Air Freight Shipping from/to the Netherlands

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between the Netherlands and global markets, especially for time-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo. With major air cargo flows linked to pharmaceuticals, electronics, high-tech components, perishables (including flowers), and temperature-controlled shipments, the Netherlands relies on predictable capacity and efficient EU customs processes.

Air freight from/to the Netherlands is commonly used when speed, reliability, and tight delivery windows matter. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator, validate shipment dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator, and check lane-specific lead times using the Transit Time Calculator. Before booking, confirm responsibilities and cost splits using Incoterms.

Standard documentation usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. The Netherlands is part of the EU, so shipments moving outside the EU often require export declarations and product-specific compliance documentation. If cargo is restricted (for example batteries, aerosols, chemicals, or temperature-controlled pharma), it may require classification under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering cargo.

iContainers lets you compare routes, book air freight online, and manage documentation in one place, helping you ship to and from the Netherlands faster, with transparent pricing and expert customs support.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to the Netherlands

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from the Netherlands with just a few clicks. Compare multiple airlines and routes, and book the most convenient option instantly through our digital platform. If you’re still validating weight vs. volume, run a quick scenario in the Freight Cost Calculator and confirm dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator before booking.

How to Book Air Freight with iContainers

1. Request your online quote.
2. Select your preferred route and airline.
3. Upload shipment details and required documents (use our Air Freight Shipping Documents checklist if you’re missing anything).
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We support air freight customs clearance in the Netherlands and destination countries. From EU customs processes to product-dependent compliance documentation for regulated categories, our team helps you stay compliant and reduce clearance delays. For smoother processing, ensure your AWB, commercial invoice, and packing list match shipment contents and values, and review common requirements in Customs Clearance & Duties. You also get end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to the Netherlands

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

Key Dutch exports shipped by air include:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• Flowers and plants (cut flowers, tulips)
• Fresh produce (vegetables, fruit, dairy)
• Machinery and industrial equipment
• Electronics and high-tech components
• Chemicals and specialty products

Air Express

If your shipment to/from the Netherlands requires urgent delivery, our air express service is ideal for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like Amsterdam (AMS) and Rotterdam/The Hague area gateways. For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers better cost efficiency—see Air Freight vs Air Express to choose the right service by size, urgency, and customs complexity.

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight Netherlands Routes

These are typical transit ranges and can vary by flight frequency, cut-off times, capacity constraints, customs processing, and any additional screening required for restricted cargo. For lane-specific estimates by season, use the Transit Time Calculator.

• Amsterdam (AMS) → New York: ~2–3 business days
• Amsterdam (AMS) → Dubai: ~2–3 business days
• Amsterdam (AMS) → Shanghai: ~4–6 business days
• Amsterdam (AMS) → London: <24 hours (hub-to-hub)
• Amsterdam (AMS) → Frankfurt: <24 hours

Main Airports in the Netherlands for Air Freight

• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): One of Europe’s largest cargo hubs, specializing in flowers, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech goods.
• Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST): Regional cargo hub, supporting perishables and industrial goods.
• Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Secondary hub for express shipments and regional exports.

Air Freight Costs from/to the Netherlands

Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors

Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Use the Cubic Meter Calculator to validate volume, then estimate and compare options using the Air Freight Calculator or the Freight Cost Calculator. Pharmaceuticals, flowers, and other temperature-sensitive shipments can require specialized handling and compliance steps that affect total pricing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Dutch exports influence costs:

• Flowers (peaks in Feb, May, Dec): Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and year-end holidays drive demand.
• Pharmaceuticals (year-round): Consistent demand with strict cold-chain logistics.
• Fresh produce (seasonal): Export peaks during harvest periods.
• Holiday season (Oct–Dec): Global air cargo demand increases rates.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Duties and VAT under Dutch Customs (Douane) and EU law.
• Agricultural and food inspection fees from NVWA.
• Handling and airport security charges.
• Aviation fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Documents Checklist for Air Freight from/to the Netherlands

Always required (most shipments):

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Often required (EU exports / product-dependent):

• Export declarations for shipments leaving the EU (where applicable)
• Certificates of origin (trade agreement–based or buyer requested)
• Product compliance documents for regulated categories (where applicable)
• ISPM-15 compliance for wooden packaging and pallets (where applicable)
• IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) documentation for restricted cargo (when applicable)

For a full overview of documents commonly required for air shipments, see Air Freight Shipping Documents.

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Contract between airline and shipper.
• Commercial Invoice: For customs clearance.
• Packing List: Cargo breakdown.
• EU Export Declarations (EAD): For goods leaving the EU.
• Phytosanitary/Health Certificates: For flowers, food, and agricultural goods (issued by NVWA).

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified pallets.
• Refrigerated packaging for pharmaceuticals, flowers, and fresh produce.
• Shrink-wrap, strapping, and clear labeling.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

The Netherlands follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, along with EU rules and product-specific controls. Restrictions are often product-dependent, so cargo classification and documentation should be confirmed before booking.

• Prohibited (examples):Explosives, narcotics, undeclared dangerous goods.




• Restricted / may require additional checks (examples):

  • Batteries, aerosols, chemicals: may require DGR classification and airline acceptance under IATA rules.
  
  
  • Pharmaceuticals and temperature-controlled goods: may require additional compliance documentation and handling requirements depending on product category.
  • Sensitive or controlled items: may require additional customs declarations and clearance depending on category and destination.