Air freight and express delivery are two popular ways to ship goods by air, but they serve different purposes and have their own characteristics. Understanding the differences between the two can help businesses and individuals make informed decisions about their shipping needs.
1. Different subject agent
Air freight:
Air freight is a method of transporting cargo via air carriers, typically for larger and heavier cargo. It is commonly used to transport bulk cargo such as machinery, equipment and large quantities of goods. Air freight is a one-stop air transport line built by international logistics companies or express delivery companies through booking or chartering with major airlines. This method usually provides more flexible shipping solutions to meet the needs of different customers.
Express:
The operating entities of international express delivery are professional express delivery companies, such as DHL, UPS, FedEx and other well-known international express delivery giants. These companies have a wide global network, including branches, offices, distribution centers and a large number of couriers and transportation vehicles around the world.
2. Different delivery time
Air freight:
The timeliness of international air freight is mainly related to the efficiency and strength of the airlines, the time arrangement of airport flights, whether there is transit, and the customs clearance speed of the destination. Generally speaking, the delivery time is a little slower than international express delivery, about 3-10 days. But for some large and heavy goods, international air freight may be a more suitable choice.
Express:
The main feature of express shipping is its fast shipping time. Under normal circumstances, it takes 3-5 days to reach the destination country. For countries that are close and have a short flight distance, it can arrive on the same day at the earliest. This makes express delivery ideal for urgent shipments that require fast delivery.
3. Different customs clearance methods
Air freight:
International air freight logistics companies usually have domestic customs declaration and destination country customs clearance services, which can provide customers with more professional customs clearance services. In addition, they can also assist customers in dealing with duty and tax issues in the destination country and provide door-to-door delivery services, which greatly reduces the logistics links and costs of customers.
Express:
International express companies usually declare goods together through express customs declaration channels. This method may face the risk of detention in some countries where customs clearance is difficult. Because express customs declaration usually adopts batch customs declaration, customs clearance for some special or sensitive goods may not be strict enough.
4. Different advantages
Air freight:
International air freight lines have the advantage of relatively low prices. At the same time, it can also handle domestic customs declaration, commodity inspection, foreign customs clearance and other procedures on behalf of customers, saving the manpower and financial costs of the destination country for enterprises and platform sellers. Although the timeliness is relatively slow than express, it is a good choice for some cost-sensitive and time-sensitive cargo transportation.
Express:
Express provides a one-stop door-to-door service, which means picking up the goods from the consignor, shipping them, clearing customs, and finally delivering them directly to the recipient. This service model greatly facilitates customers, especially individual consumers and small business customers, as they do not need to worry too much about the transportation process and intermediate processing of the goods.
5. Cargo Types and Transportation Restrictions
Air freight:
Suitable for shipping goods that are large in size, heavy in weight, high in value or time-sensitive. For example, bulk transportation of large machinery and equipment, auto parts, and electronic products. Since the cargo capacity of aircraft is relatively strong, it has advantages for the transportation of some large goods.
However, international air freight has strict requirements on the size, weight and packaging of goods. The size and weight of the goods cannot exceed the carrying limit of the aircraft, otherwise special transportation arrangements and additional costs are required. At the same time, for the transportation of some special goods such as dangerous goods and flammable goods, strict international air transport regulations and standards need to be followed, and special packaging and declaration procedures need to be carried out.
Express:
Mainly suitable for shipping documents, small parcels, samples and other light and small goods. It is very suitable for business scenarios such as cross-border shopping for individual consumers and document delivery for enterprises.
International express delivery has relatively few restrictions on goods, but there are some basic regulations, such as prohibiting the transportation of prohibited items and the transportation of liquid items must meet certain packaging requirements.
6. Cost structure and cost considerations
Air freight:
The costs are mainly composed of air freight rates, fuel surcharges, security fees, etc. Freight rate is usually charged according to the weight of the goods, and there are several intervals, 45 kg, 100 kg, 300 kg, 500 kg, 1000 kg and above.
In addition, fuel surcharges will change with the fluctuations of international oil prices, and other fees such as security fees are charged according to the regulations of airports and airlines. For some corporate customers who have a large amount of goods to ship for a long time, they can sign long-term contracts with freight forwarding companies to strive for more favorable prices and service terms.
Express:
The cost structure is relatively complex, including basic freight rates, remote area surcharges, overweight surcharges, tariffs, etc. Basic freight rate is usually calculated based on the weight and destination of the goods, and remote area surcharges are additional charges for delivery in some inconvenient or remote areas.
Overweight surcharges are fees that need to be paid when the goods exceed a certain weight limit. Tariffs are taxes levied on imported goods according to the customs regulations of the destination country. Express delivery companies usually assist customers in declaring and paying tariffs, but this part of the cost is ultimately borne by the customer.
The cost of international express delivery is relatively transparent. Customers can check the approximate cost standards through the official website or customer service channels of the express delivery company. However, for some special goods or special services, additional fee negotiations may be required.
Ultimately, the choice between air freight and express delivery depends on the specific requirements of the shipment, including size, urgency and budget. By understanding the differences between these two air shipping options, businesses and individuals can make informed decisions to efficiently meet their shipping needs.
Contact Senghor Logistics to recommend the most suitable logistics solution for you to ensure that the goods can reach the destination safely, quickly and economically. We support you with professional and excellent logistics services, allowing you to safely carry out import business from China, helping more customers like you to bring excellent products to the global market in a more efficient way and achieve better operations.
Post time: Sep-12-2024
