Do you know the difference between international express delivery and air freight?

People in the cross-border industry are not unfamiliar with international air transportation and express delivery, but many people think that these two modes of transportation are similar. In fact, there is a big difference between them. Moreover, when the seller receives the order or sends the sample, the delivery method is usually international express and international air special line, so what is the difference between them?

Here is a detailed understanding of the difference between international air transport and international express, you can choose the right logistics channel according to the difference between the two and their own needs.

I. Main body of transport

International express: International express refers to the express delivery and logistics business between two or more countries (regions). The carrier is international express companies, such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, EMS, etc., and the packages we want to mail are mainly delivered to the destination through these international express companies.

International air transport special line: It refers to the international logistics company or express company through booking or charter to cooperate with major airlines to build a one-stop air transport special line. International air transport generally only delivers to the airport of the destination country, requiring the recipient to pick up the goods at the airport, and now the major logistics companies have gradually started the air + delivery mode, but also can do door-to-door delivery as international express.

Ii. Billing method

International express: Like the four international express giants -- DHL, UPS, TNT, FedEx, all calculate the freight in the same way as international air freight, that is, the volume weight and the actual weight take the greater. The only exception is EMS International Express, which charges by weight (regardless of size).

International air freight special line: International air freight is calculated in the volume weight and actual weight of the largest (note: volume weight is calculated according to the formula length * width * height ÷5000 (6000), in which the length, width and height are calculated by centimeters). Bulk cargo is called dump cargo, also called bust cargo. Cotton, for example.

Iii. Time of delivery

International express: International express delivery time is relatively fast, under normal circumstances, the time is 3-5 days to reach the destination country.

International air special line: The timeliness of international air transportation is mainly related to the efficiency and strength of the transportation company, the timing of airport flights and the speed of customs clearance at the destination. Delivery time is a little slower than international express, about 5-10 days.

Four, customs clearance

International express: International express companies will declare goods through express customs channels. Countries with more stringent customs checks are more likely to be detained.

International air freight line: International air freight line logistics providers include domestic customs declaration, tax refund and destination country customs clearance agent, destination country customs prepayment and value-added tax deferred services.

5. Documents

International express: Usually need to fill in the international express bill, if the goods also need to provide commercial invoice, special goods also need to provide other supporting documents.

International air transportation: Usually export declaration documents and accompanying documents (if any) are required. The accompanying documents are usually invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin (for customs clearance at destination port).

Note: For international air transportation, formal customs declaration is required for each ticket, while for international express delivery, many goods are reported to customs at the same time. Therefore, for international air transportation, authorization for customs declaration, packing list, invoice and contract are required (not required in some regions), while for express delivery, only one invoice is required, so the customs declaration procedure is simple.

Six, tracking method

International express: You can use the international express tracking number on the official website of the international express company (or other express inquiry portal).

International air transport: Use the waybill number to check on the airline's official website (or other Courier enquiry portal), or consult the airline directly.