The international air freight shipping process involves multiple steps and stages, from preparing the goods to final delivery to the consignee. The following is a detailed process:

1. Preparation of goods

Goods packaging: Select appropriate packaging materials based on the nature of the goods to ensure that they are not damaged during transportation.

2. Choose a carrier

Compare quotes: Contact multiple air freight carriers or freight forwarders to compare transportation costs, service quality, and timeliness.

Choose the appropriate carrier: Choose the most suitable carrier or freight forwarder according to your needs.

3. Booking

Fill in the booking form: Submit the booking form to the carrier or freight forwarder, providing detailed information about the goods, including weight, volume, destination, etc.

Confirm booking: The carrier or freight forwarder confirms the booking and provides flight information and air waybill number.

4. Customs declaration

Prepare customs declaration documents: including commercial invoices, packing lists, contracts, declaration elements, draft customs declaration forms, etc.

Export declaration: Submit customs declaration documents to the customs through the electronic customs declaration system and declare the exported goods.

5. Delivery of goods

Delivery of goods: delivering the goods to the designated location of the carrier or freight forwarder at the airport.

Goods inspection: The carrier or freight forwarder inspects the goods to confirm that they match the information on the bill of lading.

6. Shipping

Loading: The goods are loaded onto the aircraft and prepared for shipment.

Flight departure: The plane takes off and the goods begin international transportation.

7. Arriving at the destination

Cargo unloading: After the cargo arrives at the destination airport, it is unloaded from the aircraft.

Import declaration: The consignee or its agent declares the imported goods to the destination customs and pays relevant tariffs and taxes.

8. Pick up the goods

Customs clearance: After completing the import declaration, the customs will release the goods.

Delivery documents: The consignee shall pick up the goods with the air waybill and other necessary documents.

Pick up: Take the goods away from the airport or warehouse to complete the entire transportation process.

Key documents

Air Waybill (AWB): A transportation contract and receipt that includes detailed information about the goods and transportation.

Commercial invoice: a proof of the value of goods used for customs declaration and calculating tariffs.

Packing list: List detailed information of the goods, including quantity, weight, and packaging method.

Certificate of Origin: certifies the origin of goods and is used to enjoy tariff benefits.

Insurance policy (if insured): protects against risks during the transportation of goods.

Tips

Advance preparation: Prepare all necessary documents and procedures in advance to avoid delays.

Choose a reliable carrier: Choose an experienced and reputable carrier to ensure the safe and timely arrival of goods.

Close communication: Maintain close communication with the carrier and consignee to keep abreast of the status of the goods 

and transportation progress at all times.

International air freight shipping is a complex process that involves multiple links and different stakeholders. Ensuring the smooth progress of each stage is the key to 

ensuring the safety and timely arrival of goods.