International Air Freight Shipping Services
Global Air Cargo Logistics Guide
Speedline Logistics operates global air freight services connecting major international export airports to worldwide destinations with priority flight allocations.
1. Overview & Air Freight Service Tiers
Air cargo accounts for over 35% of global trade value, making it indispensable for high-value commercial goods, electronics, urgent samples, and time-critical inventory. At Speedline Logistics, we partner with major commercial airlines and international express networks to issue official Master Air Waybills (MAWB) and express tracking tickets.
Our air cargo network utilizes top-tier carriers including PIA, Air China Cargo, China Southern Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, DHL Express, FedEx Express, UPS, and SF Express (顺丰速运) for fast, reliable flight space allocation globally.
2. Airline ULD Containers & Volumetric Formula
Air cargo is loaded into specialized airline containers and contoured pallets called Unit Load Devices (ULDs):
- LD3 Containers (AKE): Standard lower-deck container used on wide-body passenger aircraft, holding up to 4.3 CBM of cargo with a max gross weight of 1,588 kg.
- LD7 Containers (PAD/PAG): Main-deck and lower-deck contoured aircraft pallet (88″ x 125″), holding up to 10 to 11 CBM with a payload capacity up to 4,600 kg.
- PMC Pallets (M1): Large main-deck freighter pallet (96″ x 125″) capable of carrying heavy, bulky cargo up to 6,800 kg under net and strap securing systems.
IATA Volumetric Chargeable Weight Formula
Air cargo space is priced based on either actual gross weight or volumetric (dimensional) weight, whichever is greater. Cargo airlines apply the international IATA standard formula: (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 5000 (equivalent to 1 CBM = 167 kg).
Below is a comparative breakdown showing how chargeable weight is determined:
| Cargo Shipment Type | Dimensions & Quantity | Actual Gross Weight | Volumetric Weight Calculation | Billed Chargeable Weight |
| Textile / Apparel Cartons | 10 boxes (60 x 50 x 40 cm) | 140 kg | 240 kg (1,200,000 / 5000) | 240 kg (Volumetric) |
| Industrial Metal Spare Parts | 5 boxes (40 x 30 x 20 cm) | 110 kg | 24 kg (120,000 / 5000) | 110 kg (Gross Weight) |
You want further information about our Express shipping services?
Feel free to contact our Speedline experts, or check our dedicated page.
3. China's Major Airport Gateways & Cost Components
Speedline Logistics manages air cargo departures out of key global air hubs:
- Asia-Pacific Gateways: Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), Hong Kong (HKG).
- Middle East & European Hubs: Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Frankfurt (FRA), London Heathrow (LHR).
4. Dangerous Goods, Battery Regulations & AWB Tracking
Air cargo is subject to strict international safety regulations under ICAO/IATA guidelines:
- Lithium Battery Shipping: Electronics containing built-in or packed lithium-ion batteries require UN38.3 test summaries, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and specialized labeling. We handle battery shipments via Hong Kong and mainland certified channels.
- Magnetic & Powder Inspection: Goods containing strong magnets (speakers, motors) require magnetic inspection reports before airline boarding.
- Airport Security Screening (X-Ray & ETD): All cargo delivered to Chinese airport terminals undergoes mandatory X-Ray and Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) screening prior to aircraft loading.
- Airway Bill (AWB) Real-time Tracking: Every shipment is assigned a unique Master Airway Bill (MAWB) number. You can monitor flight departure, transshipment hubs, destination airport arrival, and customs release live via carrier tracking portals.
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About Speedline
Speedline Logistics is a trusted international freight forwarder offering a full range of logistics and transport services. With a strong presence in China and a commitment to efficiency, we ensure stress-free and cost-effective solutions for businesses worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions — International Air Freight
Airlines charge based on either actual gross weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. Volumetric weight is calculated using the IATA formula: (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 5000.
We manage direct air cargo flights out of Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), Beijing (PEK), and Hong Kong (HKG).
A Unit Load Device (ULD) is a specialized aircraft container (like an LD3 or LD7) or pallet (PMC) used to load luggage, freight, and mail onto aircraft.
Yes, we ship electronics with built-in or packed lithium batteries under ICAO/IATA guidelines, securing UN38.3 test reports, MSDS certifications, and handling cargo via Hong Kong or mainland dangerous goods channels.
An Airway Bill (AWB) is the official contract of carriage issued by the cargo airline. It acts as your shipment receipt and contains the tracking number used to monitor flight status.
Yes, Speedline Logistics offers full door-to-door air freight, managing supplier factory pickup in China, Chinese export customs, air transit, and final delivery at destination.