1. What is International Air Freight?
Moving goods internationally by airplane. Modes: direct express, economy air consolidation, charter, door-to-door parcels. Advantages: unmatched speed, reliable schedules, global coverage.
2. Issues & Advantages
Problems: short market deadlines, fragile goods handling, high insurance cost at sea, frequent tracking requests, complex import paperwork. Air freight offers exact delivery dates, secure handling for fragile goods, reduced insurance burden, real-time tracking, streamlined paperwork via agents.
3. Operations & Conditions
Requires: cargo booking, compliance with airline policies, packaging to avoid turbulence damage, submission of invoice/packing list/AWB. Route: Factory pick-up → Export clearance in China → Transit → Import clearance in Germany → Delivery.
4. Comparison Table
| Mode | Transit | Price | Safety | Best for |
| Air | 1-4d | High | High | Urgent electronics, medical devices |
| Sea | 30-45d | Low | High | Heavy machinery |
| Rail | 15-18d | Medium | High | Apparel, medium cargo |
| Road | 12-14d | Med | Medium | Europe internal transport |
5. Price Table (Differences)
| Mode | Cost Level | Time | Stability | Not For |
| Air | High | Fast | Very High | Cheap bulky goods |
| Sea | Low | Slow | High | Perishables |
| Rail | Medium | Medium | High | Oversize fragile cargo |
| Road | Medium | Medium | Medium | Massive loads long haul |
6. Recommendation
Air freight ideal for high-value & urgent items. Use air express if customs knowledge is limited—HYTCARGO offers end-to-end delivery.
7. Q&A
Q1: China-Germany Urgent Cargo Air vs sea cost?
For urgent cargo from China to Germany, air freight and sea freight differ greatly in cost, speed, and suitability.
Air freight is the fastest option, typically 3–7 days door-to-door. It is ideal for urgent, high-value, lightweight goods such as electronics, medical supplies, or spare parts. However, it is significantly more expensive. As a rough range, air freight usually costs USD 5–12 per kg, and prices can surge during peak seasons or capacity shortages.
Sea freight is far cheaper but much slower. Transit time is usually 30–45 days port-to-port. A 20ft container from China to Germany generally costs USD 1,500–3,000, depending on market conditions. Sea freight is suitable for bulky, heavy, or non-urgent cargo.
Q2: China-Germany Urgent Cargo can liquids go by air?
For urgent cargo from China to Germany, liquids can go by air, but only under strict conditions.
First, the type of liquid matters. Non-dangerous liquids (such as cosmetics, food products, or industrial liquids without hazardous properties) are generally accepted by airlines if they are properly packed, sealed, and documented. Airlines often require leak-proof inner packaging, absorbent material, and strong outer cartons.
Second, dangerous liquids (flammable, corrosive, toxic, or chemical liquids) must comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. This requires MSDS, correct UN classification, approved packaging, and handling by a certified DG forwarder. Not all airlines accept DG liquids, and capacity is limited.
For urgent shipments, air freight transit time is usually 3–7 days, but liquid cargo may face extra checks, higher charges, and possible delays.
8. Conclusion
For urgent, valuable cargo, HYT-CARGO’s air solution is the most reliable China-Germany option.