Air freight that fits your schedule
Imports and exports worldwide, on the right carrier for your cargo, cleared by our own team so it does not sit at the airport.
Our network of offices and agents lets us coordinate air cargo safely, on time and at a sensible cost.
Door-to-door and airport-to-airport services suit customers with a high volume of time-critical shipments. The service is based on your needs and your schedule.
Typical transit
Europe to Cape Town or Johannesburg is normally three to five days door to door, including clearing. The Far East runs four to seven. Airfreight is quick on the plane and then waits at the airport, so the clearing side is where days are won or lost. That is the part our customs clearing team controls.
Chargeable weight
Airlines charge on actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. Light, bulky cargo often prices as though it weighs far more than it does. We work out the chargeable weight before we quote so there is no correction later.
Airfreight costs more per kilogram and less per day of delay. For samples, launch stock, spares and anything holding up a production line, it is usually the cheaper answer once you count the cost of waiting.
Quick answers
How long does air freight to Johannesburg or Cape Town take?
From Europe it is normally three to five days door to door, including customs clearing. From the Far East it is four to seven days. Most of the time is spent on the ground, not in the air, which is why we clear the cargo ourselves.
Which airports do you handle?
O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg and Cape Town International, for imports and exports, with door-to-door or airport-to-airport service.
What is chargeable weight?
Airlines charge on the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher. The standard air volume ratio is 6,000 cubic centimetres per kilogram, so one cubic metre is charged as at least 167 kg. We work it out before we quote, so the price does not change later.
What documents do I need for an air freight import?
The commercial invoice, the packing list and the air waybill, your SARS customs client code and a letter of authority for us to clear. Batteries, chemicals and other dangerous goods also need the supplier’s dangerous goods declaration, and some goods need a permit before they land.
When is air freight worth the cost?
For samples, launch stock, spares and anything that holds up a production line. Air costs more per kilogram but less per day of delay. If the cargo is light and bulky, we may suggest sea freight or a sea/air routing instead.