Our Successful Shipping Cases

Case 1: Shipping Water Bottles (115 KG, 8 Cartons) from China to the UK by Air Freight DDP

Cargo Type: Water Bottles
Chargeable Weight: 115 KG
Cargo Quantity: 8 Cartons
Shipping Route: China to UK
Shipping Method: Air Freight DDP Door-to-Door
Transit Time: 10 Days

The customer contacted us through our official website and needed to ship a batch of water bottles to the UK within 15 days. Since the products were prepared as birthday gifts for the customer’s local client, meeting the delivery deadline was the main priority.

• Supplier Pickup: We collected the 8 cartons from the supplier in Yiwu, Zhejiang, and transported the cargo to our warehouse for shipment preparation.
• Air Freight for the Delivery Deadline: After comparing the available options, we selected air freight because it offered a faster transit time than sea freight while remaining more economical than express shipping for this shipment.
• Customs Clearance: We coordinated the agreed import customs clearance, duties and taxes under the DDP arrangement so the customer did not need to manage the UK import process separately.
• Final Door Delivery: After customs release, we arranged local delivery directly to the customer’s destination in the UK.

The shipment was delivered within 10 days, arriving before the required event date. The customer was satisfied with the fast transit, smooth customs process and complete door-to-door air freight service.

Case 2: Shipping Glass Cups (315 KG, 17 Cartons) from China to the USA by Air Freight DDP

Cargo Type: Glass Cups
Chargeable Weight: 315 KG
Cargo Quantity: 17 Cartons
Shipping Route: China to USA
Shipping Method: Air Freight DDP Door-to-Door
Transit Time: 14 Days

The customer was a repeat large retailer that had already worked with us on previous shipments. For this order, the main priorities were faster delivery, reasonable logistics costs and safer handling because the cargo contained fragile glass cups.

• Cargo Inspection & Repacking: After receiving the shipment, we found that the original packaging was not suitable for the planned transportation and clearance process. We replaced and reinforced the packaging before departure to improve cargo protection.
• Air Freight DDP Solution: Based on the required delivery time, we arranged Air Freight with DDP service as a faster alternative to sea freight while keeping the overall shipping cost more manageable than premium express service.
• Shipping Preparation & Value-Added Support: We also handled the required shipping documentation, relabeling, cargo checking, warehousing and shipment tracking before and during transportation.
• DDP Customs & Final Delivery: After arrival in the USA, we coordinated the agreed customs clearance, duties and taxes, then arranged final delivery to the customer in Texas.

The shipment was delivered within 14 days without delays caused by the packaging adjustment. Shortly after delivery, the customer contacted us again about the next shipment, showing continued confidence in our air freight service.

Case 3: Shipping Coffee Machines (134 KG, 16 Cartons) from China to the UAE by Air Freight DDP

Cargo Type: Coffee Machines
Chargeable Weight: 134 KG
Cargo Quantity: 16 Cartons
Shipping Route: China to UAE
Shipping Method: Air Freight DDP Door-to-Door
Transit Time: 6 Days

The customer was referred to us by an existing client and was importing coffee machines from Alibaba for the first time. The main concerns were keeping the air freight cost reasonable, receiving the goods within one week and avoiding the need to manage customs procedures separately.

• Lower Air Freight Cost: To fit the customer’s budget, we reduced the air freight rate from US$6.8/kg to US$5.8/kg. Based on 134 KG, this saved the customer about US$134 in freight cost. 
• Fast Delivery Arrangement: Because the shipment was urgent, we selected an air freight route that could meet the one-week delivery requirement. 
• Cargo Protection & Reinforcement: We added protective film and reinforced the carton corners to reduce the risk of crushing or handling damage during transportation.
• DDP Customs Clearance: We coordinated the agreed export and UAE import procedures, duties and taxes under the DDP arrangement.
• Door-to-Door Delivery: After customs release, we arranged delivery directly to the customer’s final destination in the UAE.

The customer received all 16 cartons within 6 days and was satisfied with the combination of faster delivery, lower freight cost and complete door-to-door support.

Note: The US$5.8/kg rate was based on the market conditions at the time of shipment and should not be treated as a current fixed rate.

If you need air freight shipping from China, you can send us your cargo details, delivery deadline and final destination. We can help review the shipment and arrange a suitable air freight solution based on your actual requirements.

FAQ

What DDP Service Do You Offer for Air Freight Shipping?

DFH Logistics handles every procedure in air freight. Below is a list of services we offer.

Consolidation Service

• Pick up your goods from your suppliers’ sites in China.
• Inspect the quantity and quality of your goods. Send you the photos and videos.
• Free warehousing in China for 15 days. Help you coordinate shipments from multiple suppliers.
• Labeling service to comply with the requirements of different e-commerce platforms.
• Repack your goods according to your specific needs. (broken original packaging, delicate goods, irregularly shaped goods, etc.) Optimize the volume of your goods.
• Export and import customs clearance with prepaid duties and taxes. We take care of all the paperwork on your behalf.

Shipping and Delivery

• Prioritize stable flight space allocation for your shipment.
• Flexible last-mile delivery with couriers or trucking services, direct to your destination. (Amazon warehouse, your customer’s place, your warehouse, etc.)

Which airports 

What Should I Avoid in Global Air Freight Shipping？

Different countries and regions have their specific regulations. Here we give you two common risks that should be avoided in international air freight shipments. 

Brand and Intellectual Property (IP) Risks

If your cargo uses well-known brand names, logos, or characters (such as those from Disney), a formal Letter of Authorization (LOA) is required. If your cargo without an LOA is detected by the customs, it will be seized, and you will face a massive fine. 

DFH will inspect your cargo and the LOA. We will not transport your goods without an LOA letter.

Compliance Certifications and Market Access

Industrial equipment needs FCC certification when entering the USA, and CE certification/RoHS reports are required when importing to Europe. Australia has strict AQIS biosecurity inspections for imported cargo (especially when it contains wooden materials, animal products, or plants).

DFH Logistics will pre-screen your cargo and the certifications before loading it into the aircraft.

How Long Does Air Freight Take?

The transit time is from airport to airport. In general, door-to-door delivery takes an extra 3-5 days for pickup, warehouse operations, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery. If you are not sure how long it takes to ship to your destinations, please contact our service team for a detailed quotation.

What Documents Are Needed for International Air Freight?

There are 3 major documents required for your cargo

• Air Waybill (AWB)

A flight contract

• Commercial Invoice 

The values and HS codes for tax assessment

• Packing List

The precise weight, dimensions, and carton counts

If your cargo contains electronics with lithium batteries or sensitive goods, you need to provide an SDS/MSDS report and certifications like CE/FCC. 

With proper documentation, your cargo will clear customs smoothly. And this is also a main factor that impacts the transit time in air freight shipping.

What Is The Difference Between Air Freight And Express Shipping From China?

The main difference between air freight and express shipping from China is the service method, shipment size, cost, and delivery speed. Express shipping is usually faster and more convenient for small packages, while air freight is a better choice for larger commercial shipments that require more flexible handling and lower cost per kilogram. 

Should I Buy Insurance for My Cargo in Air Freight Shipping? 

Yes. We highly recommend buying insurance for your cargo. Although air freight is statistically the safest mode of transportation. The insurance is still critical.

Once your cargo is damaged or lost during shipping, the airline companies only compensate according to the cargo’s weight rather than its value. This is based on the international aviation laws, such as the Montreal Convention. The total compensation is about $30 USD per kilogram and clearly cannot cover the actual cost of your high-value cargo.

What Does Insurance Offer for Air Freight Shipping? How Much Does It Cost?

The insurance rate is cost-effective. It is usually about 0.1%-0.3% of your total cargo value.

Full Value Protection

Once your cargo is damaged or lost, the compensation covers the commercial value of your cargo instead of being calculated by weight.

Expedited Claims

Filing a claim against the airline companies takes a long period of complex legal bureaucracy. This process usually takes months. The insurer resolves claims much faster. This helps with your cash flow, maintaining stability. It also saves you hassles and allows you to focus on business growth.

All-Risk Coverage Available

The coverage is extensive. It covers the loss resulting from accidents or external causes, including natural disasters, unpredictable runway accidents, rough handling by airport ground staff, warehouse water damage, and transit theft.

How Much Does Air Freight Cost?

The table below is only for a quick reference. The freight rate is affected by multiple factors, such as season and cargo type.  For a precise and detailed quotation, please contact us. Our service team will offer you a customized quotation instantly.

How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Air Freight Shipments? What is Volumetric Weight?

The chargeable weight is the higher of the Actual Gross Weight and Volumetric Weight.

The volumetric weight is a calculation method used by airlines. It measures the weight according to the total volume of your cargo. Large and lightweight cargo occupies more space than small cargo. In this case, the chargeable weight is the volumetric weight, instead of the actual gross weight. 

The actual gross weight is the actual weight on a scale. Heavy and compact cargo commonly uses actual gross weight as the chargeable weight.

Different airlines and cargo services may apply different volumetric conversion standards. The formula above is provided as a general industry reference.

What Cargo Restrictions Should Be Noted in Air Freight Shipping？

Here are some general restrictions for air freight. For specific shipments, you can contact our service team for detailed information.

• Dangerous goods, including pure batteries (power banks), explosives, flammable liquids, gases, and toxic chemicals, are prohibited.
• Aerosol cans and pressurized containers (such as spray paint and hairspray) are restricted in air freight.
• Perishable goods and live animals require special permits and handling conditions.

Is Your Air Service Compliant With Temu, Shein, and TikTok Shop Delivery Rules?

Yes. DFH Logistics offers flexible DDP solutions for your e-commerce business. We provide various additional services, including labeling and barcode verification, standardized packaging, appointment, and last-mile delivery. 

With these processes, we ensure your cargo is fully compliant with your specific platform regulations.

What Is the Minimum Chargeable Weight for Your Air Freight Service?

The chargeable minimum of air freight weight is 45kg. If your cargo weight is under 45kg, it will be charged as 45 kg. For small and lightweight parcels with urgent demands, we suggest you choose international express. International Express has a minimum weight of 0.5kg, and the transit time is about 3-7 days.

How Do You Handle Shipment Delays or Flight Schedule Changes?

We track the flight schedule in real time and provide proactive status updates. Once the flight is delayed, we will contact you instantly and arrange another substitute flight or other transport method for your cargo.

Can You Ship Electronics With Lithium Batteries? What Certifications Are Required?

Yes. Electronics with lithium batteries are capable of air freight. But they are categorized as dangerous goods and required to comply with IATA regulations.

Common certifications include:

• UN 38.3 testing report
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• Battery Transport Certification
• Proper lithium battery labeling and packaging
• Dangerous Goods Declaration (if applicable)