Question 1

What is chargeable weight, and why is my quote based on it?

Accepted Answer

Airlines bill the greater of two numbers: your shipment's actual gross weight, and its volumetric (dimensional) weight. Volumetric weight is calculated as length x width x height in centimeters, divided by 6,000, which gives a figure in kilograms. So a light but bulky pallet can have a chargeable weight far higher than what it weighs on a scale, because it takes up space the airline cannot sell to anyone else. We always quote on the chargeable weight and show you both numbers so there are no surprises.

Question 2

How do express air and consolidated air differ on cost and transit?

Accepted Answer

Express (next-flight-out or priority) books your cargo on the first available departure with priority handling, so it typically clears origin to destination airport in 1 to 3 days, at the highest rate per kilogram. Consolidated (deferred) air groups your shipment with others on fixed schedules, which adds a day or two for build-up and deconsolidation but lowers the per-kilogram cost, usually landing in 4 to 7 days. We quote both on most lanes so you can trade speed against budget.

Question 3

Can you ship dangerous goods by air?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within the limits of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Many items move by air with the right paperwork, including lithium batteries, aerosols, and certain chemicals, but quantities and packaging are tightly controlled and some classes are forbidden on passenger aircraft. You provide a Safety Data Sheet and we prepare the Dangerous Goods Declaration, confirm the proper shipping name, UN number, and packing group, and route the cargo on an aircraft that accepts it. Email your SDS to sales@gatewaylines.com for a feasibility check and rate.

Question 4

Do you handle perishables and pharmaceuticals by air?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Air is often the right mode for high-value perishables and temperature-sensitive pharma because total transit is short. We arrange temperature-controlled handling, cool-dolly transfers on the tarmac where available, and active or passive cold-chain packaging, and we can run Good Distribution Practice (GDP) lanes for pharma. Tell us the product, the temperature range, and the regulatory regime at booking and we match the handling and documentation to it.

Question 5

When does air beat ocean?

Accepted Answer

Air wins on three factors: value density, urgency, and perishability. If the goods are high value relative to their weight (electronics, pharma, fashion launches), the faster cash cycle and lower insurance and inventory cost can offset the higher freight rate. If a line is down or a shelf date is fixed, the 1 to 7 day air transit beats 20 to 40 days by sea. And if the cargo will not survive a long ocean voyage, air is the only realistic option. For dense, low-value, time-flexible cargo, ocean is still cheaper per kilogram.

Question 6

Can I charter an entire aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For outsized pieces that will not fit a standard lower-deck container, for full-planeload volumes, or for aircraft-on-ground and emergency situations, we arrange dedicated charters on the right airframe, from narrow-body freighters up to main-deck widebodies. Charters give you a custom schedule and direct routing with no consolidation. They are quoted per flight because the rate depends on aircraft type, route, fuel, and permits, so contact us with the cargo dimensions, weight, and timing.

Question 7

What is TSA screening and known-shipper status?

Accepted Answer

Cargo flown into or within the United States must be security-screened before it is loaded. For shipments on passenger aircraft this is handled under the TSA framework, and freight from an established, vetted shipper (a known shipper) moves through screening with less friction than freight from an unknown party. We tender your cargo through screening as part of the airport handover, and if you ship by air regularly we can guide you on establishing known-shipper status to speed up the process.

Question 8

Do you quote door-to-door or just airport-to-airport?

Accepted Answer

Both. Airport-to-airport (the air freight leg plus the Air Waybill and screening) is the base rate. Add origin pickup if you need collection at the factory or warehouse, and destination delivery for the final mile to your door, and we will fold customs entry and brokerage in where you need it. Pickup and delivery are quoted per lane and zip code since trucking rates vary by distance and access, so you see one all-in number before you book.

Air freight.
When hours matter.

Five steps from
cargo ready to door.

Quote

Book + Pickup

Tender + Screen

Flight

Clear + Deliver

Pick your speed.

Express

Consolidated

Charter

Chargeable weight, explained.

The volumetric formula

A worked example

Air or ocean, which one?

Choose air freight

Choose ocean freight

Cargo that needs more than a hold.

Dangerous Goods

Perishables

Pharma & GDP

High-Value

What's in your air freight rate.

Included in the rate

Optional add-ons

Documents you'll need.

Commercial Invoice

Packing List

Air Waybill

Dangerous Goods Declaration

Certificate of Origin

MSDS / SDS

Major air lanes we fly.

Everything else about air freight.

Latest updates.

Time-critical cargo. On the next flight out.

Air freight.When hours matter.

Five steps fromcargo ready to door.