Air freight is usually selected when speed, inventory urgency or cargo value justifies a higher transport cost. Pricing is based on chargeable weight, which compares actual weight with dimensional weight.
How chargeable weight works
Air cargo uses a volumetric factor of about 167 kg per cubic metre (length × width × height in cm ÷ 6,000). You pay for whichever is greater, actual or volumetric weight, so light, bulky cartons are charged on space. Our CBM and chargeable weight guide has worked examples, and tighter packaging can noticeably reduce the cost.
Consolidated air, direct air and express
- Consolidated air freight groups several shippers on one air waybill and is the usual choice for cartons and pallets.
- Direct air freight books your cargo on a specific flight when timing is critical.
- Express courier suits samples, spare parts and small urgent parcels.
As a planning figure, China to Canada by air is about 4 to 9 days door to door, depending on the service, origin city and final destination.
What air-freight quotes need
Send piece count, exact dimensions, gross weight, commodity, pickup city, destination postal code and ready date. Mention batteries, chemicals, temperature requirements or other restrictions immediately, because lithium batteries and other dangerous goods need specific packaging, labelling and documentation.
Airport-to-airport vs. door-to-door
A low airport-to-airport rate can omit pickup, export handling, destination terminal fees, customs brokerage, recovery and final delivery. Compare on the same scope.
Customs before the plane lands
Because air transit is short, documents need to be ready early. Customs entries are filed through licensed customs brokers so cargo can be released quickly on arrival; see customs clearance in Canada. If you are weighing speed against cost, read air vs ocean freight to Canada, and during the pre-holiday rush see Chinese New Year 2027 shipping.
Frequently asked questions
How is air freight priced?
Air freight is priced on chargeable weight: the greater of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight, which is length × width × height in centimetres divided by 6,000 (about 167 kg per cubic metre).
How long does air freight from China to Canada take?
As a planning figure, about 4 to 9 days door to door, depending on whether it moves as express, direct or consolidated air freight and on the origin and destination cities.
Can lithium batteries be shipped by air freight?
Many battery shipments can move by air, but lithium batteries are regulated as dangerous goods and need correct packaging, labels and documents. Declare them when you request a quote.
What is included in a door-to-door air freight quote?
Door-to-door should include pickup, export handling, the air linehaul, destination terminal charges, customs brokerage coordination and final delivery. Duties and taxes are normally separate.