import-export
Philadelphia Airfreight Services
We’re a licensed and TSA-approved indirect air carrier. We proudly offer stress-free airfreight shipping solutions for import and export cargo from Philadelphia International Airport. We’re here to keep your cargo moving so you can focus on growing your business.
Global Reach
Door to Door Shipping
We can arrange a global door-to-door service if you prefer to have control over every aspect of your shipment. If you ship under other incoterms, such as DAP, we’ve got you covered, too.
Affordable Pricing
As an indirect air carrier, we have direct contracts and booking capabilities with airlines to ship your cargo. No middlemen, no extra margins. Airfreight service that doesn’t break the bank.
Personalized Solutions
Dangerous Goods
Comex is certified to transport all 9 classes of dangerous goods. Rely on our DG-certified staff to move your DG-cargo port-to-port.
Warehousing and Distribution
Our warehouse facility in Carson, CA, is available to handle transloads, consolidations, and distribution of airfreight to all the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico.
Shipping tips
Airfreight Shipping Tips
Here are some helpful shipping tips that we put together for first-time importers shipping through Philadelphia and airports across the U.S.
Airport Fees
The rate you pay for air freight sometimes does not include airline or airport fees once your goods arrive at the airport. Double-check this when booking to avoid unwanted surprises.
Should you Ship via Air?
Make sure it makes economic sense to ship via air. Sometimes, low-value, dense, and heavy cargo is better shipped via ocean freight unless transit time and speed are a priority.
Dangerous Goods
If your freight has a hazardous good classification, your first step in verifying its legality for air freight transport is to provide the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This includes designating the correct UN (United Nations) and NA (North America) classification numbers.
Accurate Dimensions
Accurate cargo dimensions and weight are critical to a carrier’s ability to load and secure your cargo and operate the aircraft both legally and safely. Therefore, inaccurate payload data requires additional verification or load rebuilding, causing costly delays at the airport or cancellation altogether.
Known Shipper Program
TSA Known Shippers are permitted to transport their cargo via cargo-only or passenger aircraft. They are evaluated based on their history of shipments, contracts, and past customs records. Unknown shippers can only transport cargo via cargo-only aircraft.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods and are regulated by UN3480 and UN3481. Batteries shipped by themselves (meaning alone and not installed in a device or packed with the device they will power) are forbidden to be shipped as cargo on a passenger aircraft. Therefore, lithium-ion cells and batteries shipped by themselves must be shipped at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity.
AIRFREIGHT 101
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some helpful answers to frequently asked airfreight questions, compiled for businesses shipping through Philadelphia and airports across the U.S.
How much does airfreight cost?
Airfreight rates are calculated based on your cargo’s weight, dimensions, origin, destination, market conditions, and commodity. Base rates are usually $2/kg.
Do I need to declare customs for airfreight?
Yes. All international shipments must be cleared by customs at both origin and the destination. We can file your export declaration with U.S. CBP on your behalf if needed.
Are there additional fees I should account for?
Yes. Airports and airlines charge handling and documentation fees for import and export cargo. We include these fees in our quotations to avoid unwanted surprises.
What documents are required for airfreight?
The basic documents needed for airfreight shipments are: commercial invoice, packing list, and airway bill (AWB). Specific cargo will require extra documents such as export/import permits if regulated by a government agency. Dangerous good cargo will require a dangerous goods declaration form and permission from the airline.
Are there weight or size limits?
Yes. Large, heavy, or special cargo will need to be flown on cargo-only aircraft (known as freighters in our industry). Not all airlines operate freighters. Expect your shipping costs to be higher than average. Ocean freight is also an alternative if speed and time aren’t a factor.
How should goods be packaged for airfreight?
Secure, lightweight, and compliant with airline standards. Use strong outer cartons, cushioning, and clear labeling. Dangerous goods cargo will require a red and white declaration form on each pallet.
