Air Freight Shipping from/to United States

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between the United States (US) and global markets, especially for time-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo. With major air cargo flows linked to pharmaceuticals, electronics, aerospace and automotive parts, industrial machinery, medical devices, and e-commerce shipments, the US relies on predictable capacity, security screening, and accurate customs documentation.

Air freight from/to the US 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. Certain regulated categories may require additional filings or compliance documentation depending on product type and direction of shipment. If cargo is restricted (for example batteries, aerosols, chemicals, or regulated 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 US faster, with transparent pricing and expert customs support.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to the United States

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from the US 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 US and destination countries. From 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 United States

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

Key U.S. exports and imports shipped by air include:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
• Aerospace and automotive parts
• Electronics and semiconductors
• Agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy)
• Consumer goods and apparel
• Chemicals and industrial machinery

Air Express

If your shipment to/from the US requires urgent delivery, our air express service is ideal for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), and Miami (MIA). 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 U.S. 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.

• New York (JFK) → Frankfurt: ~2–3 business days
• Chicago (ORD) → London: ~2–3 business days
• Los Angeles (LAX) → Tokyo: ~3–4 business days
• Miami (MIA) → São Paulo: ~2–3 business days
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) → Shanghai: ~4–6 business days

Main Airports in the United States for Air Freight

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD): One of the busiest U.S. cargo airports, handling electronics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial machinery.
• Los Angeles (LAX): Major gateway for trade with Asia-Pacific, especially electronics and apparel.
• Miami (MIA): Hub for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and trade with Latin America.
• New York (JFK): Key hub for luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products.
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): Strong in industrial equipment, aerospace, and e-commerce.
• Anchorage (ANC): Strategic refueling and transshipment hub for trans-Pacific cargo.

Air Freight Costs from/to the United States

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, medical devices, and high-value electronics can involve additional compliance steps and security screening that affect total pricing.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

U.S. export and import cycles affect freight rates:

• Pharmaceuticals (year-round): Consistent demand, cold-chain costs.
• Agricultural products (seasonal): Demand spikes during harvest periods.
• Consumer goods (Q3–Q4): Demand increases before Black Friday and Christmas.
• Holiday season (Oct–Dec): Peak season with higher freight rates globally.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Customs duties and tariffs under CBP.
• Inspection fees from USDA and FDA for food and pharmaceuticals.
• Handling and security fees at airports.
• Aviation fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Documents Checklist for Air Freight from/to the US

Always required (most shipments):

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

Often required (product-dependent):

• Import/export declarations and US customs documentation
• 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): Transport contract between airline and shipper.
• Commercial Invoice: For customs clearance.
• Packing List: Detailed breakdown of goods.
• Export Declarations (via AES – Automated Export System): For shipments leaving the U.S.
• Certificates: USDA sanitary/phytosanitary certificates for agricultural goods, FDA clearance for pharmaceuticals and food.

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified pallets for international shipments.
• Refrigerated/insulated packaging for perishables and pharmaceuticals.
• Secure packaging and clear labeling for electronics and high-value goods.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

The US follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, along with national customs 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 medical categories: may require product-specific compliance documentation depending on shipment type (where applicable).
  • Sensitive or controlled items: may require additional customs declarations and clearance depending on category and destination.