Why choose air freight?
Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between China and Europe — typically 3–7 days door to door. It is the right choice when the cost of delay is higher than the cost of freight: urgent orders, production line stoppages, product launches, samples, spare parts, and high-value or perishable goods.
Air vs. sea vs. rail at a glance
| Mode | Typical transit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Air | 3–7 days | Urgent, high-value, perishable |
| Rail | ≈ 18 days | Mid-sized volumes, balance of speed & cost |
| Sea | ≈ 30–40 days | Large volumes, lowest cost per unit |
⚠️ Transit times are indicative and vary by route and season.
How air freight cost is calculated
Airlines charge for chargeable weight — the higher of:
- Actual gross weight (in kg), or
- Volumetric weight = (length × width × height in cm) ÷ 6000
This matters: bulky but light cargo can cost more than its physical weight suggests. Send me your dimensions and weight, and I'll calculate the chargeable weight and give you an accurate comparison.
What affects the cost of air freight?
Beyond chargeable weight, a few factors move your air freight rate:
- Routing — direct flights cost more than consolidated or transit options; choose by your speed need.
- Fuel & security surcharges — airlines adjust these in line with fuel prices and airport security costs.
- Season & demand — rates rise during peak season (roughly Q3–Q4) and around major holidays.
- Cargo type — dangerous goods, temperature-controlled or high-value cargo require special handling.
- Customs & taxes — duty and import VAT are separate from the freight and depend on your HS code (see customs clearance).
I quote the full picture — freight, surcharges and any handling — so you can compare fairly.
Main airports
Origin (China): Shanghai (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX), Hong Kong (HKG), Guangzhou (CAN), Beijing (PEK).
Destination (Europe): Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR/LGW), plus other European hubs with onward trucking.
Clearing air freight in Germany, the Netherlands & the UK
Air freight clears fast — but only if the paperwork is ready before the plane lands. The essentials by market:
Germany
EORI number plus import VAT apply. Frankfurt (FRA) is the main gateway, with onward trucking across the DACH region. Regulated goods need CE marking.
Netherlands
Amsterdam (AMS) is a major hub. Standard EORI and import VAT rules apply; Article 23 deferment lets regular importers postpone import VAT to their periodic return.
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, UK imports need a GB EORI and a UK customs declaration. Most importers use postponed VAT accounting to settle import VAT on their VAT return.
These are general rules — I'll confirm what your specific goods need before they ship.
How the process works
- Booking & rate confirmation — clear quote with all cost items listed.
- Pickup & export — trucking to origin airport and Chinese export clearance.
- Flight — direct or consolidated connection to Europe.
- Import clearance — we clear your cargo at the destination.
- Delivery — trucking to your warehouse, or door-to-door as agreed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does air freight take from China to Europe?
Typically 3–7 days door to door, depending on the airports, flight schedule and customs clearance.
How is air freight cost calculated?
By chargeable weight — the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (L×W×H in cm ÷ 6000).
What cargo is best suited to air freight?
Time-critical, high-value, perishable goods, samples and spare parts.
Can you handle dangerous goods or special cargo by air?
Yes, subject to IATA regulations. Let me know your cargo type and I'll confirm the requirements.
When should I choose air over sea or rail?
When the cost of delay exceeds the cost of freight: urgent restocks, product launches, production stoppages, high-value or perishable goods. For larger, non-urgent volumes, sea or rail usually make more sense.
Can you ship lithium batteries or dangerous goods by air?
Often yes, subject to IATA dangerous-goods regulations and correct packaging, labelling and documentation. Send me the UN number and specifications, and I'll confirm feasibility.
Get your air freight quote
Send me your cargo type, dimensions, weight and destination — I'll give you a transparent air freight quote, free of charge.