Air freight • Import • Export • Express shipments • Customs

Air freight with speed, overview and practical guidance

When time, reliability and clear communication matter, Trans Ocean Pacific forwarding B.V. offers practical air freight solutions for import and export shipments. Whether it concerns an express shipment, high-value goods, parts that are needed quickly or a shipment where delay has immediate consequences: TOP helps companies organise air freight safely, carefully and as agreed.

For many companies, air freight is a key solution within the international supply chain. It is suitable for shipments where speed, certainty and control matter more than the lowest transport costs alone. TOP handles both import and export air freight shipments and combines this where needed with customs matters, sea freight, intermodal transport, warehousing, rail, barge and road transport.

Why air freight matters for international trade

Air freight is the transport of goods by aircraft. For companies that import or export, it is often the most logical choice when goods need to reach their destination quickly. Think of machine parts, samples, medical products, high-value goods, seasonal items or express shipments where downtime or delay is costly.

The scale of these flows is considerable. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), 1.47 million tonnes of air freight moved to and from the Netherlands in 2025, over 97 percent of it via Schiphol. More cargo arrived in the Netherlands than departed — a sign of how important air freight is for import flows to Dutch and European companies.

The strength of air freight lies above all in speed and reliability. Where sea freight suits larger volumes and longer lead times, air freight is the answer when time is decisive. This makes air freight suitable for both SMEs and multinationals that want to keep control over planning, inventory, production and customer commitments.

At the same time, air freight requires precise coordination. Flights, documentation, customs formalities, security rules, delivery arrangements and any on-carriage all need to connect properly. That is where TOP helps: not by making it more complicated, but by guiding the process in an understandable and practical way. Useful background can also be found on our pages about chargeable weight, dangerous goods and express shipments.

What companies often underestimate about air freight

Many companies mainly associate air freight with speed. That is true, but speed alone is not enough. Real reliability only emerges when planning, documents, customs handling and communication are properly arranged. A fast flight is of little use if the shipment then sits idle due to missing documents or unclear delivery instructions.

Costs are also sometimes estimated too simply. With air freight you pay not only for weight, but also for volume: the so-called chargeable weight. One cubic metre typically counts as roughly 167 kilos, and the airline charges the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. Large, light shipments therefore often turn out more expensive than expected. Destination, urgency, security requirements, surcharges, handling costs and customs formalities also play a role. TOP calculates this transparently in advance, so there are no surprises.

Another point of attention is the choice between a standard air freight solution and an express solution. Not every shipment needs the fastest option, but some shipments simply cannot tolerate delay. Which choice fits best depends on urgency, value, destination, documents and required delivery time. Clear agreements on delivery terms via Incoterms prevent misunderstandings about who arranges and pays for what.

Air freight: standard or express?

In air freight, the choice between a standard solution and an express shipment matters. TOP advises which solution fits your shipment, planning and destination. Below is a simple comparison.

Air freight in numbers: sources and methodology

The figures below provide context on the scale of air freight to and from the Netherlands. They come from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and Royal Schiphol Group and were verified for this page in August 2026.

How TOP organises air freight in practice

TOP handles air freight for import and export. It starts with a proper assessment: what needs to be transported, where does it come from, what is the destination, how urgent is the shipment, which documents are required and what schedule is realistic? Based on this, TOP determines the right route, flight option, mode and execution.

Thanks to years of experience and established airline partners, TOP can advise on the best solution for your shipment. This is not only about booking air freight, but also about the communication around it. You want to know where you stand, what needs to happen and when action is required. Through the TOP platform with API integrations, status data can also be shared with your own systems in real time.

Companies that import or export regularly often need a single point of contact that keeps the overview. TOP combines air freight with additional services such as customs handling, sea freight, intermodal transport, warehousing, rail, barge and road transport. If you want TOP to handle customs clearance as well, you can easily arrange the required authorisation online via apply for direct representation.

Want to know which solution fits your goods flow? You can directly request a quote or prepare your shipment online via book a shipment. Prefer to discuss the best approach first? Then you can also schedule an introduction with TOP.

Which companies is TOP suitable for?

TOP is suitable for companies that trade internationally and need fast, clear and reliable logistics guidance. These can be SMEs with an occasional express shipment, but also multinationals with recurring air freight flows and higher demands for planning, reporting and reliability.

Boards mainly want certainty and control over costs. Logistics managers want to know whether the planning is on track and whether execution is properly followed up. Procurement looks at price, terms and the reliability of partners. TOP understands that these interests come together in a single shipment.

That is why TOP works in an advisory and practical way. No unnecessary jargon, but clear explanations of choices, risks and next steps. Where air freight is part of a broader logistics chain, TOP advises on combinations with other services such as customs, sea freight, warehousing, rail and barge. For general developments in the transport sector, TOP also refers where relevant to industry information from Transport en Logistiek Nederland.

Frequently asked questions about air freight

What is air freight?

Air freight is the transport of goods by aircraft. It is widely used for international import and export shipments where speed, certainty or a short lead time matters.

When do you choose air freight?

Air freight is suitable when goods need to reach their destination quickly. Think of express shipments, parts, samples, high-value goods or shipments where delay has immediate consequences for production or delivery.

How is the price of air freight calculated?

Air freight is calculated on the basis of the chargeable weight: the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. One cubic metre typically counts as around 167 kilos. Read more on our page about chargeable weight.

How long does an air freight shipment take?

The flight itself often takes less than a day, but the full journey also includes pick-up, airport handling, security checks, customs clearance and on-carriage. Door to door, an air freight shipment from Asia or the US is typically delivered within a few days. TOP provides a realistic schedule for each shipment.

Can TOP also transport dangerous goods by air?

Yes, provided the shipment complies with the strict international rules on packaging, labelling and documentation. TOP advises on what is required and guides the process. Read more on our page about dangerous goods.

Can TOP also help with customs and on-carriage?

Yes. TOP can combine air freight with customs handling, storage, on-carriage and other logistics services. This means your company does not have to coordinate all the individual links itself.

Conclusion: air freight requires more than speed

Air freight is a strong solution for companies that want to move goods internationally at speed. But a good air freight shipment consists of more than a flight and a rate. The right preparation, clear communication, complete documentation and proper follow-up make the difference between speed on paper and reliability in practice.

TOP helps companies with air freight that is organised in a practical, clear and reliable way. From express shipments to planned import or export shipments: TOP advises, handles the execution and keeps an overview of the chain.

Want to know more about Trans Ocean Pacific forwarding? Visit the TOP homepage.

Last updated: August 2026. Figures: CBS air freight figures 2025 and Royal Schiphol Group 2025 annual figures. Online findability and AI readiness of this page in collaboration with HEF Digital.