import-export
San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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?
We can help you make sure it makes economic sense to ship your cargo via air. Usually, 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
We can transport your cargo on passenger aircraft if you’re a TSA Known Shipper. Your cargo must fly on passenger-only aircraft if you lack approval from TSA, which will limit your flight options. We can submit an online application to become “known” on your behalf to TSA for their review. It requires submitting various details such as your legal business name, physical address, and a designated contact person.
Lithium Batteries
We and IATA classify lithium batteries as dangerous goods under UN3480 and UN3481. We do not ship batteries by themselves (meaning alone and not installed in a device or packed with the device they will power) as cargo on a passenger aircraft. Therefore, when we ship lithium-ion cells and batteries by themselves, we keep their state of charge at no more than 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 San Diego 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.
