Air freight forwarding provides speed and reliability for cross-border shipments in international trade.
The air freight forwarding process connects shippers to global markets through coordinated handling, documentation, and delivery.
A clear view of the overall structure allows businesses to navigate logistics more efficiently and avoid costly disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- Air freight is the transport of goods by air, ideal for urgent, high-value, or lightweight shipments across fast-paced industries.
- An air freight forwarder handles smooth coordination, compliance, and timely delivery of complex business’s orders
- The process includes consultation, pickup, documentation, customs clearance, flight booking, tracking, and final delivery.
- Transit duration is between 2 to 7 working days depending on origin and destination.
- Costs are influenced by chargeable weight, destination, service level, cargo type, and applicable surcharges.
- Review Incoterms, ensure complete documents, assess air freight insurance needs, and confirm handling requirements before shipping.
What Is Air Freight & Who Is It Ideal For?
Air freight shipping moves the goods through air carriers, which is ideal for shipments that need faster transit with precision and special handling.
This method suits industries where delivery speed is critical, such as technology, healthcare, fashion, and e-commerce. It’s particularly effective for businesses dealing with compact, high-value, or seasonal products that require timely arrival.
Why You Need a Reliable Air Freight Forwarding Process
A well-structured air freight forwarding process ensures shipments move efficiently through each stage without unnecessary delays. It helps prevent documentation errors, customs issues, and miscommunication between parties.
More importantly, a streamlined process enhances cargo visibility, supports regulatory compliance, and builds trust in time-critical supply chains.
Learn the key differences between air freight vs sea freight to choose the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your shipping needs.
How Solid Xpress Handles the Air Freight Forwarding Process
Partnering with Solid Xpress as your air freight forwarder ensures each shipment stage is handled professionally for speed, compliance, and peace of mind. Below is a step-by-step overview of how Solid Xpress executes the air freight forwarding process:
| Stage | Handled by Solid Xpress | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consultation & Planning | Sales & Logistics Consultant | Discusses shipment requirements, destination, and urgency to provide a tailored quotation. |
| 2. Cargo Pickup | Transport Team & Warehouse Coordinator | Coordinates pickup from your premises and arranges secure consolidation if needed. |
| 3. Documentation | Operations Executive | Prepares all essential documents, including Air Waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, and export permits. |
| 4. Export Customs Clearance | Licensed Customs Broker (via Solid Xpress) | Manages submission to Malaysian Customs to ensure smooth export clearance. |
| 5. Flight Booking | Air Freight Coordinator | Books air cargo space with airline partners and ensures proper cargo handling at KLIA. |
| 6. In-Transit Monitoring | Customer Service & Tracking Team | Provides real-time updates and responds to flight changes or disruptions during transit. |
| 7. Import Customs Clearance | Overseas Agent / Partner Network | Coordinates with the destination country’s customs for timely clearance and document submission. |
| 8. Final Delivery | Delivery Partner & Solid Xpress Logistics Team | Provides door-to-door service with full tracking, ensuring delivery to your consignee’s warehouse, office, or designated location. |
Ensure a smooth air freight forwarding process by understanding the essential shipping documents required for faster customs clearance.
Plan Your Delivery Timeline: Air Freight Shipping Duration Breakdown
Air freight offers significantly faster transit times, making it ideal for time-sensitive international deliveries. While durations may vary based on flight schedules, customs procedures, and destination, Solid Xpress provides reliable estimates to help you plan ahead.
- China to Malaysia: 3–5 working days
Note: If you’re wondering how long shipping from China to Malaysia by air takes—this is the typical range for standard air freight, including customs clearance.
- USA to Malaysia: 5–7 working days
- Europe to Malaysia: 4–6 working days
- Japan / South Korea to Malaysia: 2–4 working days
- Australia to Malaysia: 3–5 working days
- Middle East to Malaysia: 3–5 working days
Solid Xpress ensures proactive air freight tracking and communication at every stage to minimise delays and keep your shipments moving.
Get a Clear Quote: What Determines Air Freight Costs
To manage your logistics budget effectively, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence air freight pricing. Here’s what Solid Xpress considers when preparing a cost estimate:
| Cost Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Chargeable Weight | Calculated based on actual weight or volumetric ratios, whichever results in the higher chargeable weight will be billed. |
| Distance & Destination | Longer routes or less accessible destinations can raise costs. |
| Service Level | Express and time-critical shipments cost more than standard air freight. |
| Cargo Type | Items requiring special handling (e.g. hazardous, oversized, temperature-sensitive) may incur surcharges. |
| Fuel Surcharges & Fees | Additional charges are applied by airlines based on fuel rates and airport handling. |
| Customs & Local Charges | Costs for customs clearance, duties, and destination terminal fees. |
Solid Xpress provides tailored air freight rates based on your specific cargo shipment details to ensure transparency and cost-efficiency. During the consultation, businesses are encouraged to share accurate cargo dimensions and weight to receive an optimised cost estimate.
Learn how to calculate freight costs accurately and optimise your shipping budget with the right weight, dimensions, and service level in mind.
Air Freight Planning Checklist: Avoid Delays and Extra Costs
Managing an air freight shipment successfully depends on crucial planning and compliance factors.
- Incoterms – Define who bears responsibility and cost at each stage. Terms like EXW, FOB, or DDP affect pricing and logistics planning.
- Shipping Documents – Proper air freight documentation supports faster customs clearance and prevents delays.
- Air Cargo Insurance – Essential for safeguarding high-value or sensitive goods throughout transit.
- Special Handling Requirements – Ensure your freight forwarder can manage restricted, fragile, or oversized air cargo.
- Forwarder Reliability – A dependable air freight forwarder like Solid Xpress offers timely communication, customs support, and delivery assurance.
Solid Xpress helps you navigate these considerations with expert guidance and end-to-end support.
Conclusion
A structured air freight forwarding process can differentiate between a smooth international shipment and costly delays.
Every stage through freight forwarder services—covering documentation, customs clearance, and delivery coordination—demands precision and experience.
Businesses relying on speed, security, and efficiency in their supply chain will benefit greatly from an air freight logistics partner understanding these demands.
Get in touch with Solid Xpress today for a personalised consultation, and let our air freight forwarding experts help you streamline your next shipment.