Image source: FedEx.com Cheap air freight is mission critical if you are using air cargo as a primary means of logistics and importing goods from China. Please consider that airfreight can be 10% to 20% of your total cost of import so it is wise to shop around for cheap air freight.
Factor's affecting air freight
- If your cargo is time sensitive, air freight or courier is only solutions. Product samples, high value electronics, fashion goods, jewelry or critical machine parts are some example where speed of delivery is major factor. The normal delivery time for air cargo is 2 to 7 days where as sea freight can take any thing between 15 to 45 days.
- The cost of the airfreight can be very high if compared with sea freight so it is better to shop around. In my opinion local Chinese freight forwarders are able to offer cheaper air freight. You can read the other blog post about http://www.chinaimport.co/china-sourcing-news/tips-to-negotiate-freight-and-choose-right-shipment-mode-for-importing-goods before making a decision
- It is always better to find a logistic service provider who can offer time bound service, custom clearance in china, website tracking and after sales service. Be vary of some forwarder who can give cheap price, but at destination you are presented with a inflated invoice of local charges.
- Major airlines and courier company (DHL, UPS, FedEx) have their regular freighter service to many destinations. In my opinion, China southen and FedEx offer competitve prices from Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Steps in booking an air freight shipment
- Inform supplier/s about a possible shipment date. It will be wise to arrange for pre shipment inspection and ensure that your company's policy for pre shipment checklist is followed.
- Inform freight forwarder the address of the supplier's warehouse (In Chinese)
- Get shipping order from your designated freight forwarder.
- Give a copy of invoice, packing list (Chinese and English) to enable your forwarder to clear goods from China customs
- The Forwarder will send you a draft AWB (air way bill) which you need to approve before shipment.
- Once goods reach the destination airport, contact freight forwarder for airline delivery order. They will also give you CAN copy and debit note for freight payment.
- At this point, a customs broker will help you clear goods from customs, in accordance with customs rule in your country.
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