International air freight without delays or unexpected costs
Arrange air freight with full control over your international shipment
When a supplier delivers later than planned or a customer is waiting for an international shipment, air freight is often the fastest solution. Due to this short lead time, there is little room for error. A missing document, an incorrect HS code, or unclear agreements regarding Incoterms can immediately lead to delays, extra costs, or a missed flight. Good preparation is therefore essential.
You choose air freight for speed. With Van Thiel Transport, you choose clarity and certainty: we handle air freight daily for companies that import and export goods. In doing so, we handle air freight from China to the Netherlands and other international flights, from flight booking to on-site delivery. This way, you know in advance what costs to expect, which documents are required, and how your shipment will be transported.
What question do you have about air freight?
We regularly receive questions about whether air freight is the right choice, how much air freight costs, or how quickly an urgent shipment can be arranged. Therefore, you will find more information on these topics below, so that you can immediately find the information that best suits your question.
Would you like to know in advance what your air freight shipment will cost?
Would you like to know how air freight costs are calculated or which cost components are involved?
-> Read more about air freight costs and rates
Does your international shipment need to arrive at its destination as soon as possible?
Is a production line at risk of grinding to a halt? Or is a supplier delayed? Then your shipment can reach its destination quickly via express air freight.
-> This is how we organize express air freight
Are you unsure whether air freight or sea freight is the best choice?
Not every international shipment needs to be transported by air. Would you like to know whether air freight or sea freight suits your shipment best?
-> See which form of transport best suits your shipment
When do you choose air freight?
Air freight is particularly suitable when speed is more important than transport costs. Companies often opt for air transport when:
- a production line comes to a standstill
- a supplier delivers with a delay
- stock needs to be replenished quickly
- valuable goods need to be transported quickly and safely
- an urgent shipment must reach its destination as soon as possible
Does another consideration play a role in your shipment, such as transport costs or the choice between sea freight and air freight? Then we would be happy to advise you so that your shipment is transported via the correct mode of transport.
What can go wrong without properly managed air freight?
When you arrange air freight on your own initiative, we often see these problems arise in practice:
- Documentation errors: incorrect or incomplete documentation (such as an unclear commercial invoice or incorrect HS codes) leads to delays. The result: storage costs, additional charges, additional inspections, and delays.
- Unclear rates: when agreements are not clearly recorded, unexpected costs often arise later. This can quickly add up with air freight.
- Lack of active monitoring: without continuous follow-up, you often notice too late that a shipment is stalled. A lost day means a delay for your customer.
- Incorrect handling: incorrect packaging or incorrect registration with the airline can lead to damage or even refusal of your shipment.
- Customs issues: incorrect HS codes, missing information, or irregular classifications can result in long wait times or physical inspections.
With air freight, the process must be correct the first time, because there is little to no time to correct things along the way. That’s why a successful air freight shipment starts with careful preparation.
How Van Thiel Transport manages your air freight
Van Thiel Transport takes full control of the logistics of your air freight. We check documentation, HS codes, and flight bookings in advance, minimizing the risk of delays. For air freight, we arrange:
- Pick-up from the supplier
- Complete process coordination
- Customs clearance
- Documentation check (commercial invoice, packing list)
- Correct application of HS codes
- Advice on Incoterms
- Coordination with your supplier
- Continuous monitoring of your shipment
You have a single point of contact who proactively informs you. This way, you maintain control and overview.
Practical example: generator from China with unexpected classification
We recently had a large generator transported by air freight from China to the Netherlands. After loading, it turned out that the generator still contained batteries. As a result, the shipment fell under the dangerous goods regulations.
This has a direct impact on:
- The classification of the shipment
- The flight selection
- The documentation requirements
- The airline’s acceptance
We addressed this immediately with the customer, assessed the situation, and ensured that the correct flight was booked in accordance with applicable regulations.
Without prompt and immediate correction, this could have led to refusal or lengthy delays.
Incoterms for air freight: clarity prevents financial disputes
With international air transport, it is important that responsibilities are clearly defined.
Incoterms determine:
- Who bears which costs
- When risk transfers
- Who is responsible for customs formalities
Incorrect agreements can lead to subsequent financial disputes. Van Thiel Transport advises you on appropriate Incoterms, so that your air freight is properly arranged both logistically and contractually.
Arrange your air transport quickly, reliably, and carefully
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Frequently asked questions about air freight
Do you have questions about air freight? We have listed below the questions we often receive regarding, for example, rates, the benefits of air freight, or which documents are required.
Air freight is the international transport of goods by aircraft. Van Thiel Transport organizes the entire process: from flight booking and customs clearance to delivery at the final destination. The most suitable route and flight depend on the goods, destination, and desired delivery time.
You choose air freight when speed is more important than transport costs. Companies often use air freight for urgent shipments, production stoppages, stock shortages, or time-critical deliveries. Air freight is also often the best choice for valuable goods or smaller international shipments. Which mode of transport is most suitable depends on the desired delivery time, the value of the goods, and the consequences of delays.
The cost of air freight depends on several factors, such as weight, dimensions, destination, available flight capacity, type of goods, and any customs formalities. Therefore, there is no fixed air freight price or standard rate. Van Thiel Transport calculates each air freight shipment based on your specific situation, so that you have insight into the total transport costs in advance and avoid surprises during transport.
Van Thiel Transport handles the entire logistics process for your air freight. We arrange flight bookings, check documentation, handle customs formalities, coordinate with your supplier, and track the shipment during transport. You have a single point of contact who monitors the entire process and proactively informs you when necessary.
Without proper preparation, problems can quickly arise with air freight. Examples include incorrect documentation, wrong HS codes, incorrect classification of dangerous goods, limited flight capacity, or unclear Incoterms. Because air freight offers little room to correct errors en route, Van Thiel Transport checks these aspects in advance. This helps prevent delays, extra costs, and unnecessary disputes as much as possible.
International air freight often takes a few days, but the exact turnaround time depends on the destination, available flight capacity, customs clearance, and pre- and post-transport. Express air freight can often be arranged even faster when speed is essential. Van Thiel Transport assesses the shortest turnaround time for each shipment.
You choose air freight when speed is more important than transport costs. Companies often opt for air freight during production downtime, stock shortages, urgent deliveries, or time-critical goods. For larger volumes without time pressure, sea freight is usually more cost-effective. Which mode of transport is best depends on the desired delivery time, the value of the goods, and the consequences of delays.
Express air freight is particularly suitable when a shipment needs to reach its destination as quickly as possible. Companies opt for this when a production line is at risk of shutting down, a supplier has delivered late, or an important delivery cannot wait. Because express transport entails higher costs, Van Thiel Transport always assesses whether the time savings outweigh the extra transport costs and whether regular air freight might also suffice.
As an air freight forwarder, Van Thiel Transport handles international air freight to and from all over the world. We regularly arrange air freight from China, the United States, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and other destinations worldwide. Based on your goods, schedule, and destination, we advise on the most suitable transport solution.
Haven’t found the answer to your question?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact us. Our team will be glad to assist you.