Air Freight vs Air-Truck Delivery Service Explained
In international air logistics, two commonly referenced services in cross-border trade are Air Freight and Air-Truck Delivery Service. While both involve air transport, they differ significantly in scope and application. This article clarifies the definitions, differences, and ideal use cases to help you make informed decisions. The following will analyze from several aspects: service scope, responsibility, use cases, shipping time, shipping cost.
Air Freight
Air Freight refers to mainly using civil aviation passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft for cargo transportation. The cargo is transported from the departure airport to the destination airport by the airline. This service focuses on the air shipping segment of the supply chain. Key features include:
Service scope: Airport-to-airport (A2A) only. Generally provides airport-to-airport freight services. The shipper needs to deliver the goods to the departure airport, and the consignee picks up the goods at the destination airport. If more comprehensive services are required, such as door-to-door pickup and door-to-door delivery, it is usually necessary to entrust additional freight forwarders to complete them.
Responsibility: The shipper or receiver handles customs clearance, local pickup, and final delivery.
Use case: Suitable for businesses with established local logistics partners or those prioritizing cost control over convenience.
Shipping time: If the flight takes off as usual and the cargo is successfully loaded on the plane, it can reach some major hub airports in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States within one day. If it is a transit flight, it will take 2 to 4 days or more.
Please refer to our company's air freight schedule and price from China to the UK.
Air Shipping Services from China to LHR Airport UK by Senghor Logistics
Shipping costs: The costs mainly include air freight, airport handling fees, fuel surcharges, etc. Generally speaking, air freight cost is the main cost. The price varies according to the weight and volume of the goods, and different airlines and routes have different prices.
Air-Truck Delivery Service
Air-Truck Delivery Service, combines air freight with truck delivery. It provides a door-to-door (D2D) solution. First, ship the cargo to a hub airport by air, and then uses trucks to transport the cargo from the airport to the final destination. This method combines the speed of air transport and the flexibility of truck transport.
Service scope: Mainly door-to-door service, the logistics company will be responsible for picking up the goods from the shipper's warehouse, and through the connection of air and land transportation, the goods will be directly delivered to the consignee's designated location, providing customers with a more convenient one-stop logistics solution.
Responsibility: The logistics provider (or freight forwarder) manages customs clearance, last-mile delivery, and documentation.
Use case: Ideal for businesses seeking end-to-end convenience, especially without local logistics support.
Shipping time: From China to Europe and the United States, taking China to London, the United Kingdom as an example, the fastest delivery can be delivered to the door in 5 days, and the longest can be delivered in about 10 days.
Shipping costs: The cost structure is relatively complex. In addition to the air freight, it also includes truck transportation costs, loading and unloading costs at both ends, and possible storage costs. Although the price of air-truck delivery service is higher, it provides door-to-door service, which may be more cost-effective after comprehensive consideration, especially for some customers who have high requirements for convenience and service quality.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Air Freight | Air-Truck Delivery Service |
| Transport Scope | Airport-to-airport | Door-to-door (air + truck) |
| Customs Clearance | Handled by client | Managed by the freight forwarder |
| Cost | Lower (covers air segment only) | Higher (includes added services) |
| Convenience | Requires client coordination | Fully integrated solution |
| Delivery Time | Faster air transit | Slightly longer due to trucking |
Choosing the Right Service
Opt for Air Freight if:
- You have a reliable local partner for customs and delivery.
- Cost efficiency is a priority over convenience.
- Goods are time-sensitive but don’t require immediate last-mile delivery.
Opt for Air-Truck Delivery Service if:
- You prefer a hassle-free, door-to-door solution.
- Lack local logistics infrastructure or expertise.
- Ship high-value or urgent goods requiring seamless coordination.
Air Freight and Air-Truck Delivery Service cater to distinct needs in global supply chains. By aligning your choice with business priorities—whether cost, speed, or convenience—you can optimize your logistics strategy effectively.
For further inquiries or tailored solutions, feel free to contact our team.
Post time: Apr-11-2025
