Air Freight

Most cargo can fly as long as it meets airline regulations. This includes pallets of electronics, machinery parts, garments, pharmaceutical products, and even perishables. We can also handle special categories (hazardous goods, live animals, etc.) with the proper documentation and packing.

Yes. We coordinate truck pickup anywhere in Europe and deliver to the airport. We handle loading onto the truck (with cranes or side-loaders if needed) so that your shipment is ready for the flight cut-off.

We work with standard export Incoterms (EXW, FCA, FOB, CPT, CIP, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP). For example, under EXW or FCA, we pick up from your supplier; under FOB/CPT, we meet the shipment at the port/airport. We’ll clarify responsibilities before booking so there’s no confusion.

Typically: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and the AWB (Air Waybill). Certain goods may need export licenses or certificates (e.g. health certificate for food, EUR1 or ATR for EU trade). Bluegate checks requirements for your route and ensures all paperwork is filed with customs on time.

Air freight is usually charged per kilogram (actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher) plus any handling and fuel surcharges. Rates vary by route, carrier, and service level. We’ll quote based on your cargo weight and volume, plus any premium for express or charter flights. We always quote full door-to-door cost in advance, so you know exactly what to expect.

Transits vary by route and connection. A flight from Europe to the Middle East or Africa typically takes 2–5 days end-to-end (including origin handling and final customs clearance). We’ll give you an estimated transit time when we quote. If it’s more urgent, we can explore overnight or charter options.

We’ll send you shipment milestones by email/WhatsApp. Once the AWB is issued and the flight departs, we share the air carrier’s tracking link. Many airlines and freight consolidators provide real-time tracking by AWB number.

Air freight uses higher of actual vs volumetric weight. Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) / 6000. For example, a 100×50×40 cm package = (100×50×40)/6000 = 33.3 kg. If the actual weight is less, the airline will charge you for 33.3 kg. This ensures bulky but light cargo pays fairly. (Ex: a 100×100×100 cm box only 10 kg weighs 166 kg volumetrically, so 166 kg is charged.)

ULDs (Unit Load Devices) are standardized air cargo pallets or containers that secure freight in the aircraft. For example, PMC pallets (flat or net) or LD3 containers. Bluegate will tell you which ULD or pallet type to use. Proper palletization is crucial: stack goods on a stable pallet, shrink-wrap and strap them, with the highest point under typical aircraft door height (~150 cm). We advise on weight limits (usually 1000–1500 kg per pallet) and distribution of heavy items.

Airlines typically require cargo at the airport 2–3 hours before flight departure for export. However, cutting a strict line depends on the carrier and airport. Bluegate coordinates with our carrier partners: once goods are loaded onto our truck bound for the airport, we ensure they arrive in time to meet the cut-off. Late drop-off can mean missing the flight, so we confirm all pickup and loading schedules accordingly.

Certain hazardous goods (flammables, batteries, chemicals, etc.) can fly only if pre-approved. They require extra paperwork (IATA DG form) and special packaging. Bluegate will check your cargo against the IATA Dangerous Goods List. If approved, we arrange certified shippers to pack and label your DG according to air rules (Class labels, documentation). Note: some items (e.g. explosives) are banned, others (lithium batteries) have strict limits. We’ll advise if your goods can be flown or suggest alternatives.

Scheduled cargo flights run on a timetable, combining many shippers’ goods. Charters are entire planes booked for one client’s cargo. Scheduled services are lower cost-per-kg but fixed availability. Charters cost more but offer maximum flexibility (departure time and plane size chosen by shipper). Bluegate can arrange charters for very urgent or large shipments beyond schedulers. We evaluate trade-offs: often small time gains vs big cost for charters, so we recommend only when truly needed.

Groupage air freight combines multiple shippers’ pallets into one aircraft shipment to save cost. This is like LCL for air. If your load is small, bluegate can consolidate it into a shared flight space. Consolidation can add minimal time (waiting for enough shipments), but we ensure your deadlines are still met. If time is short, direct shipping (even at higher cost) might be better.

Air exports require a Commercial Invoice and Packing List at minimum, plus any necessary certificates (health, Fumigation, EUR1, etc.). We’ll also ensure your export declaration (usually an electronic export entry) is filed for EU customs. If your incoterm is EXW or FCA, we arrange pick-up under the named terms. We advise shippers to attach the AWB to the export filing to link with the flight.

Air rates depend on carrier routes, weight, and commodity. The quote we give will list: the base freight charge, plus typical surcharges (fuel, security, handling, and possibly terminal fees). For example, many airlines add a “fuel surcharge” (% of base rate) and a small “screening fee.” Bluegate locks in your rate with the carrier at booking, so surcharges are fixed at that time. We present a full breakdown up front to avoid surprises.