Air Freight

Overview

International Airfreight – Fast & Reliable Air Freight Forwarder

As your trusted air freight forwarder, our dedicated team offers a range of air freight services, including standard, express, and charter options to meet your specific business requirements. With access to over 300+ global forwarding partner offices and unmatched local cargo expertise, we provide tailored quotes for fast and reliable air freight shipping. Track your shipments with air cargo tracking tools and benefit from air cargo freight tracking to monitor the status in real time.

  • We are IATA accredited
  • Offering multiple service options through our global network
  • Marine Insurance is available for added protection.

case studies

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AirFreight Features

Our Air Freight Services In Australia

Air Freight Shipping For All Sizes

Whether you’re shipping standard palletized goods or bulky cargo, our team provides customised air freight solutions to suit your needs, ensuring seamless handling for all shipment sizes.

Import & Export From Major Airports

We partner with over 70 airlines to offer comprehensive air freight services and global coverage for your shipments.

100% In-House Customs Clearance

Our experienced in-house team of licensed customs brokers expertly manages the complexities of air freight customs compliance, ensuring smooth and efficient clearance.

Our team can arrange full aircraft charters for large, complex shipments, providing tailored solutions for your specialised or urgent cargo business requirements.

Specialist Knowledge & Experience

As a leading air freight forwarder, ICE Cargo has a dedicated team of air freight specialists with decades of combined experience, delivering expert solutions for all your international freight requirements.

Airfreight Insurance Available

Safeguard your cargo with a variety of insurance options available to ensure protection throughout its journey.

Quotes That Work

Receive customised door-to-door air freight quotes tailored to meet your specific business requirements, ensuring efficient air freight services and seamless air cargo tracking throughout the shipping process.

Free Trade Agreement Advice

Get expert advice from our in-house customs team on tariff concessions and Free Trade Agreements, helping your business navigate the complexities of air freight while maximising savings on your air freight costs.

WHY ICE

Experts In International Air Freight & Your Air Freight Forwarder

With over 35 years of experience, our air freight company has built strong relationships with top airfreight carriers to efficiently move your goods in and out of any country. Our customs brokers offer professional advice on all import requirements, including import permits, mandatory treatments & compliance with safety and information standards.

If your goods need special handling or you are looking to transport dangerous cargo, you can count on our experienced team to guide you through the entire air freight forwarding process, ensuring peace of mind throughout your shipment.

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FAQ Section

AirFreight FAQs

What is air freight?

Air freight is the process of transporting goods via aircraft, making it a fast and efficient option for moving cargo over long distances. This service is essential for businesses that require timely delivery of products, whether for domestic shipments or international air freight.

Air freight services can include various types of shipments, from small packages to larger cargo. With air cargo freight tracking, shippers can monitor the air cargo status in real-time, ensuring visibility throughout the air freight shipping process.

In Australia, air freight provides a reliable solution for transporting goods quickly, with costs varying based on weight, volume, and distance. It is particularly beneficial for urgent shipments that may not be feasible through other modes of transport. Understanding the air freight forwarding process is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance with regulations and efficient handling of their goods.

 How does air freight work?

Air freight is a fast and efficient method for transporting goods via aircraft. The process involves several key steps to ensure that shipments are handled properly and delivered on time.

  • Initial Arrangement:
    The air freight company or air freight provider informs the shipper of available options to uplift their goods and then the shipper chooses the appropriate air freight service based on their specific business needs, including urgency, budget, and cargo specifications.
  • Preparation:
    The goods are prepared for shipment by packaging and labeling them appropriately. Necessary documentation, such as customs paperwork for international shipments, is completed during this stage.
  • Transportation to Airport:
    After preparation, the cargo is transported to the airport, where it is lodged and loaded onto the aircraft.
  • Tracking:
    Throughout the journey, tracking air freight is often facilitated by a variety of technologies, allowing our experts access to track and trace air freight globally at a variety of checkpoints. This ensures visibility of the air cargo status during transit.
  • Arrival and Customs Clearance:
    Upon arrival at the destination airport, the cargo is unloaded and goes through customs clearance. This may involve inspections and compliance to meet local safety and regulatory standards.
  • Final Delivery:
    Once cleared, the goods are available to be delivered to the final destination or delivery address, thus completing the air freight forwarding process.

In summary, air freight streamlines the movement of goods through a coordinated network, ensuring timely and secure delivery for both domestic and international shipments.

How to ship air freight?

Shipping air freight involves several steps to ensure your cargo is transported efficiently and securely. Understanding this process can help you navigate the logistics of air transportation effectively.

  • Select an Air Freight Company:
    Begin by choosing a reliable air freight provider. Research options to find a company that offers the specific air freight services you need, such as standard or express shipping.
  • Determine Shipping Requirements:
    Identify the type of cargo you are shipping and its dimensions, weight, and any special handling needs. This will help you understand the air freight cost and select the most suitable air freight service.
  • Prepare the Shipment:
    Package your goods securely and label them properly. Ensure that all necessary documentation is completed, including customs forms for international shipments.
  • Book the Shipment:
    Please contact our ICE air freight company team to expertly arrange your shipment particulars. Shippers will need to provide details about the cargo, including dimensions, weight, and destination, so accurate quotes can be arranged for you.
  • Transport to the Airport:
    Once your shipment is booked, transportation of the packaged goods to the airport will be arranged air freight services can include pickup services, or alternatively to deliver the cargo to their facility.
  • Tracking Your Shipment:
    Our expert customer service monitors your shipment throughout its journey. Most airline carriers offer air freight services that provide tools for tracking air freight, allowing various parties to access the air cargo status in real-time.
  • Customs Clearance:
    Upon arrival at the destination, your shipment will go through customs clearance. Please ensure you have all the necessary documentation ready to expedite this process.
  • Final Delivery:
    After customs clearance, the goods will be delivered to the specified location, completing your air freight shipping process.

In summary, shipping air freight requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can ensure that your cargo is transported efficiently and arrives at its destination safely.

How long does airfreight take?

Shipment times depend on the origin and destination of your air cargo.

Roughly, you can expect:

  • 1 to 3 days for international air freight shipping from China to Australia
  • 3 to 5 days from Europe to Australia
  • 2 to 4 days from the US to Australia
  • 1 to 2 days from Australia to New Zealand

You can request a quote now for more specific details on air freight cost, air freight services & current shipping times. Simply use this link to submit your query: Request a Freight Quote | International Cargo Express.

How does my air freight get tracked?

Tracking your air freight is essential service for maintaining visibility and ensuring timely delivery of your shipments. Most air freight companies provide various tracking customer service options to help you monitor your cargo throughout its journey.

  •  Expert Tracking:
    Once an air freight shipment is booked, our ICE air freight service specialists will monitor the movement of goods on behalf of shippers.
  • Milestone Notifications:
    Our ICE air freight service experts can provide – regular notifications via email or phone. Shippers can opt to receive updates on significant milestones, such as departure, arrival, and customs clearance.
  • Air Cargo Status Updates:
    Regular air cargo status reviews of your shipment help our shippers to stay informed about any delays or issues that may arise during transit. Keeping tabs on the cargo on behalf of our shippers, helps clients plan accordingly.
  • Customer Service:
    If you encounter issues or have questions about your shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at ICE as we are an IATA accredited air freight provider. The service team can assist you with any concerns and provide additional shipment status details.

In summary, our air freight customer care professionals ensure that you remain informed about the status of your shipments throughout the journey.

How much does airfreight cost?

Air freight is the fastest method to ship your goods internationally and charges for air freight shipping are based on a volumetric ratio. This means the cost depends on both the weight, and the space your cargo occupies on the aircraft. You can use a Chargeable Weight Calculator to get an estimate, but we recommend requesting a quote for accurate pricing. Various factors like fuel rates, airport fees, customs clearance, and any special equipment required for your shipment can influence air freight costs.

While air freight services offer the fastest option for time-sensitive or urgent shipments, sea freight may be a more cost-efficient solution for larger consignments, bulky items, or dangerous goods.

Is air freight more expensive than sea freight?

Air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight due to its faster transit times, and the way charges are calculated, factoring in both weight and volume. The higher cost reflects additional fees like fuel surcharges and customs handling. However, air freight is ideal for time-sensitive shipments, and services often include premium air cargo tracking and regular updates on your shipment’s air cargo status.

While air freight is faster, sea freight is more cost-effective for larger or less urgent shipments. Air freight services, particularly in regions like Australia, tend to be more expensive but offer more immediate and premium customer care tracking.

What is the minimum quantity for shipping via air?

There are no minimum cargo requirements; however, if your shipment is particularly small (less than 100kg), a courier service may be more suitable than dedicated air freight services. For smaller shipments, air freight companies may not always offer the most cost-efficient option. If you’re shipping via air cargo, it’s important to consider factors like air freight costs, and whether a courier might be a better alternative. You can often access self serve tools for your courier shipments using air cargo tracking tools.

Are there any load restrictions?

When shipping via air freight, cargo can be transported in a unit load device (ULD), as a palletised shipment, or as loose cargo. The maximum dimensions for standard palletised air freight are approximately 2.44m x 3.15m x 1.60m and can be aircraft and load dependant. Larger or wider cargo can be accommodated, but this depends on airline acceptance and may require ad hoc pricing. Additionally, air freighter aircraft can be arranged for oversized or specialty cargo; our ICE experts handle project air freight for a variety of large organisations including government, critical infrastructure, and mining facilities.

It’s essential to prepare your cargo properly for air freight shipping to ensure safe transport. For details, see our guide: “Packing Cargo for Air Freight: How to Prepare Your Shipment“.

What cargo is most frequently air freighted?

Cargo that is time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable is frequently shipped via air freight. Often main products traveling via air freight include foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and urgent machinery replacements. If you need urgent international or interstate delivery, air cargo services are often the fastest mode.

How we can help you

International Freight Services In Australia

Tap into our global network of airfreight carriers for quick delivery of your goods.

Air Freight Learn more

Take advantage of our efficient and reliable sea freight solutions for both FCL and LCL.

Sea Freight Learn more

Get expert customs advice and partner with us for all your customs clearance needs.

Customs Consultancy Learn more

Expert coordination in complex projects. We handle unique, heavy, out-of-gauge, and bulk cargo end-to-end.

Project Freight Forwarding Learn more

We select the best transport modes and storage options to suit your requirements.

Warehousing & Transport Learn more
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We Consult. We Plan. We Deliver.

  • CONSULT – We discuss your specific needs.
  • PLAN – We develop a bespoke tailored plan that is cost-effective & efficient.
  • DELIVER – We manage your shipment and keep you updated from beginning to end.

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