Global Airfreight Services

The Incoterms most commonly used for international air freight include EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP and DDP. The selected Incoterm determines which party is responsible for transport, insurance, customs formalities and related costs. Choosing the correct Incoterm helps prevent misunderstandings between buyer and seller by clearly defining where each party's responsibilities and costs begin and end.

With direct air freight, cargo is transported to the destination on a single flight without being transferred at another airport. Indirect air freight involves one or more connections or a transfer to another flight. Depending on the destination, available capacity and airline schedules, an indirect routing may be more cost-effective or available sooner than a direct flight.

The total transit time for international air freight depends on the destination, flight availability, customs clearance and pre- and on-carriage. Within Europe, air freight transit times are often between one and three days. Intercontinental shipments typically take three to seven days, depending on the routing, available flights and possible connections.

Not all goods can be transported freely by air. Explosives, flammable substances, toxic materials and certain lithium batteries are subject to strict international regulations or may be prohibited. Some chemicals, gases and pressurised containers are also restricted. The applicable rules depend on the cargo classification, regulations and the requirements of the airline involved.

An Air Waybill (AWB) is the transport document used for air freight. It contains the shipment details and serves as evidence of the contract of carriage, but it is not a document of title. A Bill of Lading (B/L) is used for sea freight and, depending on the type, can function as a document of title. The two documents therefore have different legal functions.

Air freight rates take into account both the actual weight of the cargo and the space it occupies. Airlines therefore calculate a volumetric weight based on the shipment's dimensions. The chargeable weight is generally based on whichever is higher: the actual weight or the volumetric weight. Large, lightweight shipments can therefore cost more than their actual weight might suggest.

Companies choose PLS for direct communication, one dedicated contact and close shipment follow-up. From Antwerp, PLS organises international air freight via Brucargo, Schiphol and a worldwide network of established partners. We also coordinate customs formalities, documentation and the transport chain from departure to final destination.