Air Freight from China

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 Get an Air Freight Quote Explore the Air Freight Guide Standard air freight is typically planned from 45 kg. Final rates depend on route, cargo type, chargeable weight and current airline capacity. CHINA → WORLDWIDE Main China cargo gateways PVG · CAN · SZX · PEK · CGO · HKG Airport & Door-to-Door service options 45 kg+ standard air cargo planning Cargo & Document Checks before booking 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. 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. Standard Air Freight Airport-to-airport or airport-to-door The 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. Compare air freight rates and costs Air Express from China International courier network A 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. Review express and air cost factors Door-to-Door Air Freight Pickup, air transport and final delivery Combines 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. Check customs and delivery requirements Special Cargo Air Freight Regulated or handling-sensitive cargo Lithium 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. Review special cargo requirements 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. Air freight pricing framework Updated August 2026 Comparison of air freight service pricing from China 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. 1 Volumetric weight (kg) Pieces × Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ divisor 2 Calculated 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 volume0.600 CBM Volumetric weight100.00 kg Calculated chargeable weight100.00 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. i 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. 01 Pickup & consolidation 1–2 business days 02 Export handling 1–2 business days 03 Flight & transfer 1–5 business days 04 Import clearance 1–3 business days 05 Final 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. US Air Freight from China to the USA LAX · JFK · ORD · DFW → CA Air Freight from China to Canada YYZ · YVR · YUL → UK Air Freight from China to the UK LHR · MAN · BHX → DE Air Freight from China to Germany FRA · MUC · LEJ → AE Air Freight from China to the UAE DXB · DWC · AUH → SA Air Freight from China to Saudi Arabia RUH · JED · DMM → RU Air Freight from China to Russia SVO · DME · LED → AU 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. Request a Route Quote → 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 · SZXHKG · PEK · CGO Direct & connecting flights 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 forElectronics · Machinery · Fashion NetworkUSA · Europe · Middle East Explore PVG → CAN Guangzhou Baiyun A major export hub for Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Pearl River Delta manufacturers. Strong forGarments · Consumer goods · General cargo NetworkUSA · Europe · Africa · Asia Explore CAN → SZX Shenzhen Bao'an Ideal for Shenzhen, Dongguan, and cross-border e-commerce cargo from southern China. Strong forElectronics · E-commerce · Express Explore SZX → HKG Hong Kong International Broad airline choice and frequent global services for southern China exports. Strong forHigh-value · Urgent · Special cargo Explore HKG → PEK Beijing Capital A practical gateway for Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and suppliers across northern China. Strong forPharma · Aerospace · High-value Explore PEK → CGO Zhengzhou Xinzheng A growing freighter hub with useful access to factories and consolidation in central China. Strong forElectronics · Consolidation · Freighters Explore CGO → 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 cargoCheck supplier location, pickup cost, and the nearest practical gateways. 02Confirm cargo acceptanceReview dimensions, weight, batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, dangerous goods, and airline restrictions. 03Compare schedules and capacityEvaluate direct and connecting services, cut-off times, available space, and handling. 04Plan destination deliveryMatch 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. Standard documents High-Value & Urgent Cargo Electronics, medical devices, replacement parts, samples, and time-sensitive commercial shipments. Security and handling plan recommended Temperature-Sensitive Cargo Pharmaceuticals, selected food products, laboratory materials, and cargo requiring controlled handling. Temperature plan when required Batteries & Regulated Cargo Lithium batteries, chemicals, aerosols, liquids, powders, magnets, and other airline-restricted products. Advance classification and carrier review 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. CN Export clearance in China Commodity details, invoice, packing list, export eligibility, security screening, and permits when required. AWB Airline document check Booking details, air waybill, cargo acceptance, packaging, labeling, and special-cargo declarations. IMP Import 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 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. Check My Cargo → 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. 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. 04 Airline Handling Deliver cargo to the airline terminal for security screening, acceptance, loading, and departure. 05 Arrival & Clearance Coordinate destination terminal procedures, import clearance, applicable duties and taxes, cargo release, and local handover. 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. Review carton dimensions Reduce avoidable volumetric weight while keeping packaging strong enough for air handling. Consolidate supplier cargo Combine compatible supplier shipments when this reduces repeated pickup and handling costs without delaying the required schedule. Compare airports and schedules Balance direct and connecting services, available capacity, cut-off time, and total route cost. 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. Get an Air Freight Quote → About Tonlexing 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. Ask an Air Freight Specialist → RELATED RESOURCES Air Freight Guides, Tools and Compliance Resources Continue planning with practical resources for freight costs, shipping method comparisons, customs, battery compliance, and a real air freight case study.