Air Freight Companies

Choosing the right air freight mode is critical to balancing speed, cost, and cargo safety. In Australia’s diverse logistics landscape, your options typically include air charter, scheduled air freight, and express courier services. This guide compares them across key factors so you can pick the best fit for your timeline, budget, and cargo type.

1. Air Freight Charter: Flexibility & Priority

Charter services involve booking an entire aircraft for your cargo alone. It’s often used in time-critical industries like mining, medical logistics, and project cargo.

✅ When to Use:

• Remote destinations (e.g. mine sites, islands)

• Oversized, out-of-gauge shipments

• Dangerous Goods (DG) needing priority handling

• Urgent, high-value cargo

📦 Pros:

• Total control of routing and schedule

• Faster customs clearance

• Secure, dedicated aircraft

💰 Cons:

• Expensive (cost based on aircraft hour, not per kg)

• Requires lead time to arrange permits, crew, etc.

Example: CargoMaster Perth provides charter flights to Pilbara with DG approval for mining firms.

2. Scheduled Air Freight: Balanced & Reliable

This is the most common mode for commercial freight forwarders. Cargo is loaded into the bellyhold of passenger flights or dedicated freighter aircraft on fixed schedules.

✅ When to Use:

• Daily domestic and international shipments

• Moderate urgency cargo

• General freight, perishable goods, eCommerce

📦 Pros:

• Widely available lanes

• Cost-effective at scale (50–1000kg)

• Established ground handling process

💰 Cons:

• Cut-off times and space limitations

• Shared space with other cargo increases risk of delay

Example: Qantas Freight & DHL operate daily schedules across all major Australian cities.

3. Express Courier: Fast & Trackable

Best for small, time-sensitive parcels, express courier services include companies like DHL Express, FedEx, and TNT. These providers offer end-to-end service with full tracking.

✅ When to Use:

• Small urgent shipments (under 30kg)

• B2C eCommerce and document deliveries

• Cross-border express to Asia, US, EU

📦 Pros:

• Door-to-door in 1–3 days

• Fully trackable and insured

• Simple customs clearance for small consignments

💰 Cons:

• Expensive per kg

• Limited volume and size capacity

Example: DHL Express offers next-day delivery from Perth to Singapore for <25kg shipments.

4. Comparison Table

5. How to Choose the Right Mode

Ask yourself:

• Is the cargo urgent or valuable?

• Are there special handling needs (DG, temperature, size)?

• What’s the destination’s accessibility (metro vs remote)?

• Do you need end-to-end tracking and insurance?

A logistics consultant or freight forwarder can help optimise mode selection for cost vs service.

6. Final Thoughts

Choosing between air freight charter, scheduled services, and express courier is about trade-offs. With Australia’s vast distances and unique shipping demands, each mode serves a specific niche. Match the right method with your cargo type, urgency, and budget to deliver efficiently.

Related Reading

• Air Freight Cost per Kg in Australia

• Top Air Freight Companies in Perth

• The Complete Guide to Air Freight Companies in Australia

• Charter vs Scheduled vs Courier Air Freight

• Dangerous Goods by Air: Compliance Guide