Air freight from China might be your best move if speed and reliability are top priorities. But to ship smart, you must understand how air cargo works, its costs, and how to optimize the entire process.
Let’s break it all down.
Essential information about air freight from China
Types of air freight services
Standard air freight: This option, handled by airlines like China Southern, Emirates, or Lufthansa Cargo, is ideal for shipments over 1
Express air (Courier services): DHL, FedEx, UPS, and SF Express offer door-to-door solutions within 2 to 4 days. It is great for lightweight, high-value shipments like jewelry, semi-protects, and prototype samples under 50 kg.
Charter flights: You can rent an aircraft to move 10+ CBM or multiple tons of urgent goods. It’s costly, but shipping large machinery or time-sensitive medical equipment is the fastest possible method with direct control over scheduling.
Why China is a global air cargo powerhouse
There’s a reason “air cargo from China” is always in demand. The infrastructure here isn’t just good—it’s built for efficiency.
Top international airports for exports include:
- Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – Heavy commercial volumes
- Shenzhen Baoan (SZX)– Great for electronics and e-commerce
- Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)– Well-connected to inland factories
- Beijing Capital (PEK)– Northern hub for industrial goods
- Hong Kong International (HKG) – Smooth customs, efficient transit
The real edge? Factory-to-airport proximity. Many of China’s top industrial zones are within 2–4 hours of a major global airport, making pickups fast and local trucking costs low.
Key air freight terms you should know
AWB (Air Waybill)
It is a unique tracking document issued by the carrier or freight forwarder. It includes shipper/consignee info, cargo details, routing, and charges.
ETA / ETD
These stand for Estimated Time of Arrival and Estimated Time of Departure. They help you track the timeline of your shipment and manage delivery expectations.
POD (Proof of Delivery)
A signed digital or physical confirmation that your cargo has arrived at its final destination. It’s essential for confirming successful delivery and resolving disputes.
ULD (Unit Load Device)
These are standardized containers or pallets used to load cargo onto aircraft efficiently. If shipping larger volumes, your goods may be consolidated into a ULD to ensure space optimization and cargo safety.
MOQ
The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for air freight is typically 45 kg. Shipments fall into categories like +45kg, +100kg, +300kg, +500kg, and +1000kg. For most destinations, shipments weighing less than 100 kg typically have lower courier costs.
Air freight incoterms
Incoterms clearly define responsibilities and costs during international shipping. For example, under EXW (Ex Works), the buyer arranges everything—factory pickup, export customs, air freight, and last-mile delivery. Meanwhile, DAP (Delivered at Place) means the seller handles almost everything except import duties.
Check out this article for a complete breakdown of air freight Incoterms from China and find the best fit for your business.
How long does air shipping take from China?
Air freight from China typically takes 2 to 7 days, depending on the destination country, service level, and how quickly customs process your goods.
Here’s a general timeline by country:
USA(e.g., Shenzhen to JFK):
- Express courier: 2–3 days
- Standard air freight: 4–6 days
UK (e.g., Guangzhou to London Heathrow):
- Express: 2–4 days
- Standard: 5–7 days
Australia (e.g., Shanghai to Sydney):
- Express: 2–3 days
- Standard: 3–5 days
What affects transit time?
- Airport pairings
- Carrier schedules
- Weather delays or public holidays
Tip: Always add 1–2 days for customs clearance, especially if it’s your first shipment.
Still unsure how long your airfreight from China to the USA or other countries will take?
How much does air freight from China cost?
Air freight cost from China depends on chargeable weight, not just how heavy your shipment is. Airlines calculate chargeable weight using the greater of:
- Actual Weight
- Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000
So, even lightweight cargo can cost more if the packaging is bulky. It is especially common with furniture, home goods, or display materials.
What impacts the freight costs from China?
- Fuel surcharges and security fees
- Seasonal demand (rates often spike in Q4)
- Service type (express air freight costs more than economy)
- Nature of goods (hazardous or oversized cargo costs extra)
For instance, current air freight rates from China to the UK (Heathrow/LHR) average $4.20–$5.80 per kg for general cargo above 100 kg using economy service. Express shipping typically falls into higher rate brackets.
Want an exact quote based on your cargo’s weight, dimensions, and destination? Contact our team today for a real-time breakdown and expert support!
Step-by-step guide to air cargo from China
1. Pickup from supplier
Your air freight forwarder can coordinate pickup directly from the factory.
2. Cargo check & packing
The team inspects your goods and packs them securely for air transport. They also palletize and label everything according to airline regulations.
3. Export customs clearance
Your freight forwarder helps file the export declaration and prepares necessary documents, such as:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Export License (if required)
- Certificate of Origin (for certain goods)
4. Air freight departure
After customs approval, your cargo gets loaded onto the scheduled flight and flies to the destination airport.
5. Import customs clearance
On arrival, the destination country requires you to clear customs and pay applicable import duties, VAT, and handling fees. You or your agent must present:
- Air Waybill (AWB)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Import Licenses or Permits (if needed)
6. Final mile delivery
Onc cleared, the shipment moves to your warehouse, Amazon FBA center, or final destination via a local truck. Some clients prefer airport pickup; others opt for full DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service.
Working with the right freight forwarder saves you time, paperwork, and hidden fees. Our team takes care of every detail, from factory to final delivery, so you can focus on growing your business.
Finding the best air freight from China
It’s easy to be drawn to the lowest quote. However, the cheap air freight from China often comes with delays, hidden charges, or poor cargo handling.
At Airsupply, we help you ship seamlessly with practical, cost-saving strategies. We offer:
- Customized shipping plans based on your requirements and budget
- Package checks to avoid unnecessary volumetric weight fees
- Smart scheduling to avoid peak season rate spikes
- Full assistance with customs paperwork to prevent clearance delays
- Accurate, real-time air freight rates based on your cargo and route
Whether you’re shipping to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or any other destination, we make air freight from China faster, safer, and more affordable.
