GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Air freight

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

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

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Definition & Explanation

Forwarders and shippers turn to air freight when speed outweighs cost: it is the fastest international transport mode and the natural choice for high-value, perishable, or time-critical cargo such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and fashion. A shipment moves through export handling and customs formalities at the origin airport, is loaded into unit load devices (ULDs – types such as LD3 or LD7), flown to destination, and cleared through import customs on arrival. Charges are calculated on actual or volumetric (dimensional) weight, whichever is greater. Air freight should not be confused with integrator parcel services such as DHL Express or FedEx, which also fly cargo but operate proprietary hub-and-spoke networks, fixed size limits, and different pricing structures.

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Air freight

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