A general rule is the quicker the shipment the more expensive it will be.
Contact your airline and ask about their cargo freighting methods, costs, and customs policies. Ask questions like “I’m shipping a package that weighs around 300 lbs. , will I be able to freight in my flight’s cargo?”, “How many packages can I ship on my flight specifically?”, “What are the plane’s weight and size restrictions?”[2] X Research source
Look for the differences in price points and methods between carriers. Most global carriers will provide you with a variety of options, from next day priority air freighting to standard air freighting. Most carrier websites will also allow you to get a rough quote on the cost and time of your shipment. However, you’ll need to know the dimensions, weight, and shipping method to get an accurate quote.
If your item is too large to view the scale you may have to weigh it at one of your shipping carrier’s stores. Alternatively, you can weigh yourself, hold the package and step onto your scale, and subtract your weight from the combined weight to get an estimate of how much your package weighs.
If the item you are shipping is not squared or rectangular, measure the largest points of its length, width, and height to determine what box you’ll need.
Some shipping services will pack your boxes for you. Although, many would prefer you pack them yourself. Be sure to add extra padding for fragile materials, like foam, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap.
If your package is being picked up in a residential area, be sure to print your shipping label and adhere it to your package. Make sure that all fees are paid, values declared, and insurances taken before having your package picked up for shipping.
Every shipping service is different. Ask your shipping service what their liabilities are, what maximum value can be declared, and what range of value they recommend shipping without insurance. Ask your shipping service questions like, “What is the maximum value I can declare for a package?”, “What are your fees for declaring maximum value?”, or “What value range do you recommend for the items I am shipping?”
Ask your shipping service questions, like “I would like to insure my package, what additional coverage does your insurance provide?”, “How much should my insurance policy cover in relationship to my declared value?”, “How much does an insurance policy cost and what are it’s terms and conditions?”
Ask your shipping service questions about which shipping method you should choose, like “Is my package oversized?”, “How long does your standard or economy shipping take?”, or “When can you guarantee my package’s arrival?”
Import and export customs policies vary by country to country. Your shipping service will likely be familiar with the customs policies of your country and will have information available regarding the policies of the countries you may be shipping to. Cargo air waybills are indexical tracking documents used in airline air freighting only.
