The basic process of international air freight revolves around the entire cross-border transport chain from shipper to consignee, requiring multiple standardized steps and involving collaboration among multiple parties, including shippers, freight forwarders, airlines, and customs.
In this article, Weefreight will provide a detailed explanation, hoping it will be helpful.
- Preliminary Preparation: Clarifying Requirements and Documentation
Shippers must first identify the core information of their cargo (such as product name, weight, volume, number of pieces, and destination country/city) and confirm whether the cargo falls into special categories (such as dangerous goods, fresh produce, batteries, and counterfeit goods). For special categories, the corresponding qualification documents (such as a dangerous goods identification report, certificate of origin, and FDA certification) must be prepared in advance. Furthermore, shippers must communicate their transportation requirements with the international air freight forwarder (or airline) to confirm details such as freight rates, flight times, and whether pickup is required. Once a cooperation agreement is reached, a transportation plan will be finalized.
- Cargo Handover: Pickup and Warehouse Inventory
If the request includes “pickup,” the freight forwarder or airline will arrange a vehicle to pick up the goods at the shipper’s designated location. If the request is “delivery to warehouse,” the shipper will deliver the goods to the freight forwarder’s domestic warehouse. Upon arrival, the cargo will be counted and verified (confirming the number of pieces, weight/volume, and other information as declared), labeled (indicating the waybill number, destination, and cargo attributes), and temporarily stored in the designated warehouse pending further processing.
- Customs Declaration: A Core Compliance Step for Cross-Border Transport
Customs declaration is a mandatory hurdle for international air transport, requiring both export declaration and import declaration (at the destination):
Export declaration: The freight forwarder or customs broker submits declaration information to domestic customs based on the documents provided by the shipper (commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration, contract, etc.). Upon approval by customs, the cargo will be spot-checked (released if no issues are identified) to confirm compliance with export regulations (no prohibited items, and the declared information is accurate).
Import Customs Declaration: Upon arrival at the destination airport, the local agent (or customs broker) will declare the goods to the destination country’s customs office using the waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, and other documents. Some countries may require additional documents (such as import permits and quarantine certificates). Customs clearance will only be granted after approval and payment of taxes and fees (such as tariffs and VAT).
- Airport Operations: Cargo Loading and Transportation
After clearance by domestic customs, the cargo will be transferred to the airline’s airport cargo terminal and enter the “Airport Operations” phase:
Cargo terminal staff will conduct security checks (to eliminate dangerous goods risks) and sort the cargo (by destination flight). Based on the flight’s load capacity and space allocation, the cargo will be loaded into air containers (or directly loaded onto the aircraft).
After loading, the airline will generate an “Air Waybill” (AWB), equivalent to the cargo’s “international ticket”) and synchronize the cargo’s transportation status (e.g., departed, in transit) with the system.
- Destination Pickup and Delivery
Once the goods arrive at the destination airport, the following closing steps must be completed:
Airport Pickup: After customs clearance, the local agent will collect the goods from the airport cargo terminal and temporarily store them in the agent’s warehouse. The agent will also notify the consignee to prepare for pickup.
Delivery Service: If the transportation plan includes “door-to-door” service, the local agent will arrange a vehicle to deliver the goods to the consignee’s designated address. If the transportation plan includes “airport-to-airport” or “airport-to-door,” the consignee will collect the goods at the warehouse or the agent will assist with the last-mile delivery.
- Follow-up: Confirmation of Receipt and Issue Resolution
After the goods arrive, the agent will confirm with the consignee whether they have signed for the goods and whether the goods are in good condition. The agent will then provide the receipt information to the domestic shipper. If any issues arise during transportation (such as cargo delays, damage, or customs clearance delays), the freight forwarder will promptly coordinate with the airline, customs, and other parties involved to resolve the issue (such as completing customs clearance documents, applying for delay compensation, and processing cargo damage claims), ensuring a complete and seamless transport process.
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