Are you going to move from another country? Air freight can be the solution! In addition to being a method of transport that covers the globe, it allows goods to be transported safely and quickly. Finally, against all misconceptions, this method can sometimes be cheaper than sea freight, especially for small volumes.
Summary
What is an international move by plane?
As you might have guessed from the title, we're going to rent space on an airplane to get your belongings out. Of course, we only use this method for long distance moves. Without being expensive enough for large volumes, this option has the advantage of being extremely fast: A few days to cross the world!
When it comes to air freight, there are 2 solutions to consider (and compare):
- Conventional Air Freight: In this case, we will ship by renting space from traditional airlines like Air France, Air China, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways...
- Express Air Freight: This solution is special since we will be using the network of an express agent such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT...
DocShipper Advise : Many think that ocean freight is automatically cheaper than air freight, but that's wrong ...! If you have a small volume, usually less than 1.5m3, it will be faster and above all cheaper to send by air. You can even opt for an express solution if you are shipping less than 80 Kgs (this varies depending on the destination). Contact us to know more !
Gross weight Vs Volumetric weight in an international move by plane
When talking about transport by air, it is important to always compare the gross weight (on the scale) and the volumetric weight (based on the volume / dimensions). Quite simply because the transport company will use the greater weight of the two to bill for the service. The formula is quite simple, once you have your volume in cubic meters you convert it based on the following ratio:
- 1 m3 by conventional air freight = 167 Kgs
- 1 m3 by express air freightĀ = 200 Kgs
Moving by air freight | The simulation
Context: You have 2 boxes with the following dimensions 1 m x 1 x 1 (so 2 m3 in all). This same box weighs 100 Kgs on the scale (therefore 200 Kgs in all). Let's say the DHL price is $ 10 / Kgs and by Air France $ 6 / Kgs plus $ 300 fixed charges.
If tomorrow you want to ship this carton by air, here is the billing process. We will already first compare the volumetric weight with the gross weight (for conventional and express airway).
Express air freight (DHL) :
- Gross weight = 200 Kgs
- Volumetric weight = 400 Kgs
- Price = (400 x 10) = 4 000 $
The cost with DHL will be 4 000 $.
Conventional air freight (Air France) :
- Gross weight = 200 Kgs
- Volumetric weight = 334 Kgs
- Price = (334 x 6) + 300 = 2 304 $
The cost with Air France will be 2 304 $.
Advantages et disadvantages of moving by air freight
Advantages of moving by airplane
Transport time: As we have mentioned above, air transport is extremely fast since it can cross the world in a few days, or even in the same day with a direct flight.
Security: Air freight also has the advantage of being much more secure than methods like ocean freight. Quite simply because there is less handling, which is the number one cause of breakage in international transport: what we can call human error.
Reliability: Airplanes also have the advantage of being extremely punctual! An advantage which in certain situations can be of great help. In the same niche, airports have daily departures to the majority of destinations, points that are not the case with sea freight.
Without borders: Finally, air transport makes it possible to reach all the countries of the world since planes use all international airports. You will therefore not be blocked by a terminal problem too far from the final destination.
Disadvantages of moving by airplane
Price: The first drawback for air transport is the price. This is an excessively expensive solution, especially if you have a large volume to move.
Technical limits: Transport also poses another problem, technical limits! For example, it is impossible to transport goods with exceptionally large dimensions. The same applies to certain products such as batteries or liquids which are prohibited by air.
Weather dependent: The plane is punctual ... As long as there is no storm! If the weather conditions do not allow you to fly, then the plane will be delayed before shipping your goods.
Pollutant: Finally, it is also a method that releases a lot of CO2 compared to other methods such as sea or rail freight. Indeed, we cannot have everything ...
How to get a moving services quote?
The procedure is not complicated, it is even extremely easy! All you have to do is go to the contact page and fill out our online form. Subsequently, a DocShipper consultant will contact you within 24 hours to define with you the needs and offer you a personalized quote. There you have our offer!
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Alibaba, Dhgate, made-in-china... Many know of websites to get supplies in Asia, but how many have come across a scam ?! It is very risky to pay an Asian supplier halfway around the world based only on promises! DocShipper offers you complete procurement services integrating logistics needs: purchasing, quality control, customization, licensing, transport...
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