The difference between international express and international air transport

There are significant differences between international express and international air freight in many aspects. Here is a comparison between the two:

1. Definition and Transport Subject

1. International Express:

Definition: Express delivery and logistics services between two or more countries (or regions). It involves the delivery of correspondence, business documents and items between countries (or regions).

Transport entities: mainly professional express companies, such as FedEx, DHL, Postal EMS, UPS, etc.

2. International air transport:

Definition: A mode of transportation that uses airplanes as a means of transportation to transport cargo, mail, etc. from an airport in one country to an airport in another country.

Transport entities: major airlines and freight companies, such as Air China, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Northwest Airlines, etc. Freight companies use airlines to transport the goods to the designated destination.

2. Cargo Weight and Size Limits

1. International Express:

There is usually a weight limit on the goods, generally not exceeding 45 kg. Although goods heavier than this weight can be shipped, the transportation cost may not be cost-effective and advance booking is required.

2. International air transport:

The weight of the goods is usually greater than 45 kilograms, and the weight classification is obvious, such as +45KG, +100KG, +300KG, +500KG, +1000KG, etc.

3. Service Scope and Delivery Method

1. International Express:

We provide door-to-door or warehouse-to-door services, including customs clearance and delivery, which are completed by the courier company.

2. International air transport:

Normally, the goods can only be delivered to the destination airport, and customs clearance and delivery are completed by the consignee or the consignee's agent.

4. Transportation Time

1. International Express:

The delivery time is relatively fast. Under normal circumstances, it takes 3-5 days to reach the destination country, and it may take 5-6 days for remote areas.

2. International air transport:

In the case of direct flights, the goods can arrive at the destination airport within a few hours or the next day; connecting flights usually take 2-5 days to reach the destination airport, depending on the distance between the two countries.

V. Tracking and Inquiry

1. International Express:

Provides real-time tracking information for packages. Customers can enter the courier number on the courier company's website to check the actual route of the goods.

2. International air transport:

The way to track goods is usually through the freight forwarder, and some airlines can use the bill of lading number to check on their website.

6. Fees and costs

1. International Express:

The fees are relatively high, especially for small shipments and document items. However, express delivery companies provide convenient door-to-door service and customs clearance assistance, reducing customers' operating costs.

2. International air transport:

For large and heavy goods, air transport has an advantage in billing. However, customers need to bear the costs of customs clearance and delivery.

7. Other considerations

Laws and regulations: International express delivery needs to comply with the laws and regulations of different countries and regions, which may affect the import and export of goods.

Cultural customs: Differences in cultural background and customs among countries will affect the design and implementation of express delivery services.

Infrastructure: The level of logistics infrastructure construction will affect the quality and efficiency of express delivery services.

Risk factors: Unforeseen risks such as weather changes, political instability, etc. may affect transportation.

There are significant differences between international express and international air transport in terms of definition, transport entities, cargo restrictions, service scope, transport time, tracking and inquiry, cost and other considerations. When choosing, customers should weigh and choose according to the actual situation and needs of the goods.