Air Freight

• Air Consolidation vs. Air Freight – What’s the Difference?
  Service Scope
  Air Consolidation: Freight forwarder books space; airport-to-airport service; designated agent at destination handles customs, duties, pickup, storage, and distribution; usually includes “Duties Paid & Customs Cleared”.
  Air Freight: Forwarder books space; cargo delivered to destination airport; client handles customs clearance & delivery. Customs rules and fees vary by country; confirm before shipment.
  
  Transit Time
  Air Consolidation: 5–7 days including export customs and destination pickup.
  Air Freight: Direct flight ~24 hours; connecting flights vary: nearby 1–2 days, distant 3–5 days.
  
  Tracking
  Air Consolidation: Track first leg via MAWB; last-mile tracked via courier AWB.
  Air Freight: Direct via airline AWB; connecting shipments combine airline AWB + local trucking.
  
  Best Suited For
  Air Consolidation: Cross-border e-commerce parcels, Amazon FBA stock replenishment.
  Air Freight: B2B bulk cargo and conventional export shipments.
  
• What is Pallet Block Charter? Difference from Non-Charter?
  Loading Method
  Cargo consolidated on pallets or ULDs, loaded as a unit into the aircraft hold for stability and space efficiency.
  
  Charter vs Non-Charter
  Pallet Block Charter: Forwarder leases pallet space, sets pricing, optimizes loading by weight/volume; more space can be requested in peak season, but final allocation is airline-controlled, may be delayed or canceled.
  Non-Charter: Airline sets price; space allocation not flexible.
  
  Pricing
  Charged monthly or per pallet space.
  
• Air Waybill vs Shipment Documents – What’s the Difference?
  Air Waybill
  Master AWB (MAWB): Issued by airline; not a release document.
  House AWB (HAWB): Issued by forwarder; not a release document.
  
  Shipment Documents
  Includes MAWB, HAWB (if any), packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, etc.; used to assist customs clearance; organized by forwarder and sent with flight.
  
• Main Functions of an AWB?
  Transport Contract: Agreement between shipper and airline; effective upon signature.
  Cargo Receipt: Proof that airline has received and loaded the cargo.
  Freight Bill: Records charges; can serve as invoice and accounting document.
  Customs Documentation: Required for export & import inspection.
  Insurance Certificate: Basis for transport insurance claims.
  Three originals: Shipper copy, airline copy, accompanying copy.
  Backside clauses: Specify liability and claim procedures.
  
• UN-Certified Packaging for Dangerous Goods – Why Important?
  UN-certified Packaging: Complies with UN DG transport standards; certified for safe transport.
  Importance: Prevents explosion, leakage, contamination; non-compliant packaging may be rejected.
  Benefits: Moisture-proof, crush-resistant, sealed; various sizes, lightweight; ensures safety without extra cost.
  Notes: Must be certified by compliant authority; boxes with only UN print are insufficient.
• Which Cargo Requires Air Transport Assessment?
  Air Transport Assessment confirms cargo meets air transport requirements.
  
  Magnetic items (electronics, speakers, magnets)
  Powdered goods (spirulina powder, diamond powder, etc.)
  Liquid or gas cargo (thermometers, barometers, etc.)
  Chemicals (hazardous or non-hazardous)
  Oil-containing items (machinery, automotive parts)
  Battery-containing cargo (electronics, power tools)
  
• What is CCA? When to Amend an AWB?
  Definition: CCA – Cargo Charges Correction Advice; used to amend consignee info, payment method, or charges on AWB.
  
  Purpose: Correct errors made by shipper or airline via CCA telecommunication.
  
  Cost & Restrictions: Most airlines charge 200–800 RMB; some airports (IST, GRU) do not accept CCA; confirm before shipment.
• Consequences of Not Picking Up Cargo at Destination
  Customs: Cargo may be destroyed or returned; consignee bears storage & related fees.
  
  Abandonment: Submit abandonment declaration and bear costs.
  
  Note: Most airports provide free storage (3–5 days); overdue cargo incurs demurrage. Pick up promptly and follow local customs regulations.