China – North America is one of the most important, busiest, and volatile trade lanes in the world. Port selection and an understanding of national infrastructure is critical, as is detailed knowledge of Chinese customs and bureaucracy. Our job is to advise you on the best solution to meet your deadline, no matter when you need them to arrive.
Chartering an aircraft from China is a complex operation, however sometimes it is the only solution to ensure your goods arrive on time.
The main challenges consist of balancing the use of aircraft with standing permits versus applying for an ad-hoc permit, fully understanding the Chinese market, its complex bureaucracy which differs between provinces, and the fluctuating demand of aircraft availability.
An Air Charter operation from China to North America can be achieved in 24-48 hours when permits are in place, should a permit-at-location be necessary this can take up to ten days. A key element is having a local team on the ground in China available 24/7 to ensure the right decisions are made, the most efficient point of export is selected, and the Air Charter operation runs as seamlessly as possible avoiding significant unnecessary cost.
Your plan will include both full charter – and if available part charter solutions to ensure you get the space you need.
Ultimately On-board Courier (OBC) delivery is the fastest mode of transport from China to North America, but it is only suitable when your goods can be carried within the cabin or baggage hold of a commercial flight.
Depending on the distance from the major hubs in China, an OBC operation can often deliver within 24-36 hours from collection.
The key to using OBC from China successfully is understanding when it is a viable option by ensuring the goods can be carried, the correct customs documentation can be completed and the best departure and arrival points are selected taking into account cost and risk and ensuring that the courier’s visa, testing requirements and merchandise-in-baggage clearance are all able to be completed.
If you need your goods from China quicker than ocean freight, airfreight is often the best solution. Depending on your deadline, options include Emergency, Next-Flight-Out, Express and Standard service.
While airfreight from China is a popular and generally reliable option, if done incorrectly, airfreight can result in significant delays of days or even weeks and unnecessary extra cost.
Emergency and next-flight-out operations can often deliver within 36-60 hours depending on the distance to the airport at each end. The airlines must-ride products often come with a premium, when selecting standard airfreight it is best to look at what airline has the best offer on the day. Standard airfreight from China to North America will often deliver between seven and ten days.
Our airfreight supplier network consists of all cargo carriers in China including Lufthansa, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta airlines and American airlines, Nippon, Korean airlines and SF airlines.
Major airports utilised for air solutions include, Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an Airport. Kunming Changshui Airport, Xi’an Xianyang Airport, Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. Flying into John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Sea freight from China to North America generally takes between five to six weeks, depending on the port of destination. It is generally the most economical option but in recent times there has been significant disruption to ocean carrier networks which have resulted in substantial delays and much higher costs.
Recent events have highlighted the need for flexible contingency plans when shipping critical items by sea freight.
