Air Freight Shipping from China

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Top Air Freight Forwarder in China

Air freight, also known as air cargo or air shipping, is a logistics method that uses aircraft (passenger or dedicated cargo planes) for the transportation of goods. While air freight accounts for about 35% of global trade by value, it only covers less than 1% by volume, making it an ideal choice for transporting high-value or time-sensitive cargo.

The increasing demand for air cargo is largely driven by the explosive growth of e-commerce, as businesses and consumers seek faster delivery times. At companies like CFC and others, air freight is a key part of their logistics solutions, offering speed, reliability, and global reach.

Key Elements of the Air Supply Chain

Several factors shape the air freight supply chain:

  1. Logistics Costs:
    The cost of transporting goods by air is higher than sea or land, but this is often justified for high-value goods or time-critical shipments. Costs include transportation, warehousing, and transshipment, and are often weighed against the value of the goods being transported.

  2. Transportation Time:
    Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation available, making it crucial for shipments where inventory holding costs need to be minimized. Perishable goods or urgent orders are often transported via air to reduce transit time.

  3. Reliability:
    Air cargo is considered highly reliable, as flight schedules are regular and punctual. Even if time is not the most critical factor, consistency in delivery can help optimize a supply chain.

  4. Supply Chain Risks:
    Risks in air freight include theft, damage, and shipment delays, although these risks are typically lower compared to other forms of transport. Supply chain managers prefer low-risk routes that ensure safe delivery within expected cost and time constraints.

The Role of Air Freight in E-Commerce

The rise of e-commerce has significantly boosted demand for air freight. Businesses require fast and reliable shipping to meet customer expectations for quick delivery, particularly for small, high-value items like electronics and fashion goods. Air freight provides the solution by offering speed and flexibility, allowing businesses to maintain a competitive edge.

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Air Shipping Scope

At Falocn, our air shipping services are designed to cater to businesses with time-sensitive and high-value cargo needs. We provide comprehensive air freight solutions that cover a wide range of destinations, ensuring fast, reliable, and secure transport for your goods across the globe. With our extensive logistics network and partnerships with major airlines, we can offer flexible shipping options that suit your schedule and cargo requirements.

Key Features of Our Air Shipping Scope:

  1. Global Reach

    • Falocn’s air freight services cover major international trade routes, including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. Whether you are shipping to or from China, we ensure your goods reach their destination quickly and efficiently.
  2. Custom Solutions

    • We offer a variety of customizable air freight options, including express delivery, consolidated shipments, and door-to-door services. Our team works closely with you to determine the best solution based on your budget, cargo size, and urgency.
  3. Full Cargo Visibility

    • Using advanced tracking technologies, we provide full visibility of your cargo throughout the entire journey, allowing you to monitor the status of your shipments in real time.
  4. Specialized Handling

    • Our expertise covers handling of high-value, fragile, or perishable goods, with specialized solutions such as temperature-controlled shipments and secure handling for sensitive cargo.
  5. Seamless Integration with Other Services

    • Falocn’s air shipping integrates seamlessly with our ocean freight and inland transportation services, providing a complete end-to-end logistics solution. We manage every aspect of the shipment, from customs clearance to last-mile delivery.

With our strong emphasis on timely, secure, and cost-effective shipping, Falocn is your trusted partner for international air freight logistics. Our solutions are tailored to meet the demands of your business, ensuring that your shipments arrive on time, every time.

Air Waybill (AWB)

An Air Waybill (AWB) is a legal document issued by an airline or an air freight carrier that outlines the details of goods being transported by air. It serves as both a receipt of the goods and a contract between the shipper and carrier for the transportation of the cargo. Unlike a Sea Bill of Lading, an AWB is non-negotiable, meaning it cannot be used to transfer ownership of the goods.

Key Functions of an AWB:

  1. Evidence of Contract of Carriage: It documents the agreement between the shipper and the carrier for the transport of the goods by air.
  2. Receipt of Goods: The AWB acts as proof that the carrier has received the goods for shipment.
  3. Customs Declaration: It is often used as a customs declaration document, containing the necessary information required for customs clearance.
  4. Tracking and Tracing: The AWB includes a unique tracking number, allowing the shipper and consignee to track the status and location of the shipment throughout its journey.

Main Components of an AWB:

  • AWB Number: A unique 11-digit tracking number.
  • Shipper and Consignee Information: Details of the sender and recipient.
  • Flight and Route Information: The route and flight information for the transportation of goods.
  • Description of Goods: Information about the cargo, including weight, dimensions, and contents.
  • Charges and Payment Terms: Indicates who is responsible for the payment of transportation charges (prepaid or collect).
  • Signature of Carrier: The document is signed by the carrier to confirm the receipt of goods.

Air Waybill Templates:

  1. Master Air Waybill (MAWB)

    • Issued by the main carrier (airline) to the shipper or freight forwarder.
    • Used when consolidating smaller shipments from different shippers into one large shipment.
  2. House Air Waybill (HAWB)

    • Issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper when shipping consolidated goods.
    • It details the contract between the shipper and the forwarder.

AWB Template Example Fields:

  • AWB Number: Unique identifier for tracking
  • Shipper’s Information: Name, address, contact details
  • Consignee’s Information: Name, address, contact details
  • Issuing Carrier’s Information: Airline name, flight details
  • Airport of Departure: Airport code and name
  • Airport of Destination: Final destination airport
  • Cargo Description: Type, weight, number of pieces
  • Freight Charges: Prepaid or collect
  • Signature: Confirmation by the shipper and carrier

Sample Air Waybill Template:

Air Waybill (AWB) Number: ___________________

Shipper Information:
Name: ___________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Contact: _________________________________

Consignee Information:
Name: ___________________________________
Address: __
_______________________________
Contact: __
_______________________________

Flight Details:
Departure Airport: ________________________
Destination Airport: _______________________

Cargo Information:
Description: ______________________________
Weight: _______ kg
Number of Pieces: __
_____

Freight Charges:
☐ Prepaid
☐ Collect

Signature: ___________________________________
Date: __
_____________________________________

This template outlines the necessary fields typically found in an Air Waybill. The AWB is crucial for both legal and practical reasons in the air freight industry, ensuring that the cargo is transported safely and according to international standards.

Main Shipping Routes

Our domestic outlets include Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Hong Kong, supported by a global network of overseas agents.

We work closely with airlines such as CX, CV, 5Y, KZ, OZ, KE, and BR, offering fixed positions on full freighters for key routes including LAX, JFK, ORD, CVG, MIA, ATL, BOS, and DFW. Our services accommodate various cargo types, including large, bulky, oversized, and e-commerce small packages with strict time requirements.

Our service coverage spans Europe, North America, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and other regions.

China plays a significant role in global trade, and its air freight routes connect with major trade hubs worldwide. Below are the main air freight routes originating from China:

1. China to North America

  • Major Airports: Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), Hong Kong (HKG).
  • North American Destinations: Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), Dallas (DFW), Vancouver (YVR).
  • Cargo: Electronics, textiles, consumer goods, automotive parts.
  • Volume: High due to strong demand for Chinese-manufactured goods in the U.S. and Canada.

2. China to Europe

  • Major Airports: Shanghai (PVG), Hong Kong (HKG), Beijing (PEK), Shenzhen (SZX), Guangzhou (CAN).
  • European Destinations: Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Brussels (BRU).
  • Cargo: High-value goods such as machinery, electronics, textiles, and fashion.
  • Volume: One of the busiest air freight routes due to the heavy trade between China and European markets.

3. China to Southeast Asia

  • Major Airports: Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG), Shenzhen (SZX).
  • Southeast Asian Destinations: Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Manila (MNL).
  • Cargo: Electronics, consumer goods, and raw materials for manufacturing.
  • Volume: Increasing due to regional trade agreements and the growth of Southeast Asian manufacturing sectors.

4. China to Australia and New Zealand

  • Major Airports: Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG).
  • Australian and New Zealand Destinations: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Auckland (AKL).
  • Cargo: Machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.
  • Volume: Moderate, supporting strong trade ties between China and Oceania.

5. China to the Middle East

  • Major Airports: Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), Hong Kong (HKG), Guangzhou (CAN).
  • Middle Eastern Destinations: Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Riyadh (RUH).
  • Cargo: Machinery, construction materials, electronics.
  • Volume: Growing due to China’s increasing trade relations with Middle Eastern countries.

6. China to Africa

  • Major Airports: Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG).
  • African Destinations: Johannesburg (JNB), Nairobi (NBO), Addis Ababa (ADD).
  • Cargo: Consumer goods, machinery, and electronics.
  • Volume: Developing, driven by China’s investments and trade with African nations.

These routes reflect China’s pivotal role in global air freight, connecting it with major trade partners across continents.

Advantange and Disadvantange of Air Freight

Air freight is a crucial component of international logistics, offering fast and efficient transport solutions for businesses that require timely delivery of goods. It is commonly used for high-value items, perishable goods, or shipments where speed is of utmost importance. Air freight services provide access to almost every part of the world, making it a viable option for businesses looking to reach distant or landlocked markets.

However, while air freight can ensure that goods are delivered quickly, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of this transportation method. Below are some key factors to weigh when deciding if air freight is the right choice for your business.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using air freight for international shipping.

Advantages of Air Freight:

  1. Speed

    • Air freight is the fastest shipping method available, making it ideal for time-sensitive shipments. Goods can be transported across countries or continents in a matter of hours or days, reducing delivery times significantly.
  2. Global Reach

    • With flights reaching nearly every part of the world, air freight enables access to remote or landlocked destinations where other modes of transport, such as sea or land freight, may not be feasible.
  3. High Security

    • Air freight benefits from enhanced security at airports, and the shorter transit time also reduces the risk of theft or damage. Many high-value or perishable items are transported via air for this reason.
  4. Minimal Warehousing Needs

    • Due to the faster delivery times, companies need less storage space for inventory and can operate on a more “just-in-time” model, reducing warehousing costs.
  5. Reliability

    • With regular flight schedules, air freight is reliable in terms of arrival and departure times, reducing delays and allowing businesses to plan their supply chain more efficiently.

Disadvantages of Air Freight:

  1. Cost

    • Air freight is significantly more expensive compared to sea or land transportation. The cost is often justified by the need for speed, but it may not be viable for lower-value goods or larger shipments.
  2. Limited Cargo Size and Weight

    • Airplanes have strict weight and size restrictions, meaning large or bulky items might not be eligible for air transport, or they may require more costly special arrangements.
  3. Environmental Impact

    • Air freight is one of the least environmentally friendly shipping options due to high fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint may find air transport unsustainable.
  4. Customs and Regulatory Delays

    • Air freight, despite its speed, can sometimes face customs clearance delays, particularly if the paperwork or regulations are not managed efficiently. This can offset the advantage of faster transit.
  5. Limited Route Flexibility

    • While air freight reaches many locations, it is confined to established flight routes and airport availability. This can limit the flexibility of delivery locations compared to land or sea freight, which can serve more destinations directly.

By weighing these advantages and disadvantages, businesses can decide whether air freight is the best option for their specific shipping needs.

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