Air Freight
When time is critical, trust Scanlon Freight for fast, secure, and efficient air freight services. We specialise in time-sensitive shipping for industries that demand speed, traceability, and control. Air freight is the fastest way to transport urgent cargo worldwide—often at a moment’s notice. Whether you need express shipping, same-day delivery, or international freight solutions, we ensure your shipment arrives on time, every time.
When time is critical, trust Scanlon Freight for fast, secure, and reliable air freight services. We understand that many industries rely on time-sensitive shipping, where every second counts. Whether you’re in aerospace, marine, e-commerce, or healthcare, you need a logistics partner who can meet the demands of urgent, high-priority shipments. Our high-speed logistics solutions are designed to move your cargo swiftly and efficiently, ensuring it reaches its destination on time. With real-time tracking available through our ScanCloud portal, we provide end-to-end visibility and strict shipment control, giving you confidence that your cargo is managed with the utmost care and attention.
Air freight is the fastest and most efficient way to transport urgent shipments across the globe. Unlike traditional shipping methods, air transport significantly reduces transit times, making it the preferred choice for businesses that cannot afford delays. At Scanlon Freight, we offer a full range of services tailored to your needs, from express worldwide shipping to same-day delivery. Whether you require door-to-door delivery, chartered flights, or temperature-controlled air freight transport, we have the expertise and infrastructure to handle even the most complex logistics challenges. Our goal is to provide flexible, reliable solutions that meet your unique shipping requirements, no matter how urgent or specific they may be.
With over 180 global partners and freight experts, Scanlon Freight ensures that your air freight shipments are managed with precision, regardless of their destination. Our extensive network allows for seamless coordination across multiple borders, and our team is equipped to handle all aspects of customs clearance, ensuring there are no delays at checkpoints. By working closely with trusted partners worldwide, we provide priority handling and efficient routing to get your shipments to their destination faster. Whether your cargo is heading to a neighboring country or across continents, we ensure smooth transit at every step of the journey.
At Scanlon Freight, we are committed to speed, security, and reliability in every shipment we handle. You can have peace of mind knowing that your urgent cargo is in expert hands, arriving safely and on time, every time. We prioritise your business’s needs by offering transparent tracking and proactive communication, ensuring you are kept informed every step of the way. Whether you need to transport high-value electronics, critical medical goods, or specialized aircraft components, we take pride in delivering your shipments with care, speed, and precision. With Scanlon Freight, you can trust that your logistics are in capable hands, ensuring your business runs smoothly without disruption.
A.C.T.I.O.N. Focused
Air Freight Solutions
When time is of the essence, you need a time-critical freight forwarder that understands your need for speed. Our Air Freight solutions will ensure you hit your deadlines and your budget.
- ScanExpress
- ScanDirect
- ScanEco
- ScanHaz
- ScanCool
Call For a Quote:
+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.