GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

All-Cargo Charter Services

All-cargo charter services are the full lease of a freighter aircraft for a specific mission outside scheduled air freight networks.

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/our-divisions/global-forwarding/products/air-freight/special-services/all-cargo-charter.html

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Definition & Explanation

All-cargo charter services are the full lease of a freighter aircraft for a specific mission outside scheduled air freight networks. The contracting party – typically a shipper, freight forwarder, or air cargo broker – secures the entire payload capacity and pays a lump-sum rate covering the route, aircraft type, and agreed ancillary services. This model is used wherever scheduled capacity falls short or no suitable routing exists: humanitarian relief, project cargo, machinery exports, and time-critical specialty shipments such as artworks or live animals. Unlike a spot booking on a scheduled service or a part-charter arrangement, a full charter places the empty-leg risk entirely with the charterer, in exchange for maximum flexibility on timing, routing, and handling requirements. Transactions are typically arranged through an experienced air cargo broker acting as intermediary between the charterer and the aircraft operator.

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