Air Freight

Fast & Secure Air Freight Services from Plexus Freight

Fast

Significantly speedier freight than sea, road and rail alternatives.

Reliable

Strict airline schedules mean cargo arrival and departure times are very reliable.

Secure

Strict security measures mean your cargo is well looked after during its transportation.

Worldwide

Global access to locations that other freight solutions cannot easily satisfy.

Air Freight Services

From Plexus Freight

When you’re working to time constraints, UK air freight is often the only option for international cargo movement. It is fast and efficient, safe, and suitable for a wide range of goods.

Delivering unparalleled reliability, security, and speed, the strict standards and schedules of the aviation industry make air freight cost-effective and the best way to manage rapid goods movement. It also provides access to a wide range of destinations which may otherwise be unreachable.

Whether you’re moving goods to or from the UK, our network of air and ground transport partners will safely and efficiently get your freight to where it needs to be.

Plexus Freight provides a door-to-door air freight service unmatched by any other provider, regardless of route: USA to GB via JFK to Heathrow, or GB to Japan via Gatwick to Tokyo.

Offering next day, priority (one to three days), standard (five to 10 days), and deferred freight services, we provide a choice of freight solutions. Including Delivered at Place (DAP), Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), Free on Board (FOB), and Ex-Works (EXW).

To find out more about international air freight with Plexus Freight, visit our dedicated destination pages, or get in touch for a personalised air freight quote.

 

How Does Air Freight Work from the UK to International Destinations?

Sending deliveries by UK air freight with Plexus Freight is a straight-forward process. The systems we have in place are designed so that we handle all of the important parts of the delivery on your behalf, making air freight delivery with us a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Step 1

Once you’ve received your fast air freight quote for commercial freight with us, you can use the booking form on the website to provide some essential information and documentation for the delivery.

To comply with international laws, we may require documentation such as an export licence or an air waybill. You can also give special instructions, packing lists, and details of package dimensions.

 

Step 3

When you choose an air freight company like Plexus Freight, you can be sure that we have lots of safety measures in place when transporting cargo and packages internationally.

When we’ve received your delivery, it will undergo strict security checks in line with UK customs and regulations. We take care of all the documentation. After it’s been cleared, your delivery is usually weighed and labelled, before being loaded onto the aircraft.

Step 2

We always aim to make our air freight service from the UK as easy as possible for the customer, so our air freight delivery service starts with a collection directly from your place of business or home.

Our couriers have a range of transport options so we can accommodate packages of all sizes and shapes. For added convenience, you can specify the preferred pick up date, and we’ll provide you with a time window for collection.

 

Step 4

You can track every stage of your delivery from start to finish with our dedicated in-transit tracking platform online. The cargo will be unloaded from the aircraft, inspected by customs clearance in the destination country where documents are verified.

Your delivery will be sorted and handled thanks to our dedicated freight delivery services on the ground in multiple countries, then delivered to the final destination along with any paperwork.

Air Exports

Air Imports

Cross Trades

10 Benefits of Using an Air Freight Forwarder

When you choose to use an air freight forwarder like Plexus Freight, there are many benefits. From our top-rated customer service to fast transit times, Plexus Freight is at the forefront of air freight shipping, and we always go the extra mile for our valued customers.

  • Thanks to our team of international transport routes both on the ground and in the air, we can offer an integrated service across our network for maximum efficiency.

  • With our air freight door-to-door service, we can make sure that every pickup is as convenient as possible, collecting directly from your home or business address.

  • It’s simple to book with us thanks to our easy booking process. Once you receive your air freight quote it only takes a few clicks to arrange your global delivery.

  • Access to an online tracking platform so you’re able to keep an eye on your delivery at all stages of the journey and instantly see when it’s been delivered.

  • With UK air freight, you can obtain access to international markets instantly, promoting the ability of your company to trade globally without hassle.

  • With three decades of experience in air freight shipping, we understand that responsive customer service is key to ensuring every delivery runs smoothly.

  • We pride ourselves on the competitive rates we offer, keeping air freight costs affordable whether you’re sending a single package or large shipments by air.

  • With Plexus Freight air forwarding service, you benefit from fast transit times and our priority air freight shipping taking three days or less to arrive at the destination.

  • Faster than ocean, rail, or road freight, air freight services get your international delivery where it needs to be quickly, important for time-sensitive deliveries.

  • There is a high level of security on all aspects of air freight cargo handling so you don’t have to worry about damage or theft. Every stage of the delivery is monitored.

Quick Response

We aim to respond to all queries within 15 minutes, meaning you get the answers you need fast.

Efficient

We work with speed and efficiency meaning we are on the ball every time.

Experience

Over 25 years’ experience in road, air & sea logistics around the globe.

Accountable

We take responsibility for all our services meaning we never pass the buck.

How Does Air Freight Shipping Compare To Other Shipping Options

If you’re weighing up your options when it comes to cargo and freight shipping, you might be wondering if an air freight service is going to be the best choice for your commercial shipment.

In addition to our excellent air freight service, we also provide our customers with the options of sea freight, road freight, or rail freight.

We even offer multi-modal delivery which can use a mix of all four types to give you the efficiency you need for an air freight cost you’re happy with.

Let’s explore the different types of freight shipping compared to air freight services in five key areas:

Speed of delivery

International air freight delivery is by far the fastest way to get cargo from A to B. This is especially important for time-sensitive deliveries or perishable goods. In comparison, sea freight is slow and can take weeks to arrive from China to the UK.

Rail and road freight are great for short distances within the UK, but train and lorry deliveries can take many days to reach parts of Europe and further afield.

 

Size of the cargo

Aircrafts have limited space on board compared to a rail or sea freight service, so if you’re planning on sending a large quantity of bulky and heavy items then air freight probably isn’t the best method.

Road transport can handle a wide range of packages, from couriers in cars for smaller items to larger trucks travelling to and from the EU and across the UK capable of handling packages of different sizes and weights.

 

Cargo handling and security

Sending deliveries by air freight forwarding is one of the safest methods for multiple reasons. Other than putting the cargo on and off the plane, it doesn’t undergo a lot of handling in the same way as road, sea, and rail freight services do.

This makes it the top choice for goods that are fragile or have a high value. Air freight delivery with Plexus Freight comes with in-transit tracking on our online platform.

Cost of freight delivery

Sea freight is usually the lowest cost and is great for heavy or bulky items. Air freight is more expensive because you’re paying for the price of the item weight and how much space it takes up.

However, this does make it a popular method for shipping lighter items or high-value goods that need a high level of security. Road freight costs can fluctuate according to fuel prices and the distance it needs to travel. Rail is good for long distances.

 

Customs requirements

When you choose UK air freight companies like Plexus Freight as your dedicated freight forwarding service, whether you choose to send your cargo by air, sea, road, or rail, we take care of the majority of the paperwork needed for international deliveries.

Most documentation is needed for air and road freight, but because these channels are so busy they are usually expedited so packages can get to where they need to be in rapid time.

 

 

Why Choose Air Freight Services from Plexus Freight?

At Plexus Freight, we have spent decades working to build the matchless service we have become known for. Moving cargo since 1995, our experienced and dedicated team can support your business through every stage of global freight movement.

We work to ensure that every customer gets the very best price for the provision they need, and our dedicated customer service team is always on hand to support you.

Our first-class air freight provision is just another way to help our customers access the very best cargo solutions for their business. Where required, we can also offer a range of additional freight services, including the management of all relevant administration. This enables you to concentrate on your business while we manage your freight.

When you choose to partner with a freight forwarder like Plexus Freight the process is completely hassle-free. We support you across a range of international destinations, including the USA, China, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia.

Get in touch today by giving us a call on (+44) 01823 335666, sending an email to info@plexusfreight.com, or by filling in our short form to request an air freight quote.

Testimonials

Air Freight FAQs

How much does air freight cost?

In general, it costs around £2.50 to £5.00 per kg when you send something via air freight with all of the shipping and handling expenses included. If it’s on a regularly flown route the cost can be less. If you need to get it there quickly with a priority service, then costs can rise slightly to £6.00 to £8.00 per kg. It usually comes down to a kg/m² calculation.

How are air freight charges calculated?

Three factors determine how air freight companies calculate air freight costs: size, weight, and distance travelled. If you have something large and heavy that’s travelling a long way, that’s when the cost is the highest when using air freight. There will also be some additional costs for shipping and handling by the freight forwarding company.

How to calculate chargeable weight for air freight?

Calculating air freight charges and the overall chargeable weight is a comparison of the weight of a package and the dimensions of it. It works by calculating the total volume of a package (length x width x height) and then dividing it by 6000 to get the volumetric weight. Whichever is more is the price that’s charged so that small, heavy items are charged similarly to large, light items.

Is it cheaper to ship by air or sea?

In general, if you’re shipping bulk items that are heavy then it’s cheaper to ship them by sea freight. This is because there is limited space on an aircraft compared to an ocean liner with lots of large metal containers carrying all kinds of items. If you’re sending lighter items such as clothing, electronics or perishables, then air freight is usually more cost-effective.

What products are shipped by air?

Air freight is one of the most popular methods of international delivery both to and from the UK. Perishables like fruit and vegetables can be shipped reliably by air from exotic places to the UK overnight, but air freight companies also transport everything from mechanical parts for vehicles and luxury fashion items to humanitarian aid.

What are the most common products shipped by air?

Plexus Freight can handle a wide variety of products from a range of industries. The most common products shipped by air include pharmaceuticals, electronics, mechanical parts and automotive parts. The global air cargo industry has a market size of over £135bn, so as you can imagine everything from fresh fruit to aircraft parts travels by air freight.

How can air freight prices be reduced?

As air freight is one of the most expensive ways to send freight for larger, heavier items, there are multiple ways you can reduce air freight charges. Try and pack your delivery as small as possible, use standardised sizes and avoid excess packaging material which raises the price. If it’s not time-sensitive, opt for an economy delivery which takes 5-10 days.

What is the difference between air cargo, air freight and air freight shipping?

These terms are usually used interchangeably but they mean different things. Air cargo refers to the package or items being shipped. An air freight service is the process of transporting commercial goods from one place to another. Air freight shipping is the name given to all parcels sent by air mail whether for domestic or commercial purposes.

What is deferred air freight?

Deferred air freight is a great way to ship your packages by air if you don’t need them to arrive quickly. It’s one of the most cost-effective options for air freight because it is low-priority. This means that your package may be held at the airport until there is extra room on an aircraft to accommodate more packages than expected.

What is the maximum height for UK air freight?

For a standard aircraft used by an air freight company, the cargo height is approximately 60 inches in height, so any package exceeding this would have to be laid on its side to enable it to fit. Specialised freight delivery aircraft can have double that size, around 120 inches which is perfect for taller shipments.

What is PCA in air freight?

PCA stands for pre-conditioned air and is used to keep the air clean on an aircraft. This is especially important for perishable goods like fruits, meat and vegetables which need to be kept in a sanitary environment during transport. Many air freight services also have climate-controlled compartments for items like pharmaceuticals and food.

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