A Step-by-Step Guide to How Air Cargo Moves Across the Globe
Air freight plays a critical role in today’s fast-paced global supply chains. Whether you’re shipping medical supplies, electronics, apparel, or urgent spare parts, air freight offers unmatched speed, security, and reach. But what actually happens behind the scenes—from the moment a shipment is booked until it reaches its final destination?
In this article, we break down the entire air freight process into clear, actionable steps, helping shippers, importers, and logistics managers understand how air cargo moves efficiently and securely across borders.
📦 1. Booking the Shipment
The air freight journey begins with a booking. The shipper or freight forwarder provides key details such as:
- Type of cargo (e.g., general, dangerous goods, temperature-sensitive)
- Weight and dimensions
- Origin and destination
- Preferred delivery timeframe
- Special handling requirements
Once the freight forwarder selects a suitable airline and flight schedule, they confirm space and issue a booking confirmation.
🔹 Pro Tip: Book early for better rates and availability, especially during peak seasons.
📄 2. Preparing Documentation
Accurate documentation is crucial to ensure customs clearance and smooth transit. Common air freight documents include:
- Air Waybill (AWB) – A non-negotiable transport contract issued by the airline or forwarder.
- Commercial Invoice – Details the value and nature of the goods.
- Packing List – Lists package contents and dimensions.
- Certificates – Depending on the cargo: origin, insurance, phytosanitary, MSDS, etc.
- Export licenses or permits – If applicable.
The forwarder often assists in preparing and verifying these documents.
🏭 3. Cargo Pickup & Origin Handling
The cargo is picked up from the shipper’s facility (if required) and delivered to the freight forwarder’s warehouse or directly to the airport cargo terminal. At this stage:
- Goods are weighed and measured
- Packaging is inspected for compliance
- Security checks and export customs clearance are conducted
- Goods are palletized or unitized for aircraft loading
Once cleared, cargo is delivered to the airline and stored in the air cargo terminal awaiting flight departure.
✈️ 4. Air Transport (Flight Departure & Transit)
Cargo is loaded onto the designated flight. Depending on the route, it may be:
- Direct (non-stop) – from origin to destination airport
- Indirect (transshipment) – with a stopover at a hub airport for cargo transfer
Throughout the flight, the shipment is tracked via the Air Waybill number, with status updates shared electronically.
🛬 5. Arrival & Import Handling at Destination Airport
When the aircraft lands, cargo is unloaded and transferred to the destination cargo terminal. Key steps here include:
- Arrival notification to the consignee or freight forwarder
- Import customs clearance – May require supporting documents and payment of duties/taxes
- Security inspections – Depending on the cargo or country
- Storage – Until delivery or pickup is arranged
🚚 6. Final Delivery (Last-Mile Transport)
Once cleared, cargo is:
- Released to the consignee for self-pickup
- Or delivered to the final address via road freight (last-mile delivery)
In the case of door-to-door air freight solutions, the freight forwarder handles every stage—from origin pickup to final delivery.
🛡️ 7. Post-Delivery Support
A reliable freight partner provides:
- Proof of delivery (POD)
- Discrepancy reporting or claims support (if any damage or delays occurred)
- Performance metrics or tracking history for audit or analysis
✈️ The Role of Global Shipping & Logistics Inc. (Ship-to)
At Global Shipping & Logistics Inc. (Ship-to), we offer a fully managed air freight service, including:
- Express, standard, and charter air cargo
- Dangerous goods and temperature-sensitive handling
- Customs brokerage and compliance services
- Real-time shipment tracking and dedicated account support
- End-to-end door-to-door solutions across continents
✅ Conclusion: Air Freight Made Simple
While the air freight process involves many moving parts, partnering with the right logistics provider ensures everything runs smoothly. Understanding each step—from booking and documentation to customs and delivery—helps your business plan more effectively, reduce risks, and deliver faster.
🚀 Need to move cargo fast, secure, and globally?
Let Global Shipping & Logistics Inc. (Ship-to) streamline your air freight journey with precision, reliability, and expert care.
📞 Contact us today for a custom quote or to speak with an Air Freight Specialist.
