For many Canadian businesses, speed and reliability are essential when it comes to moving goods across borders. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or growing eCommerce brand, choosing air freight logistics can be a game-changer—especially when time is of the essence.
If you’re new to shipping goods by plane, or just looking to improve your current air freight strategy, this guide covers what you need to know to navigate the process with confidence.
Why Choose Air Freight?
Air freight is ideal for shipments that are:
- Time-sensitive or part of a just-in-time inventory system
- High in value, requiring secure, expedited handling
- Perishable or temperature-sensitive, like pharmaceuticals or food
- Needed urgently for trade shows, medical procedures, or emergency parts
In short, if your business can’t afford to wait weeks for ocean freight or risk delays in ground transport, air cargo logistics is the answer.
Step-by-Step: How Air Freight Shipping Works
1. Request a Quote and Book Your Shipment
The process starts with requesting a quote from your logistics provider. You’ll need to provide shipment details like:
- Weight and dimensions
- Destination and origin
- Timeframe
- Special handling needs (e.g., temperature control, hazardous materials)
Once confirmed, your shipment is booked and a flight is scheduled.
2. Prepare Your Goods for Air Transport
Proper packaging is crucial when shipping goods by plane. Your items need to be securely packed and labeled to meet both safety standards and airline regulations. Consider factors like:
- Protection from turbulence or stacking
- Fragile labeling for sensitive goods
- Documentation in waterproof, accessible locations
3. Documentation and Customs Preparation
Your freight forwarder will help compile the necessary paperwork, which typically includes:
- Air Waybill (AWB)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificates (if applicable)
- Import/export declarations
Having accurate and complete documents ensures faster customs clearance and avoids costly delays.
4. Delivery to Airport and Cargo Handling
Your goods are transported to the departure airport, where they are screened, weighed, and handed off for loading. Experienced air freight logistics providers coordinate this phase to ensure a smooth transition.
5. Flight Transit and Arrival Handling
Once in the air, your shipment is monitored in real-time. On arrival, your cargo is unloaded, cleared by customs at the destination, and released for final delivery.
Key Benefits of Working With an Air Freight Partner
A reliable partner like Cargo Partners International Inc. offers more than just air shipping. We provide:
- End-to-end coordination from pickup to final delivery
- Real-time tracking and communication
- Customs expertise to ensure regulatory compliance
- Options for door-to-door air freight, warehousing, and ground transport
Explore our air freight solutions and how we integrate with warehousing and ground logistics to offer seamless support.
What to Consider When Choosing an Air Freight Provider
- Do they have experience with your type of product or industry?
- Can they handle both domestic and international shipments?
- Do they offer bonded warehousing for deferred duty payment?
- Are their tracking and communication systems up to date?
At Cargo Partners, we tailor each air freight solution to your business needs, helping you ship smarter and faster.
Final Thoughts
Shipping goods by plane can be one of the most efficient ways to move your inventory—if you have the right partner by your side. By understanding the steps involved and working with a logistics provider who specializes in air freight logistics, you can take full advantage of speed, visibility, and peace of mind.
Have questions or need a quote? Contact the air freight experts at Cargo Partners International Inc. today. We’re here to help you move your business forward.
