Air freight can feel like a black box — you book it, and a few days later your goods arrive. But there’s a lot happening in between. Here’s a step-by-step look at how air freight actually works.
Step 1: Collection from Origin
Once you book with ASA Logistics, our team in China arranges collection from your supplier’s factory or warehouse. Goods are inspected, packaged, and prepared with the correct documentation.
Step 2: Export Customs in China
Before cargo can leave China, it must clear Chinese export customs. We handle all export documentation including the commercial invoice, packing list, and export customs declaration.
Step 3: Cargo Acceptance at Origin Airport
Cargo is transported to the origin airport (e.g. Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen, Beijing) and handed over to the airline or freight forwarder. It’s weighed, measured, and assigned a Master Air Waybill (MAWB).
Step 4: Loading and Departure
Cargo is loaded into Unit Load Devices (ULDs) — the standardised containers used in aircraft holds — and loaded onto the aircraft. Most freight travels in the belly hold of passenger aircraft or on dedicated freighter flights.
Step 5: Transit Flights
Direct flights from China to the UK take around 10–12 hours. Many shipments transit via hubs in the Middle East (Dubai, Doha) or Europe (Frankfurt, Amsterdam), adding a day.
Step 6: Arrival at UK Airport
Cargo typically arrives at London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN), or East Midlands (EMA). It’s transferred to the airline’s cargo terminal and held pending customs clearance.
Step 7: UK Customs Clearance
This is often the most time-sensitive step. ASA Logistics submits your customs entry to HMRC electronically. Once duties and VAT are paid (or deferred via PVA), the goods are released.
Step 8: Delivery to Your Door
Freed from customs, your cargo is collected from the airport and delivered to your warehouse, office, or Amazon FBA centre anywhere in the UK.
Typical Timeline: Shanghai to London
| Stage | Time | |——-|——| | Collection & export customs | Day 1 | | Flight + transit | Days 2–3 | | UK customs clearance | Day 4 | | UK delivery | Day 5 |
Book Air Freight with ASA Logistics
We offer express (next flight) and economy air freight from all major Chinese airports, with full customs handling and UK delivery included.
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