Import air freight to Australia

Speed

Air shipment is one of, if not the fastest, ways to get your cargo delivered. This is the reason individuals, importers and retailers dealing with fast-moving consumable goods prefer this type of transportation when looking to import air freight to Australia.

Reliability

Why do you think Apple decided to have its latest iPhone and iWatch delivered via air freight? Because it provides better assurance that their goods will arrive on time.

Yes, some flights may get delayed, but airlines can manage and have methods of staying on top of their schedules. They have daily back and forth flights between major cities, allowing them to conveniently ship your goods using the next available flight to avoid significant delays.

Safety

For sure! Fragile or valuable goods requiring the lowest risk of getting damaged or destroyed should be moved through air freight. Not only will you benefit from the speedy arrival of your cargo, but the strict airport regulations imposed by airline carriers also ensure your items will arrive in good condition.

With these points in mind, are you still going to gamble your goods travelling by sea freight?

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Is import air freight to Australia expensive?

Not exactly. If you are shipping 50 kg minimum consignments, you’ll soon realise it is more cost-effective to use air freight. Our expert freight forwarders can offer alternatives that deliver the same results at a lower rate.

We understand that whenever you choose air freight you are paying for speed. We can and will find ways to help you save more without compromising your cargo delivery. We can have your shipment go to China via Bangkok, instead of expensive direct flights.

Do you have other questions? Please let me know.

Call us at 1300 651 233.

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Know your terms of purchase

Not quite sure? Call us.

Our experience shows that the single biggest mistake importers make are not knowing their terms of purchase. Whether it’s Ex works, FCA or FOB, the terms can be confusing, especially with several different customs and trade acronyms. We recommend contacting us to assist you through the process before you purchase the goods.

Work out your door-to-door costs before the shipment sails. Some freight forwarders will say, “We cannot quote you one total figure including everything.” Here at FFQO, we can offer you a quote in Australian dollars that includes duties, taxes, airport fees, any surcharges and freight – with no hidden fees.

Damages – Did you properly pack your goods?

You have to realise that your consignment will be passed through different hands prior to its arrival. It can go through the hands of the trucker, depot, airport, maybe another airport, then the final airport, maybe another depot and then another trucker.

After thinking about this, ask yourself, “Will my product stand up to any damage?” Your answer has to be “Yes”.

Insurance – Is it worth it?

Following our tip about prevention of damage, the next big question commonly asked by importers, exporters and retailers is, “Do we need insurance?”

We say, “Yes”. Due to the number of parties that can handle your freight, you need additional security that someone will be liable if ever any of your items get damaged. Without insurance it is very easy for the airlines and depots to deny liability via their terms and conditions. Take the risk away by getting your goods insured.

Documents – Know all that is required by Customs?

Unless you want your products to be fumigated at additional expense or at worst destroyed, then never send your valuable products before checking the paperwork required. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for penalties for your products being treated or, at worst, destroyed.

Once or twice a month we would see this occur when a customer imports products without documentation. They are unaware where the product was manufactured or where the product came from and so paperwork can not be completed resulting in goods being needlessly destroyed.

Avoid having to pay additional fees and disappointment. Talk to us first, prior to importing, to ensure you have all the required documents.

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Why are air freight rates so volatile?

Air freight rates vary due to many reasons.

The main factors are demand for space, changing fuel prices, currency value and the selection of airline routes.

Do you offer payment terms?

We offer credit terms to approved ABN holders.

Who handles insurance?

We offer optional insurance and include it in your final invoice. To estimate the cost of insurance you may use this formula: Product value in AUD * .006. Please note that minimum charge is AU$85.00.

How long will it take before my cargo arrives?

Generally – in most cases – your cargo will require one day at origin to pass customs and one day in destination to pass customs. The transit in the air could be via direct flight or could vary between two and six days, depending on the origin and destination airport.

What documents do you need to move my goods?

Imports to Australia require your commercial invoice and your airway bill. If timber has been used in packing or in the product’s manufacture, then a treatment certificate will likely be required.

In some cases Australian Customs may also request a proof of payment to verify the cost if this doesn’t appear to line up with estimated commercial value.

To where do you frequently transport air cargo?

We can import air freight to Australia through the following main airports:

For any other locations we can easily move your goods via land transport after arrival.

Who will pick up my items?

You have two options: we can arrange your delivery from door-to-door; however, for bigger savings on your shipment, depending on the size of your consignment, we could arrange for your consignment to be collected from one of our depots.

Do you move dangerous goods?

Yes, dangerous goods can be moved without too much difficulty; however, the rates vary significantly from product to product.

Supply us with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from your manufacturer and we can handle it from there.

How much will I pay in duties, taxes & quarantine fees?

There are specific formulas used to accurately calculate these. Talk to us, we will be happy to assist you.

How do I pack my items?

It is suggested that you ensure the product is safe for travel. You may use bubble wrap and paper or cardboard for those precious items.

Note: Timber packaging will require treatment. There are exceptions, such as plywood; however, please check with our customer service team if you plan to use timber for packaging.

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Freight Forwarder Quote Online for air cargo in Australia

With over 35 years of combined experience in the freight forwarding industry, we have established strong relationships with many airline carriers around the world.

This allows us to provide lower import air freight to Australia quotes to importers, retailers and individuals importing goods from China, US, UK, New Zealand and from anywhere around the globe.

Feel free to contact us  if you need help getting your free import air freight to Australia quote online.

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