Air Freight Guide: procedures, documentation, cargo restrictions, and more

Air transport is the most agile mode of international logistics. Ideal for urgent, valuable, or perishable cargo, it allows for very short delivery times and a high level of security. However, operating with this mode requires attention to specific processes, mandatory documentation, and strict restrictions on what can and cannot be transported.

How does air freight work?

Compared to other modes, air transport follows a well-defined operational chain. Cargo must be booked with the airline (or via a freight forwarder), packaged according to international standards, and delivered to the airport’s cargo terminal. There, it undergoes inspections, such as X-rays and physical inspection, before boarding.

For international operations, customs clearance with the Federal Revenue Service is also required. Freight forwarders, such as BR Company, are responsible for coordinating this entire process and ensuring that everything happens within the deadlines and legal requirements. 

Required documents for air freight

The main document for air transport is the Air Waybill (AWB), which serves as a contract between the shipper and the airline. It contains all information about the cargo, sender, recipient, and conditions of carriage. It can be issued by the airline (Master AWB) or by the freight forwarder (House AWB) in the case of consolidated cargo.

Other required documents include:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Single Export Declaration (DU-E)

• Specific certificates (health, origin, etc.), depending on the type of cargo

Restrictions: What can and cannot be transported

For safety reasons and international regulations, air transport imposes several restrictions. It is prohibited to transport, without proper authorization, cargo such as explosives, radioactive materials, toxic, corrosive, flammable substances, and compressed gases. These goods, when permitted, require special packaging and the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGR).

On the other hand, air transportation is ideal for:

• Pharmaceutical and hospital products

• Electronic equipment

• Urgent documents

• Spare parts

• Perishable goods (flowers, fruits, meats)

Why choose air freight?

The main advantages of air transportation are:

• Speed: shorter transit time between origin and destination

• Reliability: greater control and punctuality in deliveries

• Safety: rigorous procedures and reduced risk of theft or damage

• Global coverage: frequent connections between the world’s main logistics centers

Despite the higher cost compared to other modes, air transportation is worthwhile when the time factor or the value of the cargo justify the investment.

Rely on experts

To avoid errors and losses, rely on a specialized freight forwarder like BR Company. With experience in national and international air logistics, we offer comprehensive support with documentation, customs clearance, route and airline selection, always ensuring agility, compliance, and efficiency for your shipment.