Air Freight Shipping from China

Standard Air freight

In standard air freight, the shipping occurs based on the scheduled delivery. The shipping speed is good, faster than the sea or rail freight. However, it is a cost-saving idea for users who require speed but at an affordable cost.

Express Air freight

Welcome to the fastest shipping option— express shipping.

In express shipping, packages are shipped on a priority basis. Most shipping takes 2-3 days to ship to foreign countries such as the US or Europe. However, consider it only for the necessary deliveries; it will be the most expensive option.

Charter air freight

Do you want to book the whole flight for your cargo? Chartered flights are a better option when you have a considerable weight or an extensive range of bulk inventory for shipping. They allow for direct deliveries, it often costly compared to the other options, such as standard flights.

You get the customized shipping options with the timely delivery to your location.

Consolidated air freight

Combining multiple packages into one shipping is the consolidated air freight. It is an affordable option as numerous shippers share a single shipping cargo. Shared space causes division of the cost, leading to reduced prices. But, it might take more time to ship the shipments.

Airlines

Airlines are the companies that often operate the aircraft and transport the products from one location to another. They are moving products from one airport to another.

They can be Chinese Airlines or sometimes international airlines. Carrier ship products from China to global regions.

• Chinese carriers. Air China Cargo, China Southern Cargo, China Eastern Cargo.
• International carriers: FedEx, UPS, DHL, Lufthansa Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo.

Freight Forwarders

Freight Forwarders are intermediate companies that book the air cargo. And handle the customs clearance on behalf of shippers.

• Global companies. DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne+Nagel, DB Schenker.
• Chinese companies. Sinotrans, Kerry Logistics, COSCO Logistics.

Logistics Companies

Logistics companies serve as a one-stop solution for the shipping. They arrange the picking, packaging, and shipping.

• Some Multinational companies include C.H. Robinson, DSV, and Expeditors.
• Chinese shipping companies include SF Express, YTO Express, and ZTO Express.

Airport Operators

Airport operators are entities that handle airport operations. They control the infrastructure. And facilitate air freight by loading, unloading, and preparing air cargo.

• Beijing Capital International Airport
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Customs Brokers

Custom brokers are the agents that deal with the customs clearance process. They often speed it up by providing the necessary documents.

Ground Handling Agents

These agents handle the airport's product loading, unloading, and physical transport. They make sure all your products are transported safely through the airports.

Government Agencies

Government agencies are the official authorities that implement the rules and regulations.

• The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) controls aviation-related activities.
• The General Administration of Customs of China implements the customs rules.

Industry Associations

Industry associations are the groups that represent the overall shipping companies. They highlight their interests. Common associations include:

• International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• China Air Transport Association (CATA).

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in Shanghai, Eastern China. It is the busiest not just in China but also globally. With a handling capacity of 3.7 metric tons, it is home to air cargo shipping to various regions.

It is known for exports of:

• Electronics
• Machinery
• Fashion industries

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Located in Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong SAR, it is home to exports from mainland China. It has a capacity of 4.8 million metric tons annually.

The essential cargo shipping products include:

• Electronics
• Pharmaceuticals

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

It is a crucial cargo hub in southern China, and it ships from the Pearl Delta River to the globe. With a capacity of 2 million metric tons, it can ship central products, such as:

• Electronics
• Textiles

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

It is the leading international airport serving Beijing and Northern China. Over 2 million metric tons annual capacity makes it the first choice airport.

It features:

• High-tech products
• Machinery
• Automotive parts.

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is a crucial location for exporting from the Pearl River Delta. With a 1.3 million metric ton annual capacity, it is a strategic location for exporting products. The essential exporting product is electronics.

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)

Located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, Central China, this airport is known as iPhone City" due to nearby Foxconn factories. With a capacity of 600,000 tons, it is the optimal choice for exporting products from the China region.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

It is one of the best airports in Western China and is known for its extensive shipping. It is located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Western China, and has an annual capacity of 600,000 metric tons.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)

In Southeastern China, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is in Xiamen, Fujian Province. It exports a significant portion of goods from Fujian province. With an annual capacity of 400,000 metric tons, it can handle bulk exports.

The essential products shipping include:

• Textile
• Footwear
• Electronics

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)

It is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, near Alibaba's headquarters. Therefore, it is a crucial location for exports and plays a vital role in shipping products.

Over 400,000 metric tons of capacity plays a crucial role in shipping products.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)

You can explore this airport in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. It is also a crucial deal for shipping products from the Yangtze River Delta economic zone. With a capacity of 300,000 metric tons, it ships products from China to global regions.

Chinese export regulations

Export regulations apply to all products that are shipped from China's borders to foreign countries.

• Customs Documentation. Prepare your customs documents, including necessary declaration certificates and commercial invoices.
• Export licensing. Though not all products, some require a license. These include the high technology products and military items. Shippers have to get export licenses from the authorities before they ship them out of China.
• Product restrictions. China only allows some products to be shipped from China.

Source: Chinese Customs

International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules

The IATA has forwarded some rules for the safety of air shipping. From prohibiting the entry of some dangerous goods to special handling, it grabs the attention of the shippers for endless safety and support.

• Airway bill requirements. IATA wants to ensure the safety of the shipping with accurate shipping deals. The airway bill is a crucial document for air shipping. It serves as a contract between the shipper and the shipping company. So, it must include the necessary information, such as the shipper's and consignee's details, along with the flight information.
• Standardized safety Regulations. IATA promotes the safe handling of the products. As per the instructions, the hazardous products need extra care. So, specialized handling is essential for their care. However, when loading and unloading products, workers must ensure the safety of the products and reduce the risks of damage.

Dangerous goods regulations

If you are shipping dangerous goods, it might be a complex task for you. Proper handling and documentation are crucial for such products.

• Classification of dangerous goods. First, the hazardous goods are categorized into nine essential categories. From explosive to radioactive materials, the user must handle each type as per the instructions. Remember, each dangerous suitable type has different packaging requirements as per the needs.
• Packaging requirements. A robust packaging is a must-have feature for all hazardous goods. They must come with additional safety layers and introduce elegant packages. There must be special containers for the extremely dangerous products that may spill over.

Security measures

Safety is a priority for the shipping. So, local Chinese authorities and IATA have also set some terms for the safety measures.

• Cargo screening. All air cargo must undergo a detailed screening process. It involves passing through the X-rays and implementing other methods that sort out the hazardous materials.
• International Civil Aviation Organization rules. It has introduced new safety rules. From managing staff to product screening, a detailed monitoring process can differentiate the hazardous products from the others.
• Advanced cargo information. If a country needs advanced cargo information, shippers must provide detailed information.

Capacity constraints

As you elevate the weight of the products, the prices rise exponentially. Moreover, you can't also ship the thousands of kilograms of weight of products that are otherwise possible with air shipping.

So, capacity is a big issue compared to sea freight. First, you have to ship the products at a limited weight. Second, increasing costs can limit your thinking about the overall weight.

Seasonal fluctuations

The season is a massive issue here too. In the off-peak season, you have to consider the shipping. It is because of less competition and easy shipments. Prices are less while fast and timely shipping is guaranteed.

Peak seasons can be a massive challenge for the shippers. Shipping delays are quite common. Shippers have to fight the elevated costs too. So, think of the seasonal fluctuations when shipping from China.

Regulatory changes

Regulatory changes are a significant hurdle to shipping. For example, the sudden change in the import and export policies can affect the overall shipping rules.

International shipping associations work globally to regulate the shipping rules but the local rules impact the export of the products.

So, shippers have to deeply understand the domestic export rules from China. A slight change can further impact the overall shipping experience.

Environmental concerns

If you are shipping hazardous materials, the first task is to handle them. It is more challenging than you might consider.

Here are a few environmental concerns in this case.

• Carbon footprints. The primary factor in environmental destruction is the increase in carbon footprints. Industries, including shipping, are battling and introducing eco-friendly methods. The goal is to reinvent the overall structure and reduce the carbon footprints.
• Regulatory pressure. The government is ensuring that all shipping companies comply with eco-friendly solutions. They must deploy eco-friendly tactics and decrease carbon footprints.

Choosing the right service provider

Making deals with quality shipping companies is necessary. Why? Because it can streamline your orders and provide better shipping reliability. Moreover, you don't have to worry about customs. Most reliable services often handle the hassle of customs too.

Proper packaging and documentation

A beginner comes across packaging issues. Consider learning about the basics of packaging and providing effective documentation. Generate shipping labels to fasten it on your package. Make packaging safe by adding multiple layers to the package. Also, test the moisture resistance and waterproofing of your packages.

Useful websites and tools

• Price comparing tools. Freightos and other price calculators and comparison tools are essential business deals. Install them on your dashboard and calculate costs directly.
• Cargo tracking tools. Well, track your orders with the online websites. OrderTracker and ParcelApp can be your treasure.

Industry associations and events

• International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is globally known for its flawless support for the shipping companies. More than 80% of the air freight follows its rules and regulations.
• The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). It is a forwarder association that implements rules for forwarding through borders.
• China International Logistics and Transportation Fair (CILF) connects shipping companies globally. It occurs in Shenzhen and connects the whole world.