GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Air Courier Services

Guaranteed transit times and an unbroken chain of custody are what set air courier services apart from standard air freight.

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courier

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Check transit time: city-to-city index

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Definition & Explanation

Guaranteed transit times and an unbroken chain of custody are what set air courier services apart from standard air freight. Small parcels, documents, and high-value goods are transported with assured delivery windows—often within 24 hours, including intercontinental routes. The service covers pickup from the sender, transport via dedicated couriers or reserved capacity on scheduled flights, and door-to-door delivery to the consignee. Typical applications include time-sensitive legal documents, medical specimens, prototypes, and urgent spare parts. While integrated express carriers such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS rely on hub-and-spoke networks, air couriers emphasize personal accompaniment and a controlled handover of the shipment at every stage.

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Airports

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Transit index

Check transit time: city-to-city index

P50/P80 transit times for sea, air and road — sourced and confidence-rated, not a carrier quote.

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Air Courier Services

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Related Terms

Courier pickup

Courier Transport Management Systems

Courier Transfer

Proof of Delivery (Courier Service)

Courier Service Delivery Location

Delivery drop-off authorization (courier service)

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Airports

Check transit time: city-to-city index

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