Air

When is air freight the right choice?

Air freight is the fastest mode of transport for shipments over long distances. While sea freight often has a longer transit time and road transport is limited by geography, air freight can significantly reduce transit time. However, the actual transit time always depends on the destination, route, and current transport conditions.

Air freight is appropriate when:

• Your goods are time-sensitive and must meet a deadline
• This shipment is high-value and requires careful handling
• The destination cannot be reached efficiently by roador water
• You need a flexible solution for irregular shipments

At Nordcarrier , we Nordcarrier you determine whether air freight is the right mode of transport—or whether a combination of transport modes makes more sense for your supply chain.

Nordcarrier's Air Freight Service

Nordcarrier & Sea is part of Nordcarrier and a member of the Pangea Network and other independent networks. The Pangea Network is an international network of leading air and ocean freight specialists with agents at all major airports and seaports worldwide. This gives you access to daily departures, competitive rates, and local expertise at your destination.

We handle all types of air freight—from one-off urgent shipments to regular consolidated shipments. Your dedicated contact at Nordcarrier the entire process and keep you updated along the way.

Standard Air Freight

Scheduled shipments with fixed departure times via carefully selected airlines. Ideal for cargo that needs to be delivered within a defined timeframe but does not require same-day delivery. We offer both airport-to-airport and full door-to-door service.

Express and time-sensitive air freight

When your cargo needs to arrive as quickly as possible. We book direct flights or the first available departure and ensure priority handling at both ends. Ideal for production stoppages, spare parts, samples, and other shipments where every hour counts.

Consolidation

We consolidate smaller shipments to select destinations, reducing your shipping costs without compromising transit times. Ideal for businesses with regular, smaller shipments to the same region.

Charter – full and shared

Do you need dedicated air freight capacity? We arrange full and partial charters to all destinations. This is ideal for oversized cargo, large volumes, or shipments to destinations without regular commercial routes.

Courier Service

For small shipments, documents, and samples, we offer a fast courier service with door-to-door delivery and full tracking.

Special cargo by air

Nordcarrier authorized to transport all types of cargo. This means that we also handle shipments that require specialized knowledge, documentation, and handling.

Dangerous Goods (ADR/IATA-DGR)

We transport dangerous goods in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Our staff are trained in the classification, packaging, and documentation of dangerous goods to ensure that your shipment complies with all legal requirements.

Temperature-controlled and pharmaceutical

Goods that require temperature control during transport—including pharmaceuticals, biological samples, and food products—are handled with the necessary monitoring and documentation throughout the entire supply chain.

Oversized and project cargo

Machinery parts, construction equipment, and other cargo that exceed standard dimensions require customized planning. We assess load units, route selection, and handling, and coordinate with local agents at the destination.

What factors influence the price of air freight?

The cost of air freight depends on several factors. We always provide a specific quote based on your shipment, but here are the key factors that affect the price:

Weight and volumetric weight

Airlines charge based on the higher of the two values: actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated as length × width × height (cm) / 6,000. Lightweight items with a large volume are therefore charged based on the space they occupy—not their actual weight.

Destination and route

The distance and availability of direct routes affect the price. Destinations with frequent departures and high capacity are typically more affordable than remote routes with limited frequency.

Speed and Level of Service

Standard air freight is more cost-effective than express or same-day service. The choice depends on how quickly your shipment needs to arrive and whether you have flexibility in the delivery window.

Fuel surcharges and seasonal fluctuations

Airlines charge fuel surcharges that vary with the price of oil. In addition, peak periods (such as the run-up to Christmas or Chinese New Year) can result in higher fares and limited capacity.

We would be happy to provide you with a specific quote based on your shipment. Please contact us for a quote.

How Air Freight Works at Nordcarrier

We handle the entire process, so you have a single point of contact from start to finish.

Step 1 – Inquiry and Consultation

Please contact us with your requirements: type of cargo, weight, dimensions, destination, and desired delivery time. We will advise you on the best solution and provide a quote.

Step 2 – Booking and Pickup

Once we have an agreement, we’ll book air freight space and arrange pickup from your address or warehouse. We’ll issue an air waybill (AWB) and coordinate transport to the departure airport.

Step 3 – Customs and Export Documentationtion

We handle export customs clearance and ensure that all documents—including the commercial invoice, packing list, and any special certificates—are in order before the goods are loaded.

Step 4 – Air Transport

Your cargo will be transported by the airline you selected. You can track your shipment during transit, and your contact person will provide you with status updates.

Step 5 – Arrival and Import Customs Clearance

Upon arrival, our agent at the destination will handle import duties, taxes, and any inspection requirements in accordance with local regulations.

Step 6 – Door-to-door delivery

The shipment is transported from the arrival airport to the final delivery address. You will receive a delivery confirmation, and the shipment is complete.

Air freight or sea freight – when should you choose which?

The choice between air freight and sea freight depends on your priorities. Here is a general comparison:

Nordcarrier both air and ocean freight. We’ll help you choose the mode of transport—or combination of modes—that best suits your supply chain and budget.

Unit Load Devices (ULD) for Air Freight

Air cargo is loaded into standardized Unit Load Devices (ULDs)—containers and pallets designed for specific aircraft types. The appropriate load unit depends on the size and weight of your cargo, as well as the route you choose.

Common container types:

• LD3 (AKE) – the most commonly used container for passenger aircraft. Ideal for general cargo and smaller shipments.
• LD9 (AAP) – a larger container for passenger aircraft with a higher volume capacity.
• M1 (AMA) – large container for cargo aircraft. Suitable for heavy and bulky cargo.

Common types of pallets:

• PMC (P6P) – standard pallet for cargo aircraft. The most widely used pallet unit in air freight.
• PAG (P1P) – passenger aircraft pallet for small shipments.
• PGA – half pallet for smaller volumes.

We select the right cargo unit based on your shipment and the available aircraft capacity. Please contact us if you are unsure which solution is right for your shipment.

Customs and Documentation for Air Freight 

International air freight requires proper documentation and customs clearance at both ends of the shipment. Nordcarrier this as an integral part of our service.

We handle:

• Export and Import Customs Clearance
• Issuance of an air waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice and Packing List
• Certificates of Origin and Special Certificates
• Handling of customs duties and taxes at the destination through our network of agents

Incoterms and Allocation of Liability

The terms of delivery (Incoterms) determine who bears the responsibility and costs at each stage of transport. The most commonly used Incoterms in air freight are EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, and DDP. We will advise you on the appropriate Incoterm based on your agreement with the recipient.

Air freight routes and destinations

Through the Pangea Network, other independent networks, and our regular agent partners, we offer air freight services to and from all regions of the world. Here is an overview of the most popular destinations:

Asia

China, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea – with daily departures from European hubs.

Europe and the Middle East

Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Turkey – with short layover times and frequent departures.

Scandinavia and Eastern Europe

Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—all covered by our comprehensive road and air freight network.

The Americas, Africa, and Oceania

The United States, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand – through our global network of agents.

Do you need air freight to a destination not listed here? Contact us—we cover the entire world.

That’s why business customers choose Nordcarrier air freight

Personal contact person

You’ll be assigned a dedicated contact person who is familiar with your shipment and can make decisions without having to consult three managers first. Our sales and department managers are co-owners—which means quick decision-making and prompt responses.

24/7 on-call service – 365 days a year

We’re always available. Whether your shipment is urgent on a Friday evening or a holiday, we’re just a phone call away.

All types of goods

Nordcarrier authorized to transport all types of cargo—including hazardous materials, temperature-controlled cargo, and oversized cargo. You don’t need a separate carrier for special shipments.

Global network – local expertise

As a member of the Pangea Network and other independent networks, we have agents at all major airports and seaports worldwide. This ensures local expertise and customs expertise at the destination.

ISO-certified

We are certified to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 27001 (information security). This provides you with documented assurance that we meet international standards.

Own IATA number

Nordcarrier & Sea has its own IATA code, which ensures direct access to airlines and capacity without intermediaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Freight