Air freight China → LAX basics
Air is faster than ocean, but it is less forgiving about timing and document readiness
If you ship FCA air, your success depends on confirming the named place and cutoffs
What air quotes commonly depend on
Air pricing is often based on chargeable weight, which is driven by
- Actual gross weight
- Dimensional weight (volume converted to weight)
- Service level and airline capacity
- Ready date and cutoff constraints
What to expect operationally
Typical flow
- Supplier delivers to forwarder’s named warehouse
- Forwarder checks in cargo and prepares it for flight
- Air waybill is issued
- Cargo departs and arrives at LAX area
- Clearance and release occur, then cargo moves to commercial delivery if needed
The two cutoffs that matter
- Receiving cutoff
Latest time cargo can arrive at the warehouse for that planned departure - Document cutoff
Latest time correct invoice and packing list must be provided to avoid delay
Common mistakes that cause air delays
- Supplier shows up late to the warehouse
- Cargo is not packed or labeled per warehouse requirements
- Invoice descriptions too vague and require rework
- Weight and dimensions differ from estimate and cause re-quote
How I help
I coordinate the steps so you are not chasing multiple parties
- Document readiness check before booking
- Quote comparison and planning
- Cutoff tracking and milestone updates