Selecting the right air cargo partner can mean the difference between on-time delivery and a supply chain crisis. Airfreight costs 5–10 times more than ocean freight, so choosing wisely protects both your budget and your reputation. Here's what separates reliable carriers from problematic ones.
Verify Actual Capacity and Frequency
Don't rely on marketing claims alone. Ask potential carriers for their specific weekly flights on your required route—not just "we serve that lane." A carrier flying once weekly might leave you stranded if that flight fills up, while another with three departures offers flexibility.
Request their aircraft mix. An airline using 777F freighters offers different capacity than one running converted passenger aircraft. If you're shipping 15 cubic meters weekly, confirm they regularly handle that volume, not just claim they can accommodate it.
Check Safety Records and Certifications
Air cargo requires strict regulatory compliance. Verify that your carrier holds current IATA certification and maintains a positive record with aviation authorities (FAA in the US, EASA in Europe). Check whether they've had recent incidents, violations, or customer complaints through public aviation databases.
Ask about their dangerous goods handling credentials. If you're shipping batteries, chemicals, or temperature-sensitive goods, confirm they have proper certifications and dedicated teams—not just generic handling.
Understand Pricing Structure Honestly
Base rates alone don't tell the story. Request a detailed quote that includes:
- Weight and dimensional pricing (many carriers charge by whichever is greater)
- Fuel surcharges (typically 5–15% of base rate, fluctuating with oil prices)
- Security fees and airport handling charges
- Any minimum shipment thresholds
- Pricing for less-than-full-container-load (LCL) consolidation
Compare total landed cost, not just the per-kilogram rate. A cheaper carrier might charge hidden fees that inflate the final bill by 30%.
Assess Transit Time Guarantees
"Fast" is vague. Request transit time for your specific route with realistic timelines:
- Intra-continental routes typically run 2–4 days
- Intercontinental shipments range from 5–10 days depending on connections
- Ask whether quoted times include origin pickup, customs clearance, and destination delivery, or just air time
Confirm what happens if they miss their stated window. Do they offer credits, rebates, or penalties? Carriers that guarantee performance typically stand behind their commitments.
Evaluate Tracking and Transparency
You should receive real-time shipment visibility, not vague status updates. Test their tracking system before committing to a large shipment. Log in to their portal and verify you can see:
- Current location (airport-level precision minimum)
- Flight assignments and departure/arrival times
- Documentation status (customs clearance, billing)
- Contact person for that specific shipment
If they can't offer online tracking or require you to call for updates, that's a red flag for larger, time-sensitive shipments.
Review Handling for Special Requirements
Different goods demand different care. If you're shipping electronics, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or machinery, ask about:
- Temperature-controlled storage (whether included or add-on)
- Humidity monitoring and anti-static protocols
- Fragile goods handling and insurance options
- Pharma-specific compliance (GDP certification, audit trails)
A carrier strong in general cargo might struggle with specialized handling, inflating your damage risk.
Check Financial Stability
Carriers go out of business. Before signing a contract, research their financial health. Check Dun & Bradstreet ratings, industry news, and whether they've filed regulatory filings (public carriers must). A low-cost carrier with questionable financials might disappear mid-contract.
Compare Through One Platform
Rather than contacting 10 carriers individually, platforms like Mercoly let you compare trusted air freight providers side-by-side, see their rates and certifications, and request quotes in one place—saving time and ensuring consistency in your evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's a reasonable price range for air freight? A: Expect $1.50–$5+ per kilogram for standard international air cargo, depending on route distance, commodity type, and current fuel surcharges; urgent or specialized shipments run higher.
Q: Should I book directly with airlines or use freight forwarders? A: Airlines offer direct service but may require full-shipment volumes; freight forwarders consolidate smaller shipments and handle customs, though they add a markup layer.
Q: How far in advance should I book air cargo shipments? A: Standard shipments need 5–7 days notice; urgent shipments can sometimes depart within 24–48 hours at premium rates, but availability isn't guaranteed.
Find and compare trusted air freight providers today to get accurate quotes and transparent terms for your next shipment.