What Is Air Freight?
Air freight means shipping cargo by airplane to get it there fast. Most goods fly in the cargo holds of passenger planes, though dedicated freighters handle larger shipments. While it costs more per pound than ocean or ground transport, air freight gets your products to market in days instead of weeks.
Our Air Cargo Solutions
We offer flexible air freight options based on how quickly you need delivery and what you’re shipping.
Air freight costs more than ocean, but sometimes you can’t wait weeks for delivery. We help you balance speed with cost, finding the right solution for each shipment. Our team manages documentation, customs clearance, and door-to-door coordination to keep your cargo moving.
International Air Freight
Direct flights and consolidated services to every major airport. We handle imports and exports with full customs clearance.
Domestic Air Services
Overnight and two-day options within the U.S. when ground transport takes too long.
Express Services
When it absolutely has to be there tomorrow. We arrange priority handling for your most urgent shipments.
Charter Solutions
Need a whole plane? We arrange charters for oversized items, dangerous goods, or when commercial flights won’t work.
Documentation Management
Air waybills, customs forms, permits – we prepare everything needed for smooth transit.
Special Handling
Temperature-controlled, hazmat certified, high-value cargo protection. We manage whatever special requirements you have.
Tracking Systems
Our real-time updates from pickup through delivery will tell you exactly where your shipment is.
Complete Door-to-Door
We don’t just book the flight. Our service includes pickup, delivery, and everything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Air Freight Works
What is air freight best used for?
Air freight makes sense for high-value goods, perishables, urgent orders, or when inventory costs outweigh shipping costs. Electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion items, and automotive parts commonly ship by air.
How fast is air freight really?
International shipments typically take 3-5 days door-to-door. Domestic overnight is available to most cities. The actual flight might be 10 hours, but factor in pickup, customs, and delivery for realistic timelines.
Why is air freight more expensive than ocean freight?
Fuel costs more for planes, and weight limits are strict. You’re paying for speed.
How is air freight priced?
Airlines charge by “chargeable weight” – either actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater. A large, light box might cost more than a small, heavy one. We calculate both ways to show you the actual costs.
What are the size and weight limits for air cargo?
Passenger aircraft cargo holds have door sizes around 60″ x 60″. Weight limits vary by aircraft but typically max out at 3,500 lbs per piece. Freighter aircraft handle much larger items. We’ll tell you what works for your cargo.
Service and Operations
What happens if my shipment misses its flight?
Airlines overbook just like with passengers. If your cargo gets bumped, we immediately rebook on the next available flight and adjust delivery expectations. Priority service helps prevent this.
Do you handle customs clearance for air shipments?
Yes, our customs brokers clear shipments at all major airports. Air cargo gets priority clearance – usually same day. We handle all paperwork and coordinate with government agencies.
Can you ship to remote locations by air?
We reach smaller airports through connections at major hubs. It might take an extra day with the transfer, but we can get cargo almost anywhere with an airport.
What if I need temperature-controlled air freight?
We provide containers cooled or heated for pharmaceuticals, food, or chemicals – anything that requires a controlled climate. We track the temperature for the entire transportation journey during transit to ensure and monitor quality control.
Costs and Documentation
What's included in your air freight quotes?
Our quotes include pickup, airline rates, fuel surcharges, security fees, custom clearance, and delivery. Some freight forwarders will mark up and hide fees. We are upfront and let you know the actual costs.
Are there restrictions on what I can ship by air?
Airlines won’t take certain dangerous goods, and lithium batteries have special rules. Some countries restrict imports, too. Tell us what you’re shipping and we’ll confirm if air freight works.
What documents are required for international air shipments?
Commercial invoice, packing list, and air waybill are standard. Some products need certificates, permits, or licenses. Different countries have different requirements – we know what’s needed where.
How does air freight compare to express courier services?
Couriers like FedEx and DHL work great for small packages. When you have pallets or need more control over routing, air freight gives better options and pricing for larger shipments.
Can I ship hazardous materials by air?
Airlines won’t take certain dangerous goods, and lithium batteries have special rules. Some countries restrict imports, too. We have a certified team to handle hazmat.
Special Services
Can oversized cargo fly?
Freighter aircraft handle amazing things – helicopters, satellites, and even whales. If it needs to fly and can physically fit, we’ll find an aircraft. Charter flights handle what won’t fit on a scheduled service.
What's consolidated air freight versus direct?
Direct means your cargo flies immediately on the next flight. Consolidated means we combine it with other shipments going in the same direction, which takes an extra day or two but costs less.
How do you handle high-value shipments?
We use extra security, sealed containers, GPS tracking, and restricted access. We coordinate with airlines’ high-value programs and arrange additional insurance coverage as needed.
Why Choose Posey International
Looking for a logistics company that understands air freight? With its airline connections and expertise in operations, Posey International can transport cargo rapidly and dependably. As a full-service logistics company, we handle every detail from pickup to delivery, making air freight simple for your business.
- Customs clearance at all international airports
- IATA dangerous goods-certified team
- Real-time tracking and proactive communication
Reviews
Read our reviews from businesses like yours.
Global Service Areas
Posey International Logistics offers complete 3PL services while keeping the transportation network open on all major trade routes and commercial centers in the U.S.A. and beyond. Our network of strategic partners-from carriers to agents to expeditors-provides for a smooth round of logistics operation, whatever the starting point or final destination.
United States
Industry Insights
Visit our logistics blog for practical shipping advice and updates on regulations that might affect your business.
3PL Logistics – A New Paradigm For 2017?
3PL Logistics – Is the industry experiencing a paradigm shift? A recent article in Global
90% Of U.S.Fortune 500 Companies Rely On 3PL Logistics Providers – And Why You Should, Too
A new report that quantifies trends in 3PL customer relationships has been published by Armstrong
3 Benefits Of The New Shipping Alliances To Shippers
While the shipping industry has been consolidating for many years, over the past year, alliances
Contact Posey International
Need air freight solutions? Call (713) 672-1955 or contact us online. Tell us what you’re shipping and when it needs to arrive. We’ll arrange the fastest air transportation for your cargo.
As a trusted 3PL logistics company, our air freight specialists deliver your time-sensitive shipments worldwide with speed and reliability.