Air Freight

Standard air freight approx. EUR 2–8/kg, Express (24–48h) approx. EUR 5–15/kg, Same Day/NFO approx. EUR 10–30/kg. Additional: Fuel Surcharge (FSC), Security Surcharge (SSC) and customs. Chargeable weight (volumetric weight: L×W×H/6000 vs. actual weight) is decisive.

Chargeable weight = max(actual weight, volumetric weight). Volumetric weight = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000. Example: 80×60×50 cm = 40 kg volumetric weight. Courier services often use ÷ 5,000. The higher weight is billed.

AWB (Air Waybill): non-negotiable, not a document of title. B/L (Bill of Lading): negotiable, can be transferred as title document. AWB: original not required for delivery (consignee receives goods with ID proof). B/L: original must be presented at destination. Both serve as contract of carriage and receipt.

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) apply to all companies shipping dangerous goods by air. This includes: electronics manufacturers (lithium batteries), chemical companies, pharmaceutical companies and many more. Shippers must be IATA DGR trained and complete a Shipper's Declaration. Airlines check documents before acceptance.

Charter pays off from approximately 30–50 tonnes or when regular cargo flights are unavailable (e.g. disaster relief, crisis logistics, exotic destinations). Also for highly time-critical shipments (AOG, production stoppage) and for certain goods (live animals, artwork, heavy cargo), charter is the best solution.

Flight time: 11–13h (Shanghai–Frankfurt direct). Door-to-door: Standard Express 3–5 business days, Economy Air 5–7 business days, Same Day/NFO 24–36h. Calculation: pre-carriage to airport (1–2 days) + handling (12–24h) + flight time + destination customs (1–2 days).

Required documents: 1) AWB (Air Waybill), 2) Commercial Invoice with cargo value and HS code, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration, 5) for dangerous goods: Shipper's Declaration (SDDG). Optional: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, CITES permit. For letter of credit: complete document set per UCP 600.