Cargo Best Suited to Air Freight
Suitable for production parts, electronics, samples, approved medical supplies, seasonal inventory and other cargo that cannot wait for ocean freight.
Compare speed, cargo value and delivery certainty.
International Air Cargo Guide · Updated August 2026
Air Freight from China
Compare international air freight services, rates, transit times and chargeable weight from China’s major cargo airports to the USA, Europe, the Middle East and worldwide destinations.
- Standard Air Freight
- Air Express
- Door to Door
- Special Cargo
Standard air freight is typically planned from 45 kg. Final rates depend on route, cargo type, chargeable weight and current airline capacity.
Quick air freight overview
Is air freight from China right for your shipment?
Air shipping from China is usually the fastest option for urgent, higher-value or time-sensitive commercial cargo. The right air freight plan depends on shipment size, chargeable weight, route, cargo type and required delivery scope.
Weight and Shipment Size
Standard air freight generally starts from 45 kg. Air express from China may be more practical for smaller parcels, samples and documents.
Provide pieces, dimensions, gross weight and packaging.
Transit-Time Planning
Direct and connecting flights have different schedules. Export handling, customs clearance and final delivery must also be included.
Confirm the cargo-ready date and required delivery date.
How Air Freight Costs Are Calculated
Airlines charge the higher of actual weight or volumetric weight. Route, cargo type, handling needs and airline capacity also affect rates.
Calculate chargeable weight and the complete service scope.
45 kg+
Standard air freight
Typical starting threshold
Actual vs Volumetric
Chargeable weight rule
The higher weight is charged
Airport or Door-to-Door
Available delivery scope
Choose the service level you need
Planning information only. Final routing, cargo acceptance, transit time and pricing depend on complete shipment details and current airline capacity.
Air freight service options
Compare air freight services from China
Choose the service according to shipment size, urgency, delivery scope and cargo acceptance requirements. Standard air freight is not the same as express courier, while door-to-door describes the full service scope.
Standard Air Freight
Airport-to-airport or airport-to-doorThe main option for commercial cargo that needs faster delivery than ocean freight but does not require a dedicated express courier service.
Suitable shipments
Cartons, pallets, production parts, electronics and urgent replenishment shipments generally starting from 45 kg.
Quote information
Origin, destination, pieces, dimensions, gross weight, cargo type, Incoterm and required delivery scope.
Air Express from China
International courier networkA simplified fast service for documents, samples, spare parts and compact parcels, normally combining pickup, tracking and final delivery.
Suitable shipments
Smaller urgent shipments that may not justify a separate airline cargo booking or airport handling arrangement.
Cost checks
Dimensional weight, oversize pieces, remote-area charges, restricted goods and destination import charges.
Door-to-Door Air Freight
Pickup, air transport and final deliveryCombines origin pickup, export handling, air freight, customs coordination and delivery to the consignee’s agreed address.
Suitable shipments
Importers who prefer one coordinator and a clearly defined pickup-to-delivery service scope.
Scope to confirm
Importer of record, customs entry, duties and taxes, delivery address and any excluded destination charges.
Special Cargo Air Freight
Regulated or handling-sensitive cargoLithium batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, dangerous goods and temperature-sensitive cargo must be screened before quotation and booking because airline acceptance, documents and handling controls vary by shipment.
Suitable shipments
Cargo that requires airline review, compliant packing, special labels, certificates or controlled handling.
Acceptance and document checks
Confirm the cargo name, composition, packing, labels and airline acceptance. Depending on the cargo, documents may include SDS/MSDS, a UN38.3 test summary for batteries, a DGD, or magnetic and air-transport inspection reports.
Quick decision guide
Start with size, scope and cargo type
Small and urgent
Compare air express or courier for documents,
samples and compact parcels.
Commercial cargo from 45 kg
Standard air freight is usually the practical
cost-and-speed comparison.
Full scope or regulated cargo
Confirm customs scope, delivery terms and airline
acceptance before booking.
Door-to-door describes the service scope rather than the airline service itself. DDP or duties-unpaid delivery may be available depending on the destination, cargo type, importer requirements and agreed quotation scope.
Rates & cost structure
Air freight rates and costs from China
The air freight cost from China is based on chargeable weight, route, service level, cargo type and current airline capacity. Compare the framework below, then request a shipment-specific rate with clear inclusions and exclusions.
Air freight pricing framework
| Service | Charging basis | Pricing approach | Main cost drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Air Freight | Per chargeable kg Actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher | Generally from 45 kg, subject to route and airline minimums | Weight tier, route, flight type, fuel and security surcharges, season and available capacity |
| Air Express from China | Courier chargeable weight Carrier dimensional-weight rules apply | Carrier tariff and minimum charge; often used for smaller parcels | Parcel dimensions, service speed, remote area, oversize pieces, clearance fees, import duties and taxes, and carrier surcharges |
| Door-to-Door Air Freight | Shipment-specific quote Built around the air chargeable weight | Based on pickup city, destination address and agreed delivery scope | Pickup, origin handling, customs scope, duties and taxes, destination charges and final delivery |
| Special Cargo Air Freight | Weight plus handling Subject to airline acceptance | Quoted after cargo classification and document review | Cargo classification, packing, labels, certificates, screening, DG handling where applicable, and approved carrier options |
Rates apply to chargeable weight rather than gross weight alone. See the chargeable weight guide next. When comparing cheap air freight from China, review the complete quoted scope rather than only the airline rate. Excluded pickup, handling, duties, taxes, storage and destination fees can change the final cost.
CHARGEABLE WEIGHT
How to Calculate Air Freight Chargeable Weight
Air freight charges are based on whichever is greater: the shipment's actual gross weight or its volumetric weight. This calculator gives the comparison weight before carrier-specific measurement and rounding rules are applied.
THE FORMULA
One formula, two weights
Actual weight is the total gross weight of the cargo and packaging. Volumetric weight converts the space occupied by the shipment into kilograms.
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1Volumetric weight (kg)
Pieces × Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ divisor -
2Calculated chargeable weight
Higher of actual weight or volumetric weight
6,000 divisor
Commonly used for standard air freight
5,000 divisor
Common for express and selected services
WORKED EXAMPLE
10 cartons × 50 × 40 × 30 cm, with a total actual weight of 80 kg and a 6,000 divisor.
- Total volume
- 0.600 CBM
- Volumetric weight
- 100.00 kg
- Calculated chargeable weight
- 100.00 kg
Accuracy note: Airlines and express carriers may remeasure each piece, round dimensions, round billable weight, or apply a minimum chargeable weight. Tonlexing confirms the applicable rule before booking. For mixed-size cartons, use our full CBM calculator or send us your packing list.
QUICK CALCULATOR
Calculate the comparison weight
For identical cartons only. Enter the outside dimensions of one packed carton and the total gross weight of all cartons.
Total volume
—
Actual weight
—
Volumetric weight
—
Calculated chargeable weight
—
Enter your shipment details to compare the two weights. Carrier rounding is not included.
TRANSIT TIMES
How Long Does Air Freight from China Take?
For many major routes, standard air freight shipments from China typically take 5–10 business days door to door. The final schedule depends on the service level, departure airport, flight availability, customs clearance, and delivery location.
Planning range, not a guaranteed schedule
Times below are typical business-day estimates under normal operating conditions. Tonlexing confirms the available flight and route before booking.
Air Express
Courier networks for urgent samples, documents, and smaller shipments.
3–5
business days door to door
Carrier transit
1–3 business days
Priority Air Freight
Faster flight options for time-sensitive commercial cargo.
4–7
business days door to door
Airport to airport
2–4 business days
Standard Air Freight
A practical balance of speed, capacity, and cost for regular shipments.
5–10
business days door to door
Airport to airport
3–7 business days
Consolidated Air Freight
Flexible departures for non-urgent cargo that can wait for consolidation.
7–14
business days door to door
Airport to airport
5–10 business days
SHIPMENT JOURNEY
What is included in door-to-door transit time?
Door-to-door timing includes more than the flight. Pickup, handling, customs, and final delivery all affect the total lead time.
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01Pickup & consolidation 1–2 business days
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02Export handling 1–2 business days
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03Flight & transfer 1–5 business days
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04Import clearance 1–3 business days
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05Final delivery 1–3 business days
Do not add every stage together: several stages can overlap. Connecting flights, customs inspections, remote delivery areas, and restricted cargo may add time.
KEY VARIABLES
What can change the delivery schedule?
Direct or connecting flight
Direct services are usually faster and involve fewer handling points.
Departure airport
PVG, CAN, SZX, and HKG offer different routes, capacity, and cut-off times.
Peak-season capacity
Holiday demand, weather, and limited space can delay the planned departure.
Customs and documents
Accurate invoices, packing lists, HS codes, and permits help prevent clearance delays.
Cargo type
Batteries, chemicals, oversized cargo, and temperature-sensitive goods need extra checks.
Final delivery location
Remote areas and appointment deliveries normally require additional transit time.
GLOBAL DESTINATIONS
Air Freight from China to Worldwide Destinations
Explore country-specific air freight guides covering shipping costs, transit times, customs requirements, major airports, and door-to-door delivery options from China.
Popular Air Freight Routes from China
Start with our most requested routes from China.
Air Freight from China to the USA
LAX · JFK · ORD · DFW
Air Freight from China to Canada
YYZ · YVR · YUL
Air Freight from China to the UK
LHR · MAN · BHX
Air Freight from China to Germany
FRA · MUC · LEJ
Air Freight from China to the UAE
DXB · DWC · AUH
Air Freight from China to Saudi Arabia
RUH · JED · DMM
Air Freight from China to Russia
SVO · DME · LED
Air Freight from China to Australia
SYD · MEL · BNE
COUNTRY DIRECTORY
More Air Freight Destination Guides
Browse additional routes by region. Every link opens a dedicated guide for shipping air cargo from China.
Plan air cargo from China to major markets worldwide
If your destination is not listed, send us the airport or delivery postcode. We will check the available route, cargo acceptance, and door-to-door options.
AIRPORTS & ROUTE PLANNING
Major Air Freight Airports and Routes from China
The best departure airport is not always the closest one. Cargo type, airline capacity, flight frequency, and local handling costs can make a nearby alternative faster or more economical.
CHINA AIR CARGO NETWORK
Choose the gateway around your supplier and destination
Tonlexing compares available space and schedules across China's main cargo gateways before recommending a route.
From China to major markets worldwide
DEPARTURE
China Main Hubs
PVG · CAN · SZX
HKG · PEK · CGO
ARRIVAL
Worldwide Network
North America
Europe
Middle East
Asia Pacific
The final airport and flight are selected according to cargo acceptance, available space, schedule, and total routing cost.
DEPARTURE GATEWAYS
Main Air Cargo Gateways for Shipments from China
Select an airport guide for cargo strengths, nearby sourcing regions, routes, handling, costs, and transit planning.
PVG
Shanghai Pudong
Best positioned for suppliers in Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, and the wider Yangtze River Delta.
- Strong for
- Electronics · Machinery · Fashion
- Network
- USA · Europe · Middle East
CAN
Guangzhou Baiyun
A major export hub for Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Pearl River Delta manufacturers.
- Strong for
- Garments · Consumer goods · General cargo
- Network
- USA · Europe · Africa · Asia
SZX
Shenzhen Bao'an
Ideal for Shenzhen, Dongguan, and cross-border e-commerce cargo from southern China.
- Strong for
- Electronics · E-commerce · Express
HKG
Hong Kong International
Broad airline choice and frequent global services for southern China exports.
- Strong for
- High-value · Urgent · Special cargo
PEK
Beijing Capital
A practical gateway for Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and suppliers across northern China.
- Strong for
- Pharma · Aerospace · High-value
CGO
Zhengzhou Xinzheng
A growing freighter hub with useful access to factories and consolidation in central China.
- Strong for
- Electronics · Consolidation · Freighters
Additional gateways when capacity or location makes them a better fit
- HGHHangzhou
- NGBNingbo
- XMNXiamen
- CTU / TFUChengdu
- WUHWuhan
- CKGChongqing
ROUTE SELECTION
How Tonlexing chooses the right air freight route
A lower base rate does not always produce the lowest landed cost. We compare the complete movement before recommending an airport and service.
- 01Locate the cargo
Check supplier location, pickup cost, and the nearest practical gateways.
- 02Confirm cargo acceptance
Review dimensions, weight, batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, dangerous goods, and airline restrictions.
- 03Compare schedules and capacity
Evaluate direct and connecting services, cut-off times, available space, and handling.
- 04Plan destination delivery
Match the arrival airport with customs clearance and final-mile requirements.
Confirm the route with the complete shipment scope
The supplier address, destination, cargo details, cargo-ready date, and delivery scope are needed before the departure airport and flight can be confirmed.
CARGO & COMPLIANCE
Air Cargo, Customs Clearance and Required Documents
Air cargo must meet airline acceptance, security screening, export requirements in China, and import rules at the destination. Documentation should be checked before pickup to avoid rejected bookings or customs delays.
Cargo acceptance depends on the product and service
Ordinary cargo is usually straightforward. Batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, and other regulated products need classification and acceptance checks before booking.
General Cargo
Garments, non-powered parts, household goods, machinery components, and other non-restricted products.
High-Value & Urgent Cargo
Electronics, medical devices, replacement parts, samples, and time-sensitive commercial shipments.
Temperature-Sensitive Cargo
Pharmaceuticals, selected food products, laboratory materials, and cargo requiring controlled handling.
Batteries & Regulated Cargo
Lithium batteries, chemicals, aerosols, liquids, powders, magnets, and other airline-restricted products.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Documents commonly required for air freight
The exact set varies by commodity, origin, destination, Incoterm, and airline.
Core shipment documents
- Commercial invoiceValue, currency, seller, buyer, and accurate product description
- Packing listCarton count, dimensions, gross and net weight
- HS code & commodity detailsProposed classification, composition, and intended use for customs review
- Air waybillTransport document prepared by the forwarder or carrier after booking
When applicable
- SDS / MSDS and product specificationsFor chemicals, liquids, powders, batteries, and products whose transport classification must be verified
- UN38.3 test summaryMust be available for applicable lithium cells and batteries, together with the battery type, configuration, and rating
- Air transport condition reportIdentification or appraisal report when requested by the departure airport, airline, or handling agent
- Magnetic inspection reportFor magnets, motors, speakers, and other potentially magnetized cargo when required; shielding or demagnetization may also be necessary
- Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous GoodsCompleted by the shipper when required by the applicable IATA DGR provision, packing instruction, and operator or state variation
- Certificates or import permitsCertificate of origin, product certificate, license, or destination permit when applicable
CUSTOMS RESPONSIBILITIES
Clearance at both ends of the route
Who handles each step depends on the Incoterm and the selected airport-to-airport or door-to-door service.
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CNExport clearance in China
Commodity details, invoice, packing list, export eligibility, security screening, and permits when required.
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AWBAirline document check
Booking details, air waybill, cargo acceptance, packaging, labeling, and special-cargo declarations.
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IMPImport clearance at destination
Importer or IOR details, final classification, duties and taxes, permits, customs release, and final delivery.
Important
Do not describe cargo only as “parts,” “samples,” or “accessories.” Precise product descriptions and declared values reduce customs questions and clearance delays.
Confirm regulated or sensitive cargo before arranging pickup
Check My Cargo Batteries, chemicals, aerosols, liquids, powders, magnets, compressed gas, dry ice, medical products, and food must be identified and reviewed before booking. Branded goods may require authorization or additional customs evidence. Requirements vary by classification, packing method, airline, route, and destination.
COMPLIANCE GUIDES
Prepare the shipment before booking
Use these guides to review customs steps, restricted goods, and documentation for special cargo.
SHIPPING WORKFLOW
Air Freight Shipping Process from China
A successful air shipment starts before the cargo reaches the airport. Cargo details, documents, service level, and airline acceptance are confirmed first, followed by pickup, export handling, flight, customs clearance, and delivery.
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01
Quote & Cargo Check
Confirm the route, dimensions, weight, commodity, ready date, and whether the cargo contains batteries, liquids, powders, chemicals, magnets, aerosols, compressed gas, or dry ice.
-
02
Space Confirmation
Confirm the departure airport, carrier and service, schedule, available space, and chargeable weight before booking.
-
03
Pickup & Export
Collect or receive the cargo, check packaging and labels, prepare documents, and complete export clearance.
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04
Airline Handling
Deliver cargo to the airline terminal for security screening, acceptance, loading, and departure.
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05
Arrival & Clearance
Coordinate destination terminal procedures, import clearance, applicable duties and taxes, cargo release, and local handover.
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06
Final Delivery
Arrange local transport to the consignee when door-to-door service is included and confirm delivery.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
Accurate shipment information
Complete details allow us to confirm cargo acceptance and prepare a reliable quotation.
- Cargo detailsProduct name, quantity, total gross weight, and carton dimensions
- Route detailsSupplier pickup address and destination airport or delivery postcode
- Commercial detailsIncoterm, cargo value, importer information, and target delivery date
- Special-cargo documentsSDS, UN38.3 test summary, transport-condition or magnetic inspection report, Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), product specifications, photos, or permits when applicable
WHAT TONLEXING COORDINATES
One point of contact throughout
We coordinate the shipment across suppliers, warehouses, airlines, customs partners, and delivery providers.
- Route and rate comparisonSuitable airport, service level, capacity, schedule, and total freight cost
- Origin operationsPickup, consolidation, packing checks, labeling, export handling, and booking
- Shipment visibilityFlight updates, document coordination, exception handling, and arrival status
- Destination supportCustoms coordination and final delivery when included in the selected service
Do not dispatch regulated cargo until acceptance is confirmed
Declare batteries, liquids, powders, chemicals, magnets, aerosols, compressed gas, dry ice, and temperature-sensitive products before booking. We first verify classification, airline acceptance, packaging, marks and labels, and the required supporting documents.
WHY TONLEXING
Why Choose Tonlexing for Air Freight from China
Choosing an air freight forwarder based only on the lowest rate per kilogram can increase the total shipping cost. Tonlexing compares routing, capacity, chargeable weight, handling requirements, and delivery scope before recommending an air freight plan.
One team from supplier pickup to final delivery
We coordinate suppliers, warehouses, airlines, customs partners, and local delivery providers through one point of contact. Final delivery is coordinated when it is included in the selected service, with the complete scope confirmed before booking.
Cargo-first route planning
Airport, airline, service level, and schedule selected around the shipment—not a fixed route.
Clear quotation scope
Freight, origin handling, customs support, destination charges, and delivery are identified as included, excluded, or subject to confirmation.
Special-cargo screening
Batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, dry ice, oversized cargo, and other regulated shipments checked before pickup.
Operational follow-through
Booking, export handling, flight status, arrival coordination, exceptions, and delivery updates coordinated together.
Where we look for practical savings
Cost control starts before the cargo is delivered to the airline terminal.
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Review carton dimensions
Reduce avoidable volumetric weight while keeping packaging strong enough for air handling.
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Consolidate supplier cargo
Combine compatible supplier shipments when this reduces repeated pickup and handling costs without delaying the required schedule.
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Compare airports and schedules
Balance direct and connecting services, available capacity, cut-off time, and total route cost.
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Prevent avoidable exceptions
Confirm documents, labels, cargo acceptance, and importer readiness before cargo movement begins.
Send the cargo details for a route and cost review
Include the commodity, carton dimensions, total weight, pickup city, destination, and target delivery date.
AIR FREIGHT FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Freight from China
Quick answers about air freight rates, transit times, chargeable weight, customs, documents, restricted cargo, and door-to-door delivery.
How much does air freight from China cost?
Air freight rates are normally quoted per kilogram of chargeable weight. The final cost depends on the route, shipment size, service level, airline capacity, fuel surcharges, season, cargo type, origin handling, customs services, and destination delivery. A complete quote should state what is included rather than showing only the airport-to-airport rate.
How long does air freight from China take?
Typical airport-to-airport transit is about 3–7 days for standard air freight. Standard door-to-door shipping usually takes around 5–10 days, while express courier services can take about 3–5 days door to door. Flight availability, transfers, customs clearance, and the final delivery location can change the schedule. See the air freight transit time comparison.
How is air freight chargeable weight calculated?
The carrier compares actual gross weight with volumetric weight and charges whichever is higher. Standard air freight commonly uses length × width × height in centimeters ÷ 6,000; express and selected services may use 5,000. For multiple cartons, add the volumetric weight of each carton or identical carton group, then compare the total with the shipment's total gross weight. Carriers may remeasure and apply their own rounding rules. Use the chargeable weight calculator for a planning estimate.
What is the minimum weight for air freight from China?
Standard air cargo is generally more practical for shipments of about 45 kg or more. For smaller cartons and samples, DHL, FedEx, UPS, or another express courier may be more economical and easier to arrange. Tonlexing generally handles standard air freight enquiries from 45 kg.
What documents are required for air freight?
Most shipments require a commercial invoice, packing list, accurate commodity description, HS code information, and an air waybill prepared after booking. Depending on the cargo and destination, additional certificates, permits, SDS, test reports, or a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) may be required. Review the air cargo document checklist.
Can batteries, liquids, powders, or magnets be shipped by air?
Some can be shipped, but they must be declared before booking. Acceptance depends on classification, quantity, packaging, marks and labels, carrier rules, and routing. Supporting files may include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), UN38.3 test summary, air transport condition report, magnetic inspection report, product specifications, or a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods when applicable.
What is the difference between airport-to-airport and door-to-door air freight?
Airport-to-airport service covers the main air transport between the departure and destination airports. Door-to-door service can also include supplier pickup, export handling, air freight, import customs coordination, destination charges, and final delivery. The exact scope depends on the Incoterm and quotation.
Who handles customs clearance, duties, and taxes?
Responsibility depends on the agreed Incoterm and service. Export clearance is normally arranged in China, while the destination importer or importer of record usually provides import information and pays applicable duties and taxes. For door-to-door or DDP services where available, Tonlexing can coordinate more of the destination process.
Can I track an air freight shipment?
Yes. After airline acceptance, the master or house air waybill number is used to follow key milestones such as departure, transfer, arrival, customs release, and delivery. Air cargo tracking is milestone-based, so updates may not appear continuously while the shipment is in transit.
What information is needed for an accurate air freight quote?
Provide the product name, carton count, carton dimensions, total gross weight, pickup city, destination airport or delivery postcode, Incoterm, cargo-ready date, and target delivery date. Also disclose batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, chemicals, oversized pieces, or temperature-control requirements before quotation.
Send us the cargo details and destination
We will review the shipment, required documents, suitable service, and quotation scope before booking.