Air freight suits cargo where the delivery date matters more than the freight cost. Start with two dates: when the goods will be ready for collection, and when they must arrive. Capacity, screening, export handling, customs release and final delivery all sit between those two dates, and any of them can change the schedule.
When air freight is worth the premium
Air freight is usually considered for high-value goods, urgent replenishment, production components and samples that need approval before an order is placed. Shorter transit and fewer handling stages can also reduce the risk of damage and loss compared with a longer sea route. The trade-off is cost, so compare the total landed cost and the cost of a delay rather than the freight line alone. Air freight rates vary by route, season and available capacity, and are confirmed at the time of booking.
What to confirm in the quotation
Ask what the quote covers and where it ends. Collection, export handling, security screening, main carriage, import clearance, duties and taxes, and final delivery may be priced separately. Confirm whether the quote ends at the destination airport or at the receiving address, and which party is responsible for import clearance and duty payment.
Documentation, clearance and combined services
Air shipments still require commercial documents and customs clearance, and some cargo needs additional declarations or permits. LHD can check the documentation set for the shipment and arrange clearance where it forms part of the agreed scope. Air freight can also be combined with collection from your supplier, consolidation at the Shenzhen warehouse, final-mile delivery, or handover to an Amazon FBA shipment, depending on what the consignment needs.
Explore air freight options or send an urgent shipment enquiry with your cargo-ready date, destination and required delivery date.
LHD international Logistics