Specialist Time-Critical Air Freight Solutions
For urgent, high-value and compliance-sensitive shipments worldwide.
Aerospace. Pharmaceutical. Energy. Marine.
When delays threaten operations, we move fast — and we take responsibility.
Senior-Level Air Freight Expertise — On Every Shipment
Scanlon Freight delivers precision-controlled international air freight for businesses where timing, compliance, and accountability are non-negotiable.
With over 20 years of hands-on air freight experience, we manage complex and time-critical shipments with structured oversight and clear operational control.
From initial routing decisions and airline allocation through to documentation alignment and final delivery confirmation, every movement is overseen at senior level to reduce risk and eliminate avoidable delay.
When Air Freight Goes Wrong, The Impact Is Immediate
AIRCRAFT GROUNDED
In aviation environments, delayed or mismanaged shipments can result in Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations — halting operations, disrupting schedules and creating immediate financial exposure.
PRODUCTION LINES HALTED
In manufacturing and industrial supply chains, missing components can stop production entirely. Restarting operations often costs significantly more than the shipment itself.
TEMPERATURE EXCURSIONS
For regulated or sensitive cargo, even minor temperature deviation can render products unusable — resulting in rejection, disposal and regulatory scrutiny.
COMPLIANCE BREACHES
Incorrect documentation, misaligned declarations or export control errors can trigger customs holds, inspections or regulatory penalties — extending delays beyond the original shipment.
FINANCIAL PENALTIES
Contractual delivery commitments often include penalty clauses. A delayed or misrouted shipment can quickly escalate into measurable financial loss.
REPUTATION DAMAGED
In high-pressure sectors, reliability is not optional. Repeated delays or compliance failures erode trust and damage long-term commercial relationships.
We operate to remove these risks before they materialise.
A.C.T.I.O.N. Focused
Air Freight Solutions
At Scanlon Freight, our air freight services for UK importers and exporters are built around our proven A.C.T.I.O.N. methodology, ensuring every shipment is managed with accountability, control, transparency, and operational excellence. Each solution below is designed to meet specific air freight requirements where speed, reliability, and visibility are critical.
Speak To A Time Critical Specialist
+44(0)208 713 0100
Our Solutions
Sea Freight Solutions
Sea Freight trade accounts for 90% of Global trade, which means that you need a specialist freight forwarder who can provide you with sea freight expertise, to relieve the stress of importing or exporting your valuable goods by sea.
Road Freight Solutions
When you ship with a specialist road freight provider, you need to make sure that it’s someone who has access to a vast fleet of vehicles, offering reliable, transparent, and dedicated road freight solutions to ensure time-critical delivery of your goods.
Customs Clearance Solutions
Our team can support you by utilising dedicated systems linked directly to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). These tools provide a quick and compliant customs clearance whether that be by Air, Sea or Road for your import & export shipments.
Air Freight F.A.Q’s
Over the past 20 years we have helped hundreds of businesses with their air freight solutions. Here are some of the most common questions we hear. Or you can ask us direct by clicking the button below.
How is the chargeable weight calculated?
Chargeable weight for air freight is calculated by either the gross weight or volume weight of the shipment, you can use the following calculation to work out your volume.
Length (multiplied by) Width (multiplied by) Height = Sum then divide by 6000
You will then be charged according to the gross weight of the shipment or the volume, whichever is greater.
What is the difference between scheduled air freight and air courier?
The key differences between scheduled air freight and air courier lie in speed, cost, handling, and service level:
1. Scheduled Air Freight
- Uses commercial cargo flights or the cargo hold of passenger planes.
- More cost-effective but slightly slower (typically 3–7 days).
- Requires consolidation with other shipments, so there may be handling delays.
- Best for larger shipments (palletised goods, bulk cargo).
- Requires customs clearance and consignee coordination for final delivery.
2. Air Courier (Express Services)
- Uses dedicated express networks (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- Much faster, often 1–3 days worldwide.
- More expensive, but includes door-to-door delivery.
- Handles smaller, urgent shipments (e.g., documents, small parcels).
- Typically pre-clears customs, reducing delays.
Which option is best?
- Choose scheduled air freight for cost savings on large shipments.
- Choose air courier for urgent, time-sensitive packages.
What is the typical transit time for air freight shipments?
The typical transit time for air freight shipments depends on several factors, including the origin and destination, airline schedules, customs clearance, and handling processes. Here’s a general breakdown:
- European Air Freight: Usually 1 to 2 days.
- International Air Freight: Typically 2 to 7 days, depending on distance and customs procedures.
- Express Air Freight (Courier Services like FedEx, UPS, DHL): Can be overnight or within 2 to 3 days for major global routes.
- Standard Air Cargo: 3 to 7 days, depending on route, airline schedules, and customs clearance.
- Charter Flights: Can be same-day or next-day, depending on availability and urgency.
Factors like weather, airline capacity, and customs delays can impact transit times.
How should I pack my goods for air freight transport?
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Use Strong Packaging
- Double-walled boxes or wooden crates for heavy/fragile items.
- Pallets (ISPM 15 certified) for bulk shipments.
- Cushioning (bubble wrap, foam) to prevent movement.
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Secure the Shipment
- Use strapping, banding, and shrink wrap.
- Seal boxes with strong packing tape.
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Label & Document
- Attach shipping labels with consignee details.
- Use handling labels like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”
- Include customs paperwork (invoice, packing list).
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Special Considerations
- Fragile Items: Extra padding & double-boxing.
- Hazardous Goods: Follow IATA DGR regulations.
- Temperature-Sensitive Goods: Use insulated packaging.
Can I move temperature-controlled products by air freight?
Yes, this is the most effective way to transport your temperature-controlled products internationally, because it is fast and many airlines now provide a temperature-controlled service for all types of commodities, such as pharmaceuticals, food & produce & IT equipment.
Cargo can be transported in the following conditions -15-25 Celsius, +2-8 Celsius & +15-25 Celsius.
If you do not have the ability to pack your goods for temperature-controlled transport, we offer a solution to pack the goods at our Heathrow facility.
Contact Us About Air Freight
If you are looking for an accurate Freight Quote – Simply click the button below, fill in the details of your shipment and we will get straight back to you.