China Air Cargo: Freight Forwarding vs Express Shipping

China’s air cargo is a key player in global logistics, as imports from China have been one of the main ways to supply goods and equipment in various countries for years. From online stores to large and small factories, everyone depends on China for goods such as electronics, clothing, industrial equipment, and many more. Among the different modes of transport, air transportation from China is the fastest and safest way, and professional businesses and individuals involved in trade understand the important role of the freight forwarder well. This article is a complete guide to air freight forwarders from China that will help you to know the best companies and their challenges, and provide you with comprehensive knowledge to avoid potential mistakes and improve the quality of the shipping operation. 

Why Businesses Rely on Air Cargo from China

When it comes to importing goods from China, the first concern is how to import goods with high speed, affordable price, and minimal risk. That is why air cargo from China has become attractive to most people, as this mode of transport offers beneficial features such as speed, as it usually takes less than two weeks, depending on the type (express, standard, economy). Long delays cause capital loss, production disruptions, sales declines, and customer losses. Therefore, time means money.

Types of Air Cargo Companies in China

Here is a comprehensive guide that provides an in-depth overview of the various types of air cargo companies, offering insights to enhance your understanding of their functions and services. 

1. Airlines

Some companies own the aircraft and transport the cargo directly. Airlines are the best option for large loads and professional importers; some of the most reputable airlines in China are China Southern Airlines Cargo, Air China Cargo, SF Airlines, Cathay Pacific Cargo, and China Eastern Cargo. 

2. Freight Forwarders/ Cargo Transportation Companies

These companies do not own aircraft themselves, but they provide a connection between the importers and the airlines. For small to medium-sized businesses, forwarding companies are the best choice and are most well-known due to the following reasons.

• Reserve capacity at a cheaper price (Bulk)
• Faster clearance
• Door-to-door shipping
• Provide several services: warehousing in China, receiving goods and products from the factory, quality inspection, packaging, and issuing a shipping invoice.

3. International Express Companies

These companies are the best options as they offer very high speed, excellent security, and are most suitable for samples, documents, and light loads. However, these companies face some challenges, such as restrictions on transporting sensitive goods as well.

The Main Difference between Freight Forwarders and International Express Companies

Each has its own function, cost, speed, and application. Below is a comprehensive overview of the differences between these two categories in the form of a complete guide:

1. Type of service and transportation methods

Freight forwarders and cargo transportation companies focus on transporting large, heavy, or commercial cargoes and cooperate with airlines and shipping lines. These companies mostly handle services such as shipping management and logistics planning. They collect the cargo from multiple factories, consolidate it in a warehouse, and then ship it with whichever shipping line is convenient.

On the other hand, international express companies have their own fleet, postal network, and global warehouses. They work as a private postal network, but are fast and professional. They pick up the cargo directly from the seller’s door and deliver it to the customer’s door.

2. Shipping Speed

International Express is the fastest shipping method in the world and usually takes less than a week. They offer accurate real-time tracking.

However, Freight Forwarding companies have a medium Speed, and shipments take around 2 weeks. These companies offer general AWB tracking.

3. Type of cargo transported

Cargo transportation companies are well-suited for:

• Heavy loads
• Bulky loads
• Loads of 100 kg to several tons
• Sensitive, dangerous, and industrial goods
• Large commercial shipments

However, International express companies are suitable for:

• Sample goods
• Small orders (1 to 30 kg)
• Documents
• Small valuable products

4. Shipping costs

International express is more expensive because of the dedicated flights, postal network, regional warehouses, and door-to-door delivery, which increase the cost, but it is faster.

Freight Forwarding and cargo transportation companies are usually more affordable. They are cost-effective for bulky and commercial loads, and the price is negotiable. For loads over 100 kg, forwarders are definitely more cost-effective.

5. How to receive and deliver

International express companies offer door-to-door delivery, delivering the package directly to the seller’s door.

Freight forwarding companies usually provide door-to-airport or door-to-door services (depending on the type of contract). 

6. Documents and clearance

Express companies handle clearance through their own systems (Custom Clearance Express), and for small packages, the procedure is simpler.

Cargo companies process clearance more cost-effectively, but it may be complicated. Below is a list of the commercial required documents:

• Packing list
• Invoice
• Bill of lading (AWB)

7. Tracking

International express companies offer accurate tracking, real-time location, and SMS and email status updates. However, cargo companies provide Bill of Lading (AWB) tracking that is less detailed than express.

8. Application and correct selection in different situations

When the value of the goods is high, the load is light (only a few cartons or small packages), or there is an urgent need for a sample, it is better to use an express company.

However, for loads over 30 kg to several tons, bulk purchases, commercial imports, industrial or sensitive goods, or when there is no need for services such as inspection, warehousing, or cargo consolidation, using freight companies is the best option.

Summary of differences in a comprehensive table

Here is a detailed comparison of these two companies, highlighting their specific features and capabilities. 

Features	Freight Companies	Express Companies
Speed	Medium	Very fast
Cost	More affordable	More expensive
Cargo type	Large, commercial, bulky	Light, small, samples, documents
Tracking	Bill of Lading (AWB)	Accurate
Delivery	Usually at the airport or by arrangement	100% Door to Door
Commodity Restrictions	Less	More
Suitable for	Commercial Import	Small Packages

Step-by-Step Guide to the Role of Air Cargo Companies 

Below is a comprehensive overview of how an air cargo company in China ensures supply chains remain efficient and responsive to market demands.

1. Receiving goods from the factory

Upon receiving the goods from the seller, the first step is to begin numbering the cartons and verifying the accuracy of the labels and packing list. Additionally, conducting an appearance quality check is a crucial task that should be performed at this stage to ensure everything meets the required standards.

2. Product Inspection (Optional but Important)

Inspection has many benefits, including preventing the shipment of the wrong products, ensuring proper loading, and providing a final assessment before payment to the seller. 

3. Warehousing and packaging

These must be done in the China warehouse so that the goods are not damaged in transit:

• Standard packaging
• Labeling
• Volume and volumetric weight reduction
• Carton reinforcement

4. Flight booking and issuance of the bill of lading

After cargo registration:

• Final weight is calculated
• Cargo is registered on the airline system
• Air Waybill is issued (Waybill number is sent for tracking)

5. Shipping to the destination

After the flight, goods arrive at their destination in a few days, and the typical duration is less than two weeks, depending on the type (express, standard, economy).

6. Customs Clearance

At the destination customs:

• Cargo is cleared
• Taxes and duties are calculated
• Customs formalities are carried out

This stage highlights the most important aspect of a freight forwarder’s role that can speed up the entire process.

7. Final delivery

Delivery can be done directly to the customer’s location (door-to-door) or to the customs office.

Final Thoughts

China’s air cargo plays a crucial role in global trade and includes both freight-forwarding and express companies. The decision on which to work with depends on what works best for the business, as they each have their own features. For example, for commercial and heavy cargoes, or large orders, freight forwarding companies are the most cost-effective choice, as they offer better prices, greater flexibility, and comprehensive services. However, it is important to know that for fast and light shipment, express companies work well as they are quick and safe, but more expensive. One of the services PSG Air Cargo provides is safe, secure freight forwarding from China. Working with the company ensures a hassle-free shipment and prevents potential mistakes during the process that can cause delays, unexpected costs, and even fines. Those in this field are aware of the importance of a reputable, trusted logistics partner. 

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