Air Freight Shipping for eCommerce and Amazon FBA
AMZ Prep ships express air cargo from China, India, and Europe to 50 plus US and Canada fulfillment centers. 3 to 7 day transit. Customs clearance, FBA prep, and delivery included.
AMZ Prep manages the full air freight supply chain from factory pickup through customs clearance to FBA prep and Middle Mile delivery. Same day processing at destination. 2 to 4 day Amazon FBA check in. One provider. One account.
TRUSTED BY GROWING ECOMMERCE BRANDS
- AMZ Prep air freight ships express cargo from China, India, and Europe to US and Canada fulfillment centers in 3 to 7 days door to door.
- Standard air freight costs $3.50 to $5.00 per kg. Express air freight costs $5.00 to $7.00 per kg from China to the US.
- AMZ Prep processes air freight inventory same day at destination. FBA prep runs under $1.50 per case with a first pick plus additional pick pricing model. Middle Mile delivers to Amazon within 2 to 4 days.
- Air freight is the standard choice for product launches, seasonal restocks, low stock emergencies, and high value goods.
- AMZ Prep manages both air and ocean freight under one account so brands can shift between modes based on urgency and cost.
Reviewed by Blair Forrest, Founder and CEO · Last updated June 2026
What Is Air Freight Shipping
Air freight shipping moves commercial cargo by aircraft from origin to destination airports worldwide. AMZ Prep air freight covers the full supply chain from factory pickup in China, India, or Europe through customs clearance to final delivery at US and Canada fulfillment centers in 3 to 7 days.
AMZ Prep air freight services handle time sensitive inventory that cannot wait 25 to 40 days for ocean transit. It is the standard choice for product launches, seasonal restocks, low stock emergencies, and high value goods. AMZ Prep manages pickup, export documentation, airline booking, customs clearance, FBA prep, and Middle Mile delivery under one provider.
The average air freight cost per kg from China to the US is $3.50 to $7.00. Rates depend on cargo weight, season, and service level. While air freight shipping costs more per kg than ocean freight, it delivers inventory 5 to 10 times faster. Brands recover the cost difference through faster sales velocity and avoided stockout losses. Visit the freight hub page for a full overview of AMZ Prep freight services.
Types of Air Freight Services
AMZ Prep offers three levels of air freight services based on urgency, volume, and budget. The table below compares standard air freight, express air freight, and air charter across the factors that matter most for eCommerce brands.
| Feature | Standard Air Freight | Express Air Freight | Air Charter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 5-7 days | 3-5 days | 1-3 days |
| Cost per kg | $3.50-$5.00 | $5.00-$7.00 | $8.00-$15.00+ |
| Minimum Weight | 45 kg | No minimum | Full aircraft |
| Carrier Type | Commercial airline cargo hold | Dedicated cargo flights (FedEx, DHL, UPS) | Private charter |
| Best For | Regular replenishment | Urgent restocks and launches | Emergency or oversized cargo |
| Booking Lead Time | 3-5 days | 1-2 days | Same day to next day |
| Tracking | Milestone updates | Real time door to door | Real time with dedicated handler |
AMZ Prep books the right service level for each shipment based on urgency, volume, and budget. Most eCommerce brands use standard air freight for planned restocks and express air freight for product launches or low stock emergencies.
How Air Freight Shipping Works
AMZ Prep manages air freight forwarding as a single managed program. One team handles every step from factory pickup to Amazon delivery. No third party handoffs. No gaps in accountability.
Request an Air Freight Quote
Share product details, origin, destination, and cargo weight. AMZ Prep provides an all in quote covering air freight, customs clearance, and FBA prep within 24 hours.
Book and Schedule Pickup
AMZ Prep coordinates factory or warehouse pickup at origin. Cargo is transported to the departure airport and cleared for export.
Export Documentation and Customs Filing
AMZ Prep files all export documentation including the air waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list, and shipper's letter of instruction (SLI).
Air Transit with Live Tracking
Cargo moves via commercial airline or dedicated freighter. AMZ Prep monitors flight status and provides milestone updates from departure through arrival.
US or Canada Customs Clearance
AMZ Prep handles destination customs clearance including duty calculation, FDA or USDA inspections if required, and all pre-arrival filings. Section 321 de minimis entry is available for qualifying shipments.
FBA Prep and Final Delivery
Inventory arrives at an AMZ Prep fulfillment center and is processed same day. Labeling, poly bagging, and shipment plan creation run under $1.50 per case. AMZ Prep uses a first pick plus additional pick pricing model so multi item orders stay cost effective. Finished units ship to Amazon via Middle Mile and check into FBA within 2 to 4 days with zero placement fees.
Air Freight Costs and Rate Factors
Air freight rates depend on route, cargo weight, service level, and seasonal demand. Below are average rate ranges for the most common eCommerce shipping lanes. AMZ Prep negotiates preferred rates through consolidated volume across 2,000 plus brands.
| Route | Standard (per kg) | Express (per kg) | Average Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| China to US West Coast | $3.50-$5.00 | $5.00-$6.50 | 3-5 days |
| China to US East Coast | $4.00-$5.50 | $5.50-$7.00 | 5-7 days |
| China to Canada | $4.00-$6.00 | $6.00-$8.00 | 4-6 days |
| India to US | $4.50-$6.00 | $6.00-$8.00 | 5-7 days |
| Europe to US East Coast | $3.00-$4.50 | $4.50-$6.00 | 3-5 days |
| Vietnam to US West Coast | $3.50-$5.00 | $5.00-$7.00 | 4-6 days |
Rates shown are indicative and vary based on shipment weight, commodity type, and seasonal demand. Use the Freight Rate Calculator for an instant estimate or request a custom quote.
Factors That Affect Air Freight Pricing
Chargeable Weight
Airlines charge by actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher. Volumetric weight is calculated as length x width x height (cm) divided by 6,000.
Fuel Surcharges
Airlines add fuel surcharges that fluctuate monthly based on global jet fuel prices. Surcharges typically range from $0.30 to $1.50 per kg.
Peak Season Rates
Air freight rates increase 30 to 50 percent during Q4 (October through December) and Chinese New Year. Book 2 to 3 weeks early to lock rates.
Cargo Classification
Hazmat, batteries, oversized, or temperature controlled cargo requires special handling. These classifications add $0.50 to $3.00 per kg in additional fees.
Airport Handling Fees
Origin and destination airports charge terminal handling fees ranging from $0.15 to $0.40 per kg. AMZ Prep includes these in all in pricing.
Customs and Duties
Import duties depend on product HTS code and country of origin. AMZ Prep calculates landed cost before shipment. Use the Import Duty Calculator to estimate costs.
Air Freight Transit Times by Route
AMZ Prep air freight shipping covers major airport pairs between Asia, Europe, and North America. Transit times below include the air transit leg only. Door to door estimates include factory pickup, customs, and FBA prep.
| Route | Standard Transit | Express Transit | Door to Door (with FBA Prep) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 3-4 days | 2-3 days | 5-7 days |
| Shenzhen (SZX) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 3-4 days | 2-3 days | 5-7 days |
| Shanghai (PVG) to New York (JFK) | 4-5 days | 3-4 days | 6-8 days |
| Mumbai (BOM) to Chicago (ORD) | 5-6 days | 3-4 days | 7-9 days |
| Frankfurt (FRA) to New York (JFK) | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | 4-6 days |
| Ho Chi Minh (SGN) to Los Angeles (LAX) | 4-5 days | 3-4 days | 6-8 days |
| New Delhi (DEL) to Toronto (YYZ) | 5-6 days | 3-4 days | 7-9 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) to Vancouver (YVR) | 3-4 days | 2-3 days | 5-7 days |
Door to door transit includes factory pickup, export clearance, air transit, destination customs, and FBA prep at an AMZ Prep fulfillment center. Express service reduces the air transit leg by 1 to 2 days. AMZ Prep tracks every shipment from origin to Amazon delivery.
Transit times are estimates based on current carrier schedules and may change due to weather, airline schedule adjustments, or customs holds. Contact AMZ Prep for live route availability and current ETAs.
Air Freight vs Ocean Freight
AMZ Prep manages both air freight and ocean freight under one account. The right mode depends on your inventory timeline, budget, and product type. Here is how air freight vs ocean freight compares across the factors that matter most.
| Factor | Air Freight | Ocean Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 3-7 days door to door | 25-45 days door to door |
| Cost per kg | $3.50-$7.00 | $0.30-$0.80 |
| Minimum Shipment | 45 kg (standard) | 1 CBM (LCL) or 1 container (FCL) |
| Best For | Urgent restocks, launches, high value goods | Bulk replenishment, heavy cargo, cost priority |
| Carbon Footprint | Higher per kg | Lower per kg |
| Inventory Planning | Short lead time, reactive | Requires 6-8 week planning horizon |
| Risk of Delay | Weather, airline schedule changes | Port congestion, vessel delays, canal disruptions |
| AMZ Prep Coverage | Full door to FBA service | Full door to FBA service |
Most brands use both modes as part of a blended freight strategy. Ocean freight covers planned bulk replenishment at the lowest cost per unit. Air freight covers product launches, seasonal surges, and emergency restocks when speed matters more than cost. AMZ Prep manages both under one account so brands can shift between modes without changing providers. See the full sea freight breakdown for ocean freight details.
Air Freight for Amazon FBA Sellers
AMZ Prep connects air freight shipping directly to FBA prep and Middle Mile delivery. Inventory moves from the airport to Amazon shelves without third party handoffs or storage delays.
Zero Placement Fees
AMZ Prep routes FBA shipments across multiple fulfillment centers to eliminate Amazon placement fees. 5 way split routing logic handles it automatically.
2 to 4 Day FBA Check In
Air freight inventory is processed same day at an AMZ Prep fulfillment center and checked into Amazon FBA within 2 to 4 days via Middle Mile. Standard FBA LTL check in takes 30 plus days. That speed keeps products in stock during launches and restocks.
FBA Prep Under $1.50 Per Case
Labeling, poly bagging, bundling, and shipment plan creation run under $1.50 per case. AMZ Prep uses a first pick plus additional pick model so multi item orders cost less than per unit pricing competitors.
Customs Built In
AMZ Prep handles all destination customs clearance including duty calculation and required inspections. One provider from airport to Amazon shelf.
50 Plus Fulfillment Centers
AMZ Prep operates 50 plus centers across 6 countries. Inventory routes to the nearest Amazon FC for fastest check in.
Blended Freight Strategy
AMZ Prep manages both air freight and ocean freight under one account. Brands split inventory between modes based on urgency and cost targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ship Air Freight to US and Canada FBA Centers
AMZ Prep manages air freight from factory to Amazon shelf. Get a quote for your next shipment.
