Air Freight Forwarding
PBS International is a highly experienced international air freight forwarding company with over 20 years’ experience in the logistics industry.
We’re based in the UK at Gatwick and Heathrow and can arrange express air freight forwarding services and export paperwork on your behalf to over 700 airports across the globe.
We are a full member of IATA (International Air Transport Association) and with our network of worldwide contacts, our air freight service is the fastest and most efficient transportation possible.
The Advantages of Air Freight
Air freight forwarding is the fastest freight service, much quicker than sea or road freight. It is a great option for when you need to save time with your shipment. It can also save you costs with warehousing – as clearance times are usually quicker, the length of warehousing time is greatly reduced.
Air freight forwarding is also reliable and secure, with fewer delays and less risk of shipments being lost, stolen, or damaged, thanks to the tight security protocols required.
Air freight is therefore ideal for urgent, fragile, or valuable cargoes, such as electronics, jewellery, pharmaceuticals, or shipments that require specific conditions such as livestock or temperature-controlled goods.
How Does Air Freight Work?
We are able to ship cargo by air to or from almost any country in the world. We can transport cargoes of any size – from sending personal effects overseas for expats, to scheduling entire planes to transport large military and commercial freight.
We can arrange your air freight according to your individual requirements, whether you want to send it as part of a consolidated freight, direct or charter basis. We can either collect your consignment or you can drop it off at one of our depots.
Our shipping process starts once we receive the cargo at our depot (Heathrow or Gatwick) ready for onward shipping to the destination airport.
How Much Does Air Freight Cost?
Our competitive air freight rates are calculated based on:
- Size and weight of your cargo
- Destination country
- Airline charges
Import and Exports Services
We have vast experience in importing and exporting a range of shipment types via air freight. With our import and export services, we can find the right solution for your shipment, budget, and timeframe.
Our import and export services include:
Import
- Customs clearance (Direct link with HMRC)
- Pet clearances / TRACES Commercial
- Transhipments/ NCTS
- Bonded warehouse (Removal authorisation to move uncleared shipments into our warehouse)
- Accompanied baggage and MIB arrivals through UK terminals
- Perishable goods / PEACH approval
Please call our Import team to explain further about any service that you may require or are interested in.
Export
- Specialist expert advice
- Guidance for unusual commodities
- Dangerous goods
- Export documentation (Licenses, Carnets, Certificate of Origin, Permits, EUR & ATR1)
- Routing flexibility and use of all worldwide airlines
- Consolidation
- Out of gauge cargo
- Air charter flights
- Private personal effects and household articles
- Warehousing and packing
- Courier / bulk LVB import LVB export
- Aviation specialist support AOG cargo
- Firearms and ammunition/explosives
- Military cargo
Please contact our export team to explain further about any service that you may require or are interested in.
Air Freight Frequently Asked Questions
What Documents are Required for Air Freight?
Most air freight shipments will at least require a commercial invoice. If you’re shipping personal effects, you will also need a proforma invoice and a packing list. Other types of shipments and destinations may require specific documentation, for example, an export licence may be required to ship certain restricted goods to particular countries.
How Much Does It Cost to Air Freight a Car?
The cost to air freight a car will depend on the weight of the shipment and the destination. We offer competitive rates for air freight on a case-by-case basis. Request an air freight quote today for an idea of the cost of your shipment.
What Can’t Be Shipped by Air Freight?
There are certain goods that can’t be shipped by air freight or will require extra controls. These include flammable and explosive materials, firearms, illegal goods, lithium batteries and power banks, and biochemical products that endanger health and safety.
We have extensive experience and training in dangerous goods shipping and can assist with all manner of restricted and hazardous shipments. Contact us for more information about our specialised freight services.
How much is air freight from China?
The cost of air freight from China is generally calculated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the volume of the merchandise you are shipping. Request an air freight quote to discuss the cost of moving your shipment.
What is chargeable weight for air freight?
Air freight shipment cost is calculated on chargeable weight, which is either the volumetric weight or gross weight, whichever is greater.
To find our your shipment’s chargeable weight, request a quote.
Do I need a Customs Clearance Agent?
Thanks to our direct links with HMRC, PBS International can offer all clients an efficient and reliable Customs clearance service at the major UK gateways. Find out more about our request a quote or get in contact for more help.
Do I need an export license?
If you are shipping restricted products to certain countries, such as military goods or radioactive materials, then an export license may be required.
Get in touch to find out more.
Is air freight more expensive than sea freight?
Air freight can often be more expensive than sea freight, however, it’s also faster, safer and more reliable. To find out more, request a quote.