel Surcharges
- Residential Delivery Surcharge
- Oversize Package Surcharge
- Saturday Surcharges
- Signatures Surcharges
- Address Correction
- Delivery Area Surcharge
- Declared Value Surcharge
13. Who Pays The Customs Charge In Airplane Shipping?
The importer.
If you are importing the product, then you will bear the customs duties and taxes while receiving the product in airplane shipping.
Usually, carriers or freight forwarders do the formality upon the request of the importer.
14. Who Is Liable For Customs Clearance In Airplane Shipping?
The receiver of the shipment.
If you are the receiver of the shipment you have to take the formalities of customs clearance in airplane shipping of the goods.
Generally, carriers or freight forwarders provide customs compliance and take the hassle upon the request of the receiver.
15. Is There A Weight Limit On Airplane Shipping?
Yes.
A single parcel should not weigh more than 350 lbs (158 kgs) in airplane shipping.
A person can send up to 1000 kg of products at a time in airplane shipping.
16. Is Airplane Freight Insured?
Yes.
Airplane freight is completely insured.
Airplane shipping insurance provides protection against injury, loss, and even delays.
While some coverage is typically limited, the majority of airplane shipping firms have a minimum level of protection on all goods, known as carriers’ liability.
17. Are There Restrictions On Imports In Airline Shipping?
Yes, there are restrictions on some specific goods in airline shipping.
Some of them are stated as follows-
- Lithium batteries
- Acids and corrosive chemicals
- Pets
- Flammable liquids and solids
- Precious stones
- Drugs, nicotine, marijuana, and alcohol
- Guns, firearms, and explosives
- Radioactives
- Compressed gases and aerosols

18. Who Are The Most Renowned Airline Carriers?
There are a few most renowned airline shipping carriers in the market.
Let’s have a look at a few of them.
DHL Air Shipping

FedEx Air Shipping

UPS Air Shipping

Kuehne+Nagel Airline Shipping

DB Schenker Airline Shipping

19. Can I Track My Package In Airline Shipping?
Yes, you can.
Just visit the website of your airplane shipping carrier.
There you will find the tracking segment.
Simply provide your air waybill number or shipment number to track down your package.

You can also use your smartphone to track your airline shipping by downloading your freight forwarder or carrier’s app.
Conclusion
Hope this FAQ guide provided the answers of all your queries regarding air shipping.
HART wants to help you to escape air shipping related risks, overburden, theft and incomprehension.
When HART is there to help, you may not have to worry about air shipping.
Only inform us of what you need, where the shipment comes from and where it delivers.
We will establish an airline shipping plan to fulfill your needs.