How Long Does Air Freight from China Take?
Air freight is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to ship goods from China to anywhere in the world. Whether you need to import raw materials, finished products, or samples, air freight can help you save time and money while ensuring the quality and safety of your cargo. In this article, we will explore the growth and importance of air freight from China, the advantages of air freight over other shipping methods, the process of air freight shipping from China, the key players in the air freight industry, the factors affecting air freight shipping times from China, the challenges and solutions in air freight from China, the cost considerations in air freight shipping from China, and how to choose the right air freight partner for your business.
The Growth and Importance of Air Freight from China
China is the world’s largest exporter and the second-largest importer of goods. According to the World Bank, China exported $2.5 trillion worth of goods and imported $2.1 trillion worth of goods in 2019. A significant portion of these goods are shipped by air, especially those that are high-value, time-sensitive, perishable, or fragile. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), China accounted for 15.4% of the global air cargo market share in 2019, making it the second-largest air cargo market after the United States.
Air freight from China is important for many reasons. First, it enables faster and more efficient trade between China and its major trading partners, such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Air freight can reduce the transit time from weeks to days or even hours, which can improve the cash flow and inventory management of businesses. Second, it supports the development and innovation of various industries in China, such as e-commerce, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and automotive. Air freight can help these industries deliver their products to the global market faster and more securely, which can enhance their competitiveness and customer satisfaction. Third, it contributes to the economic growth and social development of China and its regions. Air freight can create jobs, generate revenue, and facilitate the movement of people and goods across the country and the world.
Advantages of Air Freight over Other Shipping Methods
Air freight has many advantages over other shipping methods, such as sea freight, rail freight, or road freight. Some of the main advantages are:
Speed: Air freight is the fastest way to ship goods from China to anywhere in the world. Depending on the destination, air freight can take as little as a few hours to a few days, while sea freight can take weeks or months, and rail or road freight can take days or weeks. For example, according to Freightos, the average transit time for air freight from China to the United States is 3 to 8 days, while the average transit time for sea freight is 20 to 40 days.
Reliability: Air freight is more reliable than other shipping methods, as it is less affected by weather, traffic, customs, or other delays. Air freight also has more frequent and flexible schedules, which can accommodate urgent or last-minute shipments. For example, according to the World Bank, the on-time delivery rate for air freight from China to the United States was 86% in 2018, while the on-time delivery rate for sea freight was 69%.
Security: Air freight is more secure than other shipping methods, as it has stricter security measures and less handling and exposure to theft, damage, or loss. Air freight also has better tracking and tracing capabilities, which can provide real-time information and visibility of the shipment status and location. For example, according to Cargo iQ, the average mishandling rate for air freight was 0.6% in 2019, while the average mishandling rate for sea freight was 1.5%.
Quality: Air freight can maintain the quality and freshness of the goods, especially those that are perishable, fragile, or sensitive to temperature, humidity, or pressure. Air freight can also provide specialized services and equipment, such as refrigerated containers, insulated packaging, or climate-controlled warehouses, to ensure the optimal conditions for the goods. For example, according to IATA, air freight transported 52 million metric tons of perishable goods, such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat, in 2019.
The Process of Air Freight Shipping from China
The process of air freight shipping from China can vary depending on the type, size, and destination of the shipment, but it generally involves the following steps:
Preparation: The first step is to prepare the goods for air freight shipping, which includes packing, labeling, weighing, measuring, and documenting the goods. The goods should be packed securely and appropriately to avoid damage or loss during transit. The goods should also be labeled clearly and accurately with the necessary information, such as the sender, the receiver, the description, the quantity, the value, and the destination. The goods should also be weighed and measured to determine the chargeable weight and volume, which are used to calculate the shipping cost. The goods should also be accompanied by the relevant documents, such as the commercial invoice, the packing list, the air waybill, and the certificate of origin.
Booking: The next step is to book the air freight service with a reliable and reputable air freight partner, such as a freight forwarder, a carrier, or a broker. The air freight partner can help the shipper find the best flight, route, price, and service for their shipment. The air freight partner can also help the shipper with the customs clearance, the insurance, and the transportation of the goods to and from the airport.
Pickup: The third step is to arrange the pickup of the goods from the shipper’s location to the airport of origin. The pickup can be done by the air freight partner or by the shipper themselves, depending on the agreement and the service level. The pickup should be done in a timely and safe manner to avoid missing the flight or causing any damage or loss to the goods.
Departure: The fourth step is to load the goods onto the plane and depart from the airport of origin. The goods are usually loaded into unit load devices (ULDs), which are metal or plastic containers that can fit into the cargo hold of the plane. The goods are also scanned and checked by the airport security and customs before departure. The departure time and date are recorded and communicated to the shipper and the receiver by the air freight partner.
Transit: The fifth step is to transit the goods from the airport of origin to the airport of destination. The transit time and route can vary depending on the flight availability, the distance, the weather, and the possible stopovers or transfers. The goods are usually unloaded and reloaded at each stopover or transfer, which can increase the risk of delay, damage, or loss. The transit status and location of the goods are tracked and updated by the air freight partner.
Arrival: The sixth step is to unload the goods from the plane and arrive at the airport of destination. The goods are again scanned and checked by the airport security and customs upon arrival. The arrival time and date are recorded and communicated to the shipper and the receiver by the air freight partner.
Delivery: The final step is to deliver the goods from the airport of destination to the receiver’s location. The delivery can be done by the air freight partner or by the receiver themselves, depending on the agreement and the service level. The delivery should be done in a timely and safe manner to ensure the satisfaction and feedback of the receiver.
Key Players in the Air Freight Industry
The air freight industry is composed of various players, such as the exporters, the importers, the freight forwarders, the airlines, the customs, and the delivery agents. Each player has a different role and function in the air freight process, and they interact and cooperate with each other to ensure the smooth and successful completion of the air freight shipments. Some of the key players in the air freight industry are:
Exporters: Exporters are the companies or individuals that sell and ship their goods from China to the rest of the world by air. Exporters are responsible for preparing and providing their goods, documents, and information for the air freight shipments, and for paying the fees and charges for the air freight shipments. Exporters also have to comply with the laws and regulations of the origin and the destination countries, and to ensure the quality and the safety of their goods.
Importers: Importers are the companies or individuals that buy and receive their goods from China to the rest of the world by air. Importers are responsible for booking and arranging their air freight shipments, and for paying the fees and charges for the air freight shipments. Importers also have to comply with the laws and regulations of the origin and the destination countries, and to ensure the quality and the safety of their goods.
Freight Forwarders: Freight forwarders are the companies that specialize in arranging and managing the transportation of goods by air. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between the exporters, the importers, the airlines, the customs, and the delivery agents, and they provide various services and solutions for the air freight shipments, such as booking, preparation, pick-up, flight, clearance, delivery, tracking, and insurance. Freight forwarders also have to comply with the laws and regulations of the origin and the destination countries, and to ensure the quality and the safety of the goods.
Airlines: Airlines are the companies that operate and provide the flights for the transportation of goods by air. Airlines are responsible for transporting and delivering the goods from the origin airport to the destination airport, according to the flight schedule and route. Airlines also provide various services and options for the air freight shipments, such as express, priority, economy, or charter. Airlines also have to comply with the laws and regulations of the origin and the destination countries, and to ensure the quality and the safety of the goods.
Customs: Customs are the authorities that regulate and control the import and export of goods by air. Customs are responsible for inspecting and clearing the goods at the origin and the destination countries, and for collecting and levying the taxes and duties for the import and export of the goods. Customs also have to enforce the laws and regulations of the origin and the destination countries, and to prevent the smuggling and the trafficking of illegal or prohibited goods.
Delivery Agents: Delivery agents are the companies or individuals that deliver the goods from the airport to the importer’s or the exporter’s location. Delivery agents are responsible for transporting and handling the goods from the airport to the final destination, and for providing the proof of delivery and the receipt of the goods. Delivery agents also have to comply with the laws and regulations of the destination country, and to ensure the quality and the safety of the goods.
Factors Affecting Air Freight Shipping Times from China
The time it takes to ship goods from China to the rest of the world by air can vary depending on various factors, such as the distance, the flight schedule, the service level, the customs clearance, and the delivery mode. Some of the main factors affecting air freight shipping times from China are:
Distance: The distance between the origin and the destination airports is one of the most obvious factors that affect the air freight shipping time from China. The longer the distance, the longer the flight time, and the longer the air freight shipping time. For example, shipping goods from China to the US by air can take about 10 to 15 hours of flight time, while shipping goods from China to Europe by air can take about 8 to 12 hours of flight time.
Flight Schedule: The flight schedule of the airline is another factor that affects the air freight shipping time from China. The flight schedule determines the frequency, the availability, and the timing of the flights for the air freight shipments. The more frequent, available, and timely the flights, the shorter the air freight shipping time. For example, shipping goods from China to the US by air can take about 2 to 3 days of total time, if there are daily direct flights, while shipping goods from China to Europe by air can take about 3 to 5 days of total time, if there are only weekly indirect flights.
Service Level: The service level of the airline is another factor that affects the air freight shipping time from China. The service level determines the priority, the speed, and the cost of the air freight shipments. The higher the service level, the higher the priority, the speed, and the cost of the air freight shipments. For example, shipping goods from China to the US by air can take about 1 to 2 days of total time, if the service level is express, while shipping goods from China to Europe by air can take about 4 to 6 days of total time, if the service level is economy.
Customs Clearance: The customs clearance of the origin and the destination countries is another factor that affects the air freight shipping time from China. The customs clearance determines the inspection, the documentation, and the taxation of the air freight shipments. The faster and smoother the customs clearance, the shorter the air freight shipping time. For example, shipping goods from China to the US by air can take about 1 to 2 days of customs clearance time, if the goods are pre-cleared and duty-paid, while shipping goods from China to Europe by air can take about 2 to 4 days of customs clearance time, if the goods are subject to inspection and taxation.
Delivery Mode: The delivery mode of the destination country is another factor that affects the air freight shipping time from China. The delivery mode determines the transportation and the handling of the goods from the airport to the final destination. The faster and more direct the delivery mode, the shorter the air freight shipping time. For example, shipping goods from China to the US by air can take about 1 to 2 days of delivery time, if the delivery mode is door-to-door, while shipping goods from China to Europe by air can take about 2 to 4 days of delivery time, if the delivery mode is airport-to-airport.
Challenges and Solutions in Air Freight from China
Air freight from China faces some challenges and limitations, such as cost, capacity, regulations, and environmental impact. These challenges and limitations can affect the efficiency, the effectiveness, and the sustainability of the air freight shipments. However, there are also some solutions and opportunities to overcome these challenges and limitations, such as technology, innovation, cooperation, and optimization. Some of the main challenges and solutions in air freight from China are:
Cost: Cost is one of the biggest challenges in air freight from China, as it is much more expensive than other shipping methods, such as sea freight, rail freight, or road freight. The cost of air freight from China depends on various factors, such as the weight, the volume, the distance, the service level, the fuel surcharge, the security surcharge, the handling fee, the insurance fee, and the taxes and duties. The cost of air freight from China can be reduced by some solutions, such as reducing the weight and the volume of the goods, choosing the best service level and the flight schedule, negotiating the best rate and the surcharge, consolidating the goods with other shipments, and pre-clearing and pre-paying the taxes and duties.
Capacity: Capacity is another challenge in air freight from China, as it is limited by the availability and the size of the planes, the airports, and the slots. The capacity of air freight from China can be affected by various factors, such as the demand, the supply, the season, the weather, the pandemic, and the disruption. The capacity of air freight from China can be increased by some solutions, such as increasing the frequency and the size of the flights, expanding and upgrading the airports and the slots, diversifying and optimizing the routes and the hubs, and using the charter or the cargo-only flights.
Regulations: Regulations are another challenge in air freight from China, as they are complex and diverse across different countries and regions. The regulations of air freight from China can affect the compliance, the documentation, and the taxation of the air freight shipments. The regulations of air freight from China can be followed by some solutions, such as understanding and complying with the laws and the standards of the origin and the destination countries, preparing and providing the necessary documents and information for the air freight shipments, and using the professional and reliable freight forwarders and customs brokers.
Environmental Impact: Environmental impact is another challenge in air freight from China, as it is one of the most polluting and carbon-intensive modes of transportation. The environmental impact of air freight from China can affect the sustainability, the reputation, and the social responsibility of the air freight shipments. The environmental impact of air freight from China can be reduced by some solutions, such as using the more fuel-efficient and less noisy planes, reducing the weight and the volume of the goods, choosing the shortest and the most direct routes and flights, and offsetting the carbon emissions and the environmental footprint of the air freight shipments.
Cost Considerations in Air Freight Shipping from China
The cost of air freight shipping from China is one of the most important considerations for the exporters and the importers, as it can affect the profitability, the competitiveness, and the customer satisfaction of their businesses. The cost of air freight shipping from China depends on various factors, such as the weight, the volume, the distance, the service level, the fuel surcharge, the security surcharge, the handling fee, the insurance fee, and the taxes and duties. The cost of air freight shipping from China can be calculated by some methods, such as the chargeable weight, the dimensional weight, the volumetric weight, and the actual weight. Some of the main cost considerations in air freight shipping from China are:
Chargeable Weight: Chargeable weight is the weight that is used to calculate the freight rate for the air freight shipments. Chargeable weight is usually the higher of the actual weight and the dimensional weight of the goods. Actual weight is the weight of the goods as measured by a scale. Dimensional weight is the weight of the goods as calculated by a formula that considers the length, the width, and the height of the goods. The formula for dimensional weight is: length x width x height / 6000 (in cm and kg) or length x width x height / 366 (in inches and lbs). For example, if the actual weight of a shipment is 100 kg, and the dimensional weight of the shipment is 120 kg, then the chargeable weight of the shipment is 120 kg.
Fuel Surcharge: Fuel surcharge is the surcharge that is added to the freight rate to cover the cost of the fuel for the air freight shipments. Fuel surcharge is usually a percentage of the freight rate, and it can vary depending on the fuel price, the currency exchange, and the airline policy. Fuel surcharge is usually updated monthly or weekly by the airlines, and it can be found on their websites or their newsletters. For example, if the freight rate of a shipment is $5 per kg, and the fuel surcharge is 20%, then the total cost of the shipment is $6 per kg.
Security Surcharge: Security surcharge is the surcharge that is added to the freight rate to cover the cost of the security measures and controls for the air freight shipments. Security surcharge is usually a fixed amount per shipment or per kg, and it can vary depending on the security level, the destination, and the airline policy. Security surcharge is usually updated periodically by the airlines, and it can be found on their websites or their newsletters. For example, if the freight rate of a shipment is $5 per kg, and the security surcharge is $0.5 per kg, then the total cost of the shipment is $5.5 per kg.
Handling Fee: Handling fee is the fee that is charged by the freight forwarder or the airport for the handling and loading of the goods for the air freight shipments. Handling fee is usually a fixed amount per shipment or per kg, and it can vary depending on the weight, the volume, the type, and the destination of the goods. Handling fee is usually quoted by the freight forwarder or the airport, and it can be found on their invoices or their contracts. For example, if the chargeable weight of a shipment is 100 kg, and the handling fee is $10 per shipment, then the total cost of the shipment is $10.
Insurance Fee: Insurance fee is the fee that is paid by the exporter or the importer to insure their goods against the risk of damage, loss, or theft during the air freight shipments. Insurance fee is usually a percentage of the value of the goods, and it can vary depending on the value, the type, and the destination of the goods. Insurance fee is usually optional, but highly recommended, and it can be arranged by the exporter, the importer, the freight forwarder, or the insurance company. For example, if the value of a shipment is $10,000, and the insurance fee is 1%, then the total cost of the shipment is $100.
Taxes and Duties: Taxes and duties are the taxes and duties that are levied by the customs of the origin and the destination countries for the import and export of the goods by air. Taxes and duties are usually a percentage of the value of the goods, and they can vary depending on the value, the type, and the origin of the goods. Taxes and duties are usually mandatory, and they can be paid by the exporter, the importer, the freight forwarder, or the customs broker. For example, if the value of a shipment is $10,000, and the taxes and duties are 10%, then the total cost of the shipment is $1,000.
How to Choose the Right Air Freight Partner for Your Business
Choosing the right air freight partner for your business is one of the most critical decisions for the success and the satisfaction of your air freight shipments from China. Choosing the right air freight partner for your business can affect the quality, the speed, the reliability, and the cost of your air freight shipments from China. Choosing the right air freight partner for your business can also affect the reputation, the relationship, and the trust of your business with your customers and suppliers. Some of the main factors to consider when choosing the right air freight partner for your business are:
Experience: Experience is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right air freight partner for your business, as it reflects the knowledge, the skills, and the reputation of the air freight partner. Experience can be measured by the years, the volume, and the types of the air freight shipments that the air freight partner has handled from China. Experience can also be verified by the references, the testimonials, and the reviews of the previous and current customers of the air freight partner. The more experienced the air freight partner is, the more likely they are to provide the best service and solution for your air freight shipments from China.
Network: Network is another important factor to consider when choosing the right air freight partner for your business, as it reflects the coverage, the availability, and the flexibility of the air freight partner. Network can be measured by the number, the location, and the quality of the airlines, the airports, the hubs, and the agents that the air freight partner has access to and cooperates with from China. Network can also be verified by the frequency, the capacity, and the options of the flights and the services that the air freight partner can offer and arrange for your air freight shipments from China. The more extensive and diverse the network of the air freight partner is, the more likely they are to provide the best flight and service for your air freight shipments from China.
Price: Price is another important factor to consider when choosing the right air freight partner for your business, as it reflects the cost, the value, and the competitiveness of the air freight partner. Price can be measured by the rate, the surcharge, the fee, and the tax that the air freight partner charges and quotes for your air freight shipments from China. Price can also be verified by the invoice, the contract, and the breakdown of the cost and the charge of the air freight partner for your air freight shipments from China. The more reasonable and transparent the price of the air freight partner is, the more likely they are to provide the best value and benefit for your air freight shipments from China.
Service: Service is another important factor to consider when choosing the right air freight partner for your business, as it reflects the quality, the speed, and the reliability of the air freight partner. Service can be measured by the booking, the preparation, the pick-up, the flight, the clearance, the delivery, the tracking, and the insurance that the air freight partner provides and manages for your air freight shipments from China. Service can also be verified by the communication, the feedback, and the support that the air freight partner offers and maintains for your air freight shipments from China. The more professional and responsive the service of the air freight partner is, the more likely they are to provide the best satisfaction and convenience for your air freight shipments from China.
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