Air Freight from China
Air freight from China is a necessary component of global trade, facilitating the rapid movement of goods to destinations worldwide.
In October 2024, the average spot price for air freight from China to US surged by 49% year-over-year to $5.46 per kilogram, reflecting increased demand for Chinese e-commerce products.
With efficient transport times and reliable services, air freight has become a preferred choice for shipping various products.
What is Air Freight Service?
Air freight China service refers to the transportation of goods via airplanes. Unlike sea freight or ocean freight, which involves ships and longer transit times, air freight prioritizes speed and efficiency.
Goods are loaded onto cargo aircraft and flown to their destination, making it an ideal solution for time-sensitive shipments.
Businesses use air freight services to move goods quickly, often opting for this method when time is considered to be more critical as opposed to cost. They typically involve detailed logistics, including customs clearance, documentation, and cargo insurance.
They might typically involve one of the two types of transport:
- Dedicated Cargo Flights: These flights are solely used for transporting cargo, meaning the entire aircraft is dedicated to freight
- Commercial Passenger Flights: In this arrangement, goods are transported in the cargo hold of passenger planes, which is a common method for smaller shipments and when there is available space on scheduled passenger flights.
When and Why You Should Use Air Freight Service from China?
Air Shipping from China is often the preferred method for transporting goods that require rapid delivery.
Time Sensitivity: When shipments are time-critical, such as for products with a limited shelf life or urgent market demands, air freight provides the fastest solution.
High-Value Goods: Air freight is suitable for high-value items that need to be delivered quickly to avoid potential losses in value, such as electronics, luxury goods, and automotive parts.
Global Reach: With China being one of the largest manufacturing countries, air freight enables businesses to transport goods quickly across the world to meet global demand.
Reliability: Air freight services are highly reliable, with clear schedules and fewer delays compared to other shipping methods like sea freight.
Air Freight Routes from China
Air Cargo from China operates through numerous global routes, facilitating the swift movement of goods to key markets around the world.
One of the busiest and most crucial routes for air freight from China to US.
Goods from Chinese manufacturing facilities are often shipped to major US airports such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
Major European destinations, including Frankfurt, London, and Paris, are frequent receiving points for goods from China, supporting the strong trade between China and European Union countries.
Shorter and more frequent air freight routes connect China with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
With the growing trade between China and the Middle East, key airports such as Dublin and Doha serve as key transit destinations for goods moving in and out of China.
China Air Freight Rates
Air freight rates from China are influenced by several factors, including the weight and volume of goods, the chosen air cargo method, and the specific route.
Rates can differ significantly, especially with seasonal demand fluctuations.
For example, e-commerce spikes during holidays or events like Singles’ Day in China can drive rates higher.
To get the best air shipping from China to USA, businesses need to carefully plan their shipping schedules, monitor trends, and consider consolidating shipments to reduce costs.
How Long Does It Take to Ship Air Freight from China?
Air freight is favored for its speed, with typical transit times ranging from 1 to 7 days depending on the route and specific air freight services used.
Factors affecting the transit time include:
Distance between the departure and arrival locations: Longer distances may increase shipping time.
Cargo handling and customs clearance: Delays in customs or cargo handling can extend delivery times, though they are usually shorter for air freight compared to other methods like sea freight.
Availability of direct flights: Direct flights will typically result in shorter transit times, while those involving layovers may take longer.
What is the Cost of Air Freight from China?
Air freight rates are typically calculated based on either the weight or volume of the shipment, whichever is higher. Bulkier goods may lead to additional charges due to the space they occupy in the aircraft.
The greater the distance between the departure point in China and the destination, the higher the cost of air freight.
Perishable goods, high-value items, or hazardous materials often lead to additional handling charges due to their special requirements.
Fluctuations in fuel prices and seasonal surges in demand can influence the overall cost of air freight, for example, demand for e-commerce during peak seasons like Lunar New Year or Black Friday can drive up rates.
