The air freight process is a vital component of international trade, enabling businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently across the globe. Whether moving time-sensitive shipments, high-value goods or urgent spare parts, air freight offers a reliable solution to meet supply chain demands.
In this guide, we will break down how air freight works, exploring each step in detail to help you understand how air freight works and what to expect when shipping cargo by air.
What are the key stages of the air freight forwarding process?
The air freight forwarding process includes multiple steps, each playing a crucial role in the efficient movement of goods. Below is a detailed breakdown of each stage.
Booking and documentation
The process begins with booking the shipment and preparing the necessary documentation. This stage involves:
- Assessing shipment requirements – Determining the cargo’s weight, volume, nature and any special handling needs (such as temperature control or hazardous materials).
- Selecting the best airline and route – Choosing the most cost-effective and time-efficient transport option.
- Preparing key shipping documents, including:
- Air waybill (AWB) – A contract between the shipper and the airline, detailing shipment information.
- Commercial invoice – Specifies the value of the goods for customs clearance.
- Packing list – Lists the contents and packaging details of the shipment.
- Export permits or licences – Required for certain restricted goods.
Collection and consolidation
Uniair coordinates pickup from the supplier to one of Uniserve’s consolidation hubs in the UK or EU (via European Road Freight where needed). Smaller shipments are consolidated into full‑load ULDs, lowering costs and maximising cargo efficiency.
Customs clearance at origin
Before goods can leave the country of origin, they must clear customs . This process involves:
- Submitting export documentation to the relevant authorities.
- Paying any applicable duties or taxes.
- Verifying compliance with international trade laws.
Delays at customs can significantly impact delivery timelines, which is why working with an experienced freight forwarder ensures a smooth process.
Security screening and handling
Cargo must undergo strict security checks before being loaded onto an aircraft. Security screening typically includes:
- X-ray scanning – Used to detect prohibited items.
- Physical inspections – Conducted for certain high-risk shipments.
- Explosive trace detection (ETD) – Performed when necessary to check for hazardous materials.
After security clearance, the cargo is sorted, palletised and prepared for loading onto the aircraft.
Air transport
Once cleared, the shipment is loaded onto a suitable aircraft. There are two primary types of aircraft used for air freight:
- Passenger aircraft – Many airlines transport cargo in the lower deck of passenger planes, known as belly cargo.
- Freighter aircraft – Dedicated cargo planes designed to carry large and heavy shipments.
Factors such as transit time, cost and cargo specifications determine which option is best for a given shipment.
Uniair selects the best aircraft whether belly‑hold on passenger flights or full freighters via partners balancing transit time, cost and suitability for your goods. High‑capacity or heavy loads may use dedicated freighters, while urgent or lightweight parcels often go on passenger flights.
Customs clearance at the destination
Upon arrival at the destination airport, goods must undergo another round of customs clearance. This process includes:
- Inspection of shipping documents to verify accuracy.
- Payment of import duties and taxes, if applicable.
- Customs inspections for certain types of goods.
Final delivery to the consignee
After customs clearance, the cargo is either:
- Delivered directly to the consignee via road transport.
- Stored in a warehouse for further distribution.
Air freight process flow chart
With short lead times, full freight tracking, and access to remote markets, air freight is ideal for time-critical industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive. Uniserve offers full end‑to‑end visibility and SLA‑driven service, ensuring your cargo remains compliant and traceable from warehouse to doorstep.
A structured flow chart provides a clearer overview of the air freight process:
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Booking & documentation | Shipper arranges booking with freight forwarder and prepares documents. |
| Collection & consolidation | Goods are collected, consolidated, and prepared for export. |
| Customs clearance (origin) | Export documents submitted; customs clearance completed. |
| Security screening & handling | Cargo undergoes security checks and is loaded onto the aircraft. |
| Air transport | Goods are transported via passenger or freighter aircraft. |
| Customs clearance (destination) | Import clearance is completed; duties/taxes are paid. |
| Final delivery | Goods are transported to the final consignee. |
Why choose air freight for your shipments?
Choosing air freight as a shipping method is often driven by the need for efficiency, reliability and global reach. For businesses that require fast and secure transportation, air freight offers a streamlined solution that minimises delays and ensures goods arrive on time.
Air freight is particularly suited for industries where timing is critical, such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, and perishables. The structured and well-regulated nature of air transport means shipments move through a well-coordinated network, reducing the risk of unexpected disruptions.
Another key advantage of air freight is its ability to connect even the most remote destinations. With an extensive network of airports and daily flight schedules, businesses can access international markets with greater ease. This is particularly beneficial for companies operating within tight supply chain models, where maintaining consistent inventory levels and meeting customer demands is essential.
For shipments that require special handling—whether due to size, temperature control, or security needs—air freight provides tailored solutions to ensure cargo is transported under the right conditions.
By opting for an air freight service, businesses can benefit from a dependable transport solution that keeps supply chains moving efficiently, ensuring goods are delivered safely and on schedule.
Conclusion
Understanding the air freight process from booking and customs to security and delivery is crucial for optimising your supply chain. At Uniserve, we provide fully managed, cost-effective air freight solutions. Whether you’ve got urgent shipments or complex logistics operations, Uniserve’s Uniair service is built for performance. Learn more about Uniserve Air Freight Services.