International air freight
When speed is the priority.
Ocean freight moves the world’s cargo. Air freight moves it fast. When your shipment can’t wait weeks for a vessel, Go Ocean Logistics provides international air freight solutions from the U.S. to destinations worldwide — with full export customs handling, real-time tracking, and door-to-door coordination.
Whether you need standard air cargo, expedited service, or emergency same-day air, we build the right solution around your timeline and cargo requirements.
- Standard, priority & expedited options
- Door-to-Door & Airport-to-Airport Service
- U.S. Export Customs Filed on Your Behalf
- Real-Time Shipment Tracking
- High-Value & Fragile Cargo Specialists
- Ships to 100+ Countries Worldwide
- Temperature-Controlled & Pharmaceutical Options
- Fully Licensed & Bonded — U.S. DOT NO. 3124544 | MC #89820
Why Air freight
Air freight isn’t always the most economical way to ship — but sometimes it’s the only option. Production lines waiting on a critical component. A customer who needs their order this week. Perishables that can’t survive a 30-day ocean voyage. Time-sensitive documents or samples. Emergency replacement parts.
In these situations, cost becomes secondary to speed and reliability.
Go Ocean Logistics coordinates international air freight through our airline and forwarder network, ensuring your cargo is on the fastest available routing from U.S. airports to your destination — with all the documentation, customs clearance, and delivery logistics handled for you.
We also work with clients who ship regularly by air — high-value goods, pharmaceuticals, electronics — who need a reliable forwarding partner rather than booking directly with airlines. We provide competitive rates, carrier options, and hands-on management of every shipment.
1–7 days
100+
24/7
Our Air Freight Services
We match the service level to your actual deadline, not an upsell.
Standard Air Freight — Economy Speed
3–7 days
Standard air freight uses consolidated or direct cargo flights on scheduled commercial or cargo airline routes. It’s the most cost-effective air option — significantly faster than ocean freight but more affordable than priority or expedited service.
- Transit times: typically 3–7 business days airport-to-airport, depending on destination
- Ideal for: non-urgent cargo that still needs to arrive within days, not weeks
- Suitable for: commercial goods, industrial parts, documents, samples, consumer products
- Available from major U.S. international airports: LAX, JFK, ORD, MIA, IAH, ATL, SFO, and more
Priority Air Freight — Faster Routing
1–3 days
Priority air freight moves your cargo on the first available direct or minimal-stop flight to your destination. Your shipment gets preferential space allocation and faster processing through origin and destination handling facilities.
- Transit times: typically 1–3 business days airport-to-airport
- Ideal for: time-critical commercial shipments, urgent parts and components, sales samples
- Direct routing wherever possible to minimize transfer risk and transit time
Expedited & Same-Day Air — Emergency Shipments
Emergency
When hours matter, we coordinate emergency air freight for mission-critical cargo. This includes charter aircraft access, immediate collection, and door-to-door coordination with a dedicated point of contact available through the entire shipment.
- Immediate aircraft access and same-day departure options
- 24/7 support and real-time monitoring throughout the flight
- Dedicated handler from pickup to final delivery
- Ideal for: production-halting equipment failures, emergency medical supplies, time-critical documents, exhibition cargo
Temperature-Controlled Air Freight
IATA cold chain
Pharmaceuticals, biologics, perishable food, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive cargo require specialized handling, certified packaging, and validated cold chain management from origin to destination.
- Active and passive temperature control options
- IATA temperature-sensitive cargo handling (2–8°C, -20°C, CRT)
- Pharma-grade packaging and documentation
- Suitable for: life sciences, medical devices, perishable food and beverages, laboratory samples
Charter Air Freight
For oversized, high-security, or extremely urgent cargo that cannot move on commercial cargo flights, we arrange dedicated aircraft charters. Charters provide complete control over aircraft type, routing, timing, and cargo handling — with no co-loading and no schedule constraints.
Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight — When to Choose Air
| Factor | Air freight | Ocean freight |
|---|---|---|
| Transit speed | 1–7 days | 10–45+ days |
| Cost | Higher per kg/CBM | Lower per kg/CBM |
| Cargo size | Best for small–medium | All sizes, especially large/heavy |
| Reliability | Very high — fixed schedules | High — weather/port delays possible |
| Weight limit | ~1,000 kg per booking | No practical limit |
| Perishables | Excellent | Requires reefer container |
| High-value goods | Preferred — lower exposure time | Possible with FCL & insurance |
| Emergency use | Yes — same-day options | No |
For most cargo under 200 kg where speed matters, air freight is the right choice. For large volumes or heavy cargo where time allows, ocean freight is more economical — we'll advise you on the best mode for your shipment.
Cargo We Handle
Cargo We Handle via Air Freight
- Commercial & Industrial Goods — parts, components, tools, raw materials
- Electronics & Technology — computers, semiconductors, telecom equipment
- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices — with temperature control where required
- Perishable Food & Beverages — fresh produce, seafood, specialty foods
- High-Value Merchandise — jewelry, luxury goods, collectibles
- Documents & Legal Files — urgent or time-sensitive paperwork
- Trade Show & Exhibition Cargo — tight deadlines, specific delivery windows
- Automotive Parts & Aircraft Spares (AOG — Aircraft on Ground)
- Fashion & Apparel — seasonal collections, replenishment orders
- E-Commerce Inventory — urgent FBA replenishment or direct-to-consumer
- Emergency & Humanitarian Cargo — relief supplies, medical aid
What Cannot Be Shipped by Air
- Hazardous materials not IATA-compliant
- Lithium batteries above certain sizes
- Flammable liquids and gases without proper IATA packaging and declaration
- Oversized cargo exceeding aircraft hold dimensions
- Prohibited items under U.S. export control regulations
Unsure if your cargo qualifies for air freight? Contact us with your commodity description and we'll advise on feasibility and any regulatory requirements.
Step-by-Step: Air Freight with Go Ocean
Step 1: Request Your Quote
Provide us with:
- Cargo description (commodity, HS code if known)
- Number of pieces, dimensions, and weight
- Origin city/airport
- Destination country and city/airport
- Required delivery date or latest acceptable arrival
- Any special requirements (temperature control, high-value handling, hazmat)
We respond quickly with carrier options, transit times, and all-inclusive pricing. For urgent shipments, call us directly: +1 (858) 355-9237.
Step 2: Export Documentation
Air freight requires more documentation than ocean freight, and accuracy is critical — errors cause airport holds and delays. We prepare and file:
- Air Waybill (AWB) — the air freight equivalent of a Bill of Lading
- U.S. Customs AES/EEI Export Filing
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (if applicable — IATA-compliant)
- Certificate of Origin or other trade documents as required by destination
Step 3: Cargo Pickup or Airport Drop-Off
Option A — Airport delivery: You deliver your cargo to the designated airline cargo terminal at the departure airport.
Option B — Door-to-airport: We arrange pickup from your warehouse, facility, or supplier and transport it to the cargo terminal.
For expedited shipments, we coordinate immediate pickup the same day
Step 4: Flight & Transit
Option A — Airport delivery: You deliver your cargo to the designated airline cargo terminal at the departure airport.
Option B — Door-to-airport: We arrange pickup from your warehouse, facility, or supplier and transport it to the cargo terminal.
For expedited shipments, we coordinate immediate pickup the same day
| Region | Standard Air | Priority Air |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean & Central America | 2 – 4 days | 1 – 2 days |
| South America | 3 – 6 days | 2 – 3 days |
| Europe | 2 – 5 days | 1 – 3 days |
| West Africa | 4 – 7 days | 3 – 5 days |
| East Africa | 5 – 8 days | 3 – 5 days |
| Middle East | 3 – 5 days | 1 – 3 days |
| Asia (China, Japan, Korea) | 3 – 6 days | 2 – 4 days |
| Southeast Asia | 4 – 7 days | 2 – 4 days |
| Australia & New Zealand | 4 – 7 days | 3 – 5 days |
Transit times are airport-to-airport. Door-to-door adds pickup, export processing, destination customs clearance, and final delivery time
Step 5: Destination Customs & Delivery
Our destination agent network manages import customs clearance, duty assessment, and final delivery to your consignee’s address. For time-critical shipments, we pre-file destination customs documents before the flight arrives to minimize clearance time.
U.S. Airports We Ship From
We can arrange cargo from virtually any U.S. city through inland trucking to the nearest international cargo airport.
LAX
Los Angeles International
Largest West Coast air cargo hub
JKF
John F. Kennedy, New York
Primary East Coast hub
ORD
O'Hare International
Chicago
MIA
Miami International
gateway to Latin America & Caribbean
IAH
George Bush Intercontinental
Houston
ATL
Hartsfield-Jackson
Atlanta
SFO
San Francisco International
California
DFW
Dallas/Fort Worth International
Texas
SDF
Louisville International
Major cargo hub
MEM
Memphis International
Major cargo hub
Cargo Insurance for Air Freight
Air freight is fast — but cargo can still be lost, damaged, or delayed. Marine cargo insurance covers air freight shipments and is strongly recommended for any high-value or irreplaceable cargo.
Full Coverage
1.75% of declared value
- Loss, theft, damage
- $500 deductible
Total Loss Only
1.25% of declared value
- Complete loss of the shipment
Why Choose Go Ocean for Air Freight
Speed When You Need It
Standard, priority, and same-day emergency air options. We match the service level to your actual deadline — not an upsell.
Carrier Network Access
We work with major commercial cargo airlines and freight forwarder networks to find the best routing and pricing for your specific origin, destination, and timeline.
Customs Handled End-to-End
Air freight documentation errors cause airport holds. We prepare every document correctly, file U.S. export customs, and pre-file destination customs where possible to keep your shipment moving.
Temperature-Controlled Options
For pharmaceuticals, perishables, and temperature-sensitive cargo, we coordinate IATA-compliant cold chain handling from pickup to delivery.
Transparent Pricing
All-in quotes — airline rate, fuel surcharge, security fees, documentation, and destination handling — presented clearly before you commit.
Direct Communication
One point of contact who knows your shipment. Especially important for urgent or high-value cargo where you need real answers, fast.
Fully Licensed & Bonded
U.S. DOT NO. 3124544 | MC #89820
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at sales@gooceanlogistics.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Air freight is priced by chargeable weight, which is the greater of actual gross weight (kg) or volumetric weight (calculated as L×W×H in cm ÷ 6,000). If your cargo is large but light, you’ll pay based on volumetric weight. We calculate chargeable weight for you and provide a clear, all-in quote.
Standard air freight moves on scheduled cargo flights with the most economical routing — typically 3–7 days airport-to-airport. Priority air freight gets preferential space allocation on the first available direct flight — typically 1–3 days. For genuine emergencies, same-day expedited service is available.
Some IATA-classified dangerous goods can be shipped by air with proper packaging, labeling, and documentation (IATA DGR compliance). We work with certified DG handlers for regulated goods. Contact us with your commodity and SDS — we’ll advise on feasibility and requirements.
At origin, we file the U.S. AES/EEI export declaration. At destination, our local agent files the import customs entry, pays applicable duties, and secures port release before delivering to the consignee. For time-critical shipments, we pre-file destination customs documents before the aircraft lands.
Yes. Every air shipment has an Air Waybill (AWB) number that can be tracked through the airline’s cargo tracking system. We provide the AWB number at time of departure and monitor the shipment on your behalf.
Standard airline liability under AWB terms is approximately $20 per kg — far below the value of most commercial cargo. We strongly recommend cargo insurance at 1.75% of declared value for full coverage. We arrange insurance as part of the booking process.
Air freight with Go Ocean is most cost-effective for commercial quantities — typically 50 kg or more. For small parcels, courier services (DHL Express, FedEx, UPS) may be more economical. We’ll advise you on the best option based on your cargo size, weight, and destination.
Need Your Cargo There Fast?
Tell us your cargo, weight, and destination — we’ll find the fastest, most cost-effective air freight solution.
Office Hours: Monday–Friday | 9AM–3PM ET / 7AM–5PM PT