Air freight from China to Europe: Complete tips

China, the world’s most populous country and fourth largest by area, has transformed into an economic superpower since its 1978 reforms. It now leads the global manufacturing industry. While many assume ocean freight dominates cargo transport, air freight is crucial for moving goods worldwide.

Advantages of Air Freight

• Speed: Air freight offers the fastest shipping method for international deliveries.
• Security: It provides enhanced protection for your goods and ensures customs compliance.
• Versatility: Suitable for all types of products, from fragile to heavy.

Why Choose Air Freight?

With global commerce expansion, air transport has become a reliable and efficient option, surpassing sea, rail, and ground methods. Embrace air freight for a seamless and effective shipping experience from China to Europe.

Air freight companies

Air Freight Forwarders from China to Europe

Freight forwarders manage the air freight process, ensuring cargo reaches its destination. They don’t transport goods themselves but facilitate the process for a fee, providing security for your shipments. Using passenger planes or cargo aircraft, they offer the best shipping options for your needs.

 Navigating Regulations

These companies expertly handle air freight regulations, managing documents, insurance, customs, and other challenges. They ensure proper packaging and secure delivery, making air freight faster and more reliable than ocean shipping.

 Cost Differences

Shipping costs differ: air freight is based on weight, while ocean shipping is calculated by volume. Smaller, heavier items may cost less by ship, but larger, lightweight items are cheaper by air.

Considerations for Air Freight

When shipping from China to Europe, consider all restrictions. Air freight is efficient for exporting products based on the sender’s requirements. Forwarders suggest this method if your cargo fits aircraft criteria.

Air freight from China to Europe cost

Calculating Air Freight Costs from China to Europe

If you’re considering air freight from China to Europe, understanding the costs is essential. Whether you have cargo to ship or are exploring options, knowing how to calculate these expenses is crucial.

How to Calculate Air Freight Costs

Start by learning how costs are determined. This knowledge helps you choose the best transport method for your budget. If air freight fits your budget, it’s a viable option. However, if marine or land transport is more cost-effective, consider those alternatives.

Factors Influencing Costs

Recent increases in oil prices have significantly impacted air freight costs. The expenses for passenger and freight planes are substantial due to fuel consumption, which depends on weight and distance. Freight costs are calculated based on these factors.

Considerations for Different Services

Passenger aircraft have restrictions due to luggage priorities, while charter services typically have higher rates. Shorter distances often result in increased air freight rates, making ground transportation more economical.

Comparing Air and Sea Freight

In general, air freight is pricier than sea freight for goods exceeding 1.5 CBM in volume or 167 kg (200 kg for express) in weight. Evaluating these aspects will guide your decision on the most cost-effective shipping method.

Air freight price table per KG

Calculate air freight costs from China to Europe using two primary methods. The first method involves multiplying the cost per kilogram by the shipment’s weight. However, weight alone does not dictate shipping costs. Volume plays a crucial role in freight calculations as well. For shipments that have low weight but high volume, it’s essential to factor in the volumetric weight, which is determined using the following formula:

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Volumetric weight (average freight) = Volume (CBM) x 167 (max load weight)

Despite its higher cost, air freight is far more advantageous in terms of delay and reliability, and protection.

Factor influencing air freight

Air Freight from China to Europe: Factors Affecting the Price

The text mentions some important factors that affect the price of air freight from China to Europe. The size and weight of the cargo are less significant in air transport compared to other modes. In most cases, the load weight can be up to 150lbs. However, in air freight, cargo weight can exceed 150 lbs.

Air freight has various modes, including full truckload, where you can carry more than 15,000 lbs of load. In Less than Truckload mode, the cargo should weigh above 15,000 lbs. We also have Expedited Freight, which is fast but expensive. Additionally, Partial Truckload mode allows you to share the costs of shipment with other shippers.

Let’s examine the factors affecting air freight.

1. Weight

Freight weight is the most important factor in determining air freight rates. Weight-based air freight rates have special groups. In these grouping, the shipping rates are different. Once the weight is increased, it will move to the next group. In the next group, the shipping rate will be lower for that time. Due to these grouping and load weights, you can find your best flight class.

2. Density​

Density is another factor affecting air freight rates. First, you need to know how to calculate density. To calculate the density, Measure the height, width, and depth of the shipment in inches. Then you have to divide the total weight of the load per cubic foot. After calculating the density, you can find the perfect flight for your packages. This also determines your air freight rate. Moreover, the density of the shipment also helps forwarders to know the space that is needed and the rate of freight. This way it will increase the shipping rates for you.

3. Distance

The distance a plane must travel determines the cost of Air freight from China to Europe. Sometimes the intended destination is other than the geographical locations covered by the carrier. In that case, the carrier must leave the continuation of shipment to another company. Using multiple carriers for shipping is more expensive. The greater the distance from the origin to the destination is, the higher is the shipping rate. In the case of a single carrier, the source and destination’s distance from the nearest metro city is taken into consideration. Also, different locations may vary the capacity for shipping and may also increase the shipping rates. So before choosing a carrier, look at the destinations they offer in their contracts to have the destination you want.

4. Freight classification

Freight class is important in costs of shipping. We have two class for air freight – Low freight classes and high freight classes. These classes depend on weight, density and Shipping quality. Low freight class provides lesser service to the sender. With high freight classes, you don’t have to worry about your packages being damaged. The higher the freight class is, the higher its rate is. Low freight class costs less, but the density of the loads carried by them is very high. On the other hand, higher classes will charge more, but their load density is very low and does not pose a risk to you. So before selecting a forwarder, also take a look at the freight classes and choose the one that fits your load.

5. Fuel charges

It is quite clear that Air freight from china to Europe rates depend on the price of fuel. As oil prices rise, the rate of air freight increases. Forwarders have to increase freight rates to offset their fuel costs. Some of these forwarders try to reduce their profits to gain customer satisfaction. Some people try to convince the customer by calculating the fuel. You must also close the contract before choosing the shipping method, considering the cost of fuel. When fuel prices fall, exactly the opposite is the case. Pay attention to the precious fuel market news and find the right time for air freight. If you are in no hurry, do not contract with forwarder at a high fuel price.

6. Forwarder or carrier

The carriers you work with also have an impact on air freight rates. The shipping cost depends on the type of shipping. Depends on using tariff rates or negotiated shipping rates, the costs of air freight vary. Some forwards offer 20% to 30% off on their negotiated rates. The choice of procurement can affect the cost of shipping in different ways. So do a lot of research before selecting a forwarder to find the most suitable one. Check their condition carefully. The cost of your air freight depends on your choice.

Air Freight Rates from China to Europe

When considering air freight rates from China to Europe, several key factors influence shipping costs. It’s essential to evaluate the differences among freight forwarders, carriers, and brokers. Research their rates for air transport from China to Europe, focusing on companies that offer direct shipping services. Using multiple forwarders can lead to increased shipping costs, so aim to streamline your logistics.

Freight providers typically calculate costs based on chargeable weight, which combines both actual weight and dimensional weight. The dimensional weight is determined using a specific dimensional factor. Additionally, competition from other transportation modes can impact overall costs.

Several other factors also come into play:

• Commodity Importance: The value and significance of the shipped goods can affect pricing.
• Equipment Requirements: The type of equipment needed for transportation influences costs.
• Delivery Times: Urgency often dictates shipping choices and can affect pricing.

Given the considerable distance between China and Europe, fuel costs are another crucial factor. If your shipment is lightweight or low in volume, or if you need quick delivery, air freight presents a practical solution. Although air freight costs significantly more than sea shipping, it offers unmatched safety and speed. Air freight from China typically provides much shorter transit times compared to marine transport, making it ideal for high-value merchandise weighing less than 1,000 kg.

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Which Shipping Method is Cheapest?

Many calculators on our site can help you determine shipping costs by entering your cargo information. As a budget-conscious businessman, you want to identify the most cost-effective transportation option. While it’s commonly believed that air freight is more expensive than sea freight, this isn’t always the case.

To make an informed decision, you should understand international freight rates offered by freight forwarders. Generally, for larger and heavier loads, ocean shipping tends to be more economical. In air transport, volumetric weight plays a significant role; if your shipment is less than a container load, costs are often calculated by cubic meters.

Ships can carry more cargo than airplanes, which typically makes sea freight cheaper. However, the type of cargo also influences costs—transporting valuable items like gold or flowers may be more affordable due to their fluctuating values.

It’s essential to consider the fees charged by forwarders as well. Although the actual shipping cost for sea freight is usually lower than for air freight, warehousing fees at seaports can be significantly higher than those at airports. Additionally, keep in mind that rising fuel prices can impact air freight costs.

When calculating air freight from China to Europe, be sure to take all these factors into account to find the most economical shipping method for your needs.

How Long Air Freight from China to Europe?

You may be wondering about air freight time. Here, we examine the factors affecting time and consider the answer to this question together.

The duration of shipping to Europe depends entirely on the airline. Various factors, including the type of airline, direct or indirect flight, quality and frequency of its airline flights, and the type of airline available, affect the duration of air shipment from China. Additionally, the International Shipping Company and Shipper must cooperate to send goods from the country of origin.

Air freight time from China is a crucial factor considered by users of this method. The time it takes to transport goods from China varies depending on the airline and the type of airline fleet, both domestic and foreign. Air freight from China is typically carried out through major airports.

Air transport is the fastest way to deliver goods, and each mode of transport responds to different needs. By understanding the features of each method, you can make the right choice. When it comes to shipping, it’s essential to be familiar with a variety of air services. Generally, air transport is available as a charter or business.

Types of Air Service

There are three types of air delivery: Express: With this service, shipping from China to Europe takes two to three days. Economical: The delivery time is longer and it takes about 2-5 days from China to Europe. Naturally, this service is less expensive. Regular: Delivery time with this service is 3 days and is less than express.

Air freight service have also 2 type:

Door to door service The simple and comprehensive definition of door-to-door service is that the business service provider delivers the customer’s goods through the door of the seller’s factory or a predetermined location and deliver to determined destination. Port to port service The goods are picked up from your home and delivered to an international port or inland terminal which is determined.

Time table

Air Freight Process from China to Europe

If you decide to transport your goods via air freight from China to Europe, you’ll need to follow several key steps. Consulting with sending agencies can provide valuable assistance and answer any questions you may have. These companies specialize in logistics and can guide you through the shipping process. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in sending air cargo from China to Europe.

Initial Steps

1. Choose an Air Freight Company: Start by selecting a reliable air freight company. Research different providers and consult with experts to ensure the service aligns with your specific needs.
2. Negotiate Rates: After selecting a forwarding company, negotiate the pricing for their services. Agree on costs before moving forward.
3. Finalize the Contract: Once you’ve settled on pricing, draw up a contract with the forwarder to ensure your goods are transported safely.
4. Prepare Your Cargo: The forwarder will collect your freight. If your goods are packaged and ready for shipment (known as RFT mode), you’re set. If not, the forwarder can assist with the packaging. Ensure that all cargo is securely packed on sturdy wooden or metal pallets to meet shipping standards.

Final Steps

5. Customs Clearance: Your cargo will need to be transported to the airport for customs clearance. A competent forwarder will handle this process at the point of origin.
6. Loading onto the Plane: Once cleared, your cargo will be loaded onto the aircraft. For consolidated shipments, this process may take a few days.
7. Receiving at Destination: Upon arrival, the recipient must clear customs at the destination airport. Be aware that warehousing at the destination airport is free for the first 48 hours; after that, daily fees apply. It’s best to arrange for customs clearance promptly to avoid additional costs. Make sure all fees and taxes are settled before clearance, as your forwarder can assist with this.
8. Door-to-Door Delivery: With door-to-door service, your cargo will be delivered directly to the specified destination, ensuring a smooth shipping experience.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the air freight process from China to Europe, ensuring your goods arrive safely and on time.

note: Just like when you want to travel by plane, you can’t take some things with you. There is also a list of banned items for air cargo. Things like explosives, precious objects, flammable or radioactive substances, toxic and infectious substances, and anything harmful to human health.

Main airports in China

Here we want to introduce you to the main Chinese airports. Here is a list of airports in China you can use for air freight from china to Europe. China, as the largest country in the world, has many international airports. Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou ports are connected to international outposts.
There are more than 200 airports in China where travelers can take flights to many cities of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Lhasa, Chongqing, Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Wuhan, Urumqi, Kashgar, Guiyang, Hohhot, Harbin, etc.

• Beijing Capital International Airport
• Beijing Daxing International Airport
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport
• Kunming Changshui International Airport
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
• Xining Caojiabao International Airport
• Shenyang Taoxian International Airport

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FAQ

Air Freight from China to Europe: Duration and Packaging

How long does it take to Air freight from China to Europe?

Air freight duration from China to Europe varies due to factors like airline type, direct or indirect flights, flight quality and frequency, and available airline options. Shipping times are:

• Port to port: 3 to 8 days • Door to door: 6 to 16 days • Express mail delivery (door to door): 2 to 3 days

How big is the box size?

For air freight from China to Europe, proper packaging is essential. If a forwarder company handles it, experts will use the necessary packing equipment to pack your product to standard. Some items, like breakable containers, need special packing to prevent damage.

Palletization of your product is often necessary. Pallet sizes vary, typically ranging from 2.44 by 3.15 meters (96 x 125 inches). Longer or wider cargo can be transported but may require special equipment.

Do I need insurance?

The value of goods shipped by air freight from China to Europe determines the necessary international shipping policy. We will ask for the value of your load to calculate the insurance cost. IATA Airlines insures freight up to $20 per kilogram on each flight. If your shipment’s value exceeds this coverage, you must purchase additional insurance proportional to the value of your goods.

It should be borne in mind that the payment of damages is subject to full compliance with the standards required for the packaging of the goods. Important Note: Please “carefully” check the packaging of the goods or even the internal contents of the packages when delivering the goods to the customs office of the destination, and in case of any problems, report the damage and complete the forms before leaving the customs. Destination airport, take action.

When you have a contract with a forwarding company, your air freight receives coverage through freight insurance included in your agreement with the airline transporting your goods. This means the airline bears responsibility for reimbursement if your cargo is lost, partially lost, damaged, or experiences any other incident resulting in loss.

What should I do when the cargo arrives?

After making sure the cargo arrives at the destination, the cargo recipient can proceed with receiving the cargo to the relevant airport customs in the destination country. the goods have to pass customs again. It should be noted that the cargo is shipped via the airport of origin to the destination airport.

Warehousing at the destination airport is free for 48 hours and then subject to warehousing costs. This means that if you go to the destination airport customs two days after your cargo arrival, you will be exempt from warehousing cost. Otherwise you have to pay for warehousing every day. You must pay all costs and taxes prior to clearance. If you contract with an air freight company, it will do this for you, too.