There are several advantages and benefits that your business can experience from utilizing air freight from China to South Africa. Still, you must know the ins and outs of air freight to get the most out of the experience.
Freight costs and transit/delivery times are two of the most important questions that you are likely to be asking yourself regarding air freight. Today, we’ll discuss these topics (among others) in NewSmartShip’s comprehensive guide to air freight from China to South Africa.
The advantages of air freight shipping
Air freight shipping from China is one of the most preferred international shipping options for various industries, from automotive to electronics. Air freight makes up 35% of all trade, with as many as 6 trillion dollars worth of goods transported internationally annually.
With statistics like that, it’s clear there’s something precious about air freight shipping. So, what advantages can you expect from air freight shipping from China to South Africa? Here’s a look at the top 5 benefits of air freight.
1. Consistency in Arrival/Departure Times
With air freight shipping services, you can expect an effortless experience tracking your package’s status during each step of the shipping and delivery process.
Land and sea freight services are far less consistent than air freight shipping. While it isn’t entirely out of the question for flights to be delayed due to hazardous weather conditions, ocean carriers are especially notorious for getting off schedule. Depending on the goods you’re shipping, a two- to three-day delivery delay could be incredibly costly, thanks to an ocean carrier’s inconsistency.
2. Faster Shipping Speeds
Air freight shipping from China to South Africa can’t be matched in a business so reliant upon speed. Land and ocean carrier services are frequently less reliable in arrival and departure times and are as likely to offer slower shipping speeds than air freight.
While it is a common complaint that air freight shipping rates can be more costly than other international shipping forms, it’s essential to consider that you’re paying for unrivaled shipment speeds to ensure you receive your goods faster.
3. Higher Security Standards
4. Lower Insurance Premiums
As a bonus to the faster shipping speeds associated with air freight shipping, fewer stops between China and South Africa equate to lower insurance premiums on average. The less time your package is routed to its destination, the less chance of theft, resulting in a reduced need for higher insurance rates.
5. Less Packing Materials
When placing an international shipping order, packing material costs can add up over time, especially in the case of large orders. Regarding air freight shipping from China to South Africa, you are guaranteed to incur fewer packing materials costs.
Air cargo types that you should know
To get the most out of air freight shipping from China to South Africa, you must know the differences between the various air cargo types that your packages may fall under. Specific fees may be associated with your package(s) depending on the type of cargo you use. The three different air cargo types are:
General/Ordinary cargo
Ordinary goods may be defined as any goods that do not require special handling or treatment during their journey to their destination. However, the definition of ordinary goods may vary from carrier to carrier.
Special/Dangerous cargo
Special or dangerous cargo, similar to general cargo, is defined differently from one carrier to the next. However, you can generally expect the following conditions to categorize your package as unique or dangerous cargo:
- Liquid items
- Weapons
- Animals
- Radioactive material
- Dangerous goods, according to specific IATA-DGR regulations
When working with NewSmartShip, we encourage you to consult with our sales representative in advance if your cargo falls under the unique or dangerous cargo classification. By doing so, we can assist you in selecting the most suitable shipping channel for your needs.
NewSmartShip’s air freight services
Now that you know the benefits of utilizing an air cargo freight forwarder from China, you’re likely interested in learning more about what NewSmartShip offers you. Let’s get in-depth with the services you can expect when working with NewSmartShip.
Airport to Airport
Our airport-to-airport delivery services at NewSmartShip are guaranteed to save you time and money. Goods manufactured during the day can be immediately shipped via flights at night, ensuring you receive your goods as quickly as possible.
Airport to Door
As NewSmartShip’s convenient air freight service, airport-to-door delivery ensures your goods are swiftly, safely, and efficiently delivered to your doorstep. With numerous daily tasks to manage for your business, saving time wherever possible is crucial, and choosing our airport-to-door freight service achieves just that.
Door-to-Door DDP/DDU
NewSmartShip offers DDU and DDP door-to-door delivery options to simplify your logistics management. Utilizing these freight delivery types helps mitigate package delay, damage, or loss risks.
Freight Consolidation
It is crucial to save money whenever possible. NewSmartShip’s freight consolidation services can significantly reduce your international shipping costs.
Pick-up and Delivery
You can trust NewSmartShip to personally handle the pick-up and delivery of your goods to and from the warehouse. Your goods will always be in reliable hands!
Dangerous Goods Handling and Delivery
NewSmartShip has extensive experience handling various goods and packages classified as dangerous or unique. We ensure meticulous care for all sensitive packages throughout the entire process.
Packaging and Pallet
Ensuring the security and safety of your goods throughout the entire air freight shipping process from China to South Africa is paramount. That’s why NewSmartShip offers packaging and pallet services to safeguard your items during their journey.
Global Shipment Tracking
At NewSmartShip, we are committed to keeping you informed and updated throughout the air freight shipping process. Through our global shipment tracking service, you will always see your package’s whereabouts and estimated arrival time.
How much is air shipping from China to South Africa?
Air shipping costs from China to South Africa vary based on the shipment’s weight, type of goods, and service type. Among them, Door-to-door delivery typically costs between $4 and $7.9 per kilogram.