When speed, security, and cross-border efficiency matter, air freight forwarders are your logistics cornerstone.
Moving goods internationally requires more than just booking a flight—it demands coordination, compliance, and precision. Air freight forwarders specialize in orchestrating the entire air cargo process – from securing space with carriers and managing customs documentation to ensure your shipment arrives safely and on schedule.
In this article, we’ll explore the essential role air freight forwarders play in logistics, how they streamline complex supply chains, and why partnering with the right forwarder can make a measurable difference to your business.
What is an air freight forwarder?
An air freight forwarder is a logistics specialist who arranges the shipment of goods by air. They manage everything from booking cargo space to handling customs documentation, ensuring timely and secure delivery.
While some forwarders focus on ocean freight, air freight forwarders specialize exclusively in air transport, whether it’s via commercial passenger planes or dedicated cargo aircraft. This specialization gives them deeper expertise in air logistics, stronger relationships with regulatory bodies, and often access to more competitive air freight rates. Their knowledge and network help ensure faster, safer, and more efficient cargo movement through the skies.
Looking to better understand the world of air logistics?
Don’t miss our article: What is air cargo?
Bertling – global air freight forwarder
Bertling’s specialized Airfreight Division is your trusted choice when only the best air freight forwarder will do.
We ensure fast, secure, and reliable transport for your time-critical and sensitive shipments. Backed by a global network of dedicated airfreight offices and IATA-certified teams, we provide customized logistics solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Given the complexities involved in modern air transport, ranging from routing and scheduling to budget and cargo specifications, our airfreight experts are committed to identifying the most efficient and cost-effective options for your needs.
Whether it’s full or part charters, urgent deliveries, out-of-gauge cargo, or seasonal capacity challenges, we provide flexible and dependable solutions to ensure your freight reaches its destination safely, on time, and with complete transparency.
Our air freight products:
We offer five specialized air freight products, each tailored to different transport needs and timeframes.
1. B.Express
This is our fastest airfreight service to meet your urgent transportation needs in the destination country with the highest priority.
2. B.Prio
This is our reliable airfreight service operated on direct flight connections whenever and wherever possible.
3. B.Essential
This is our most convenient airfreight service, combining transit time and transport time in line with your requirements.
4. B.Cargo
This is our freighter solutions for heavy-weight, oversized airfreight cargoes and dedicated charters.
5. B.Green
This is our sustainable airfreight service, which we offer in close partnership with Airlines with sustainable programs
Thanks to strong partnerships with leading commercial airlines, cargo operators, and charter providers worldwide, we’re able to adapt quickly when disruptions arise, such as in times of crisis, like the Red Sea shipping crisis, and shift transport modes to keep your supply chain moving.
Also read: How can air freight improve supply chain optimization?
What are the benefits of air freight forwarding?
Air freight forwarding offers several advantages that make it an ideal solution for businesses with high demands on speed, reliability, and global reach. Let's walk you through some of them.
1. Speed and efficiency
Air transport is the fastest mode of shipping available, making it perfect for time-sensitive or perishable goods. Companies can ensure their products reach their destination quickly and on schedule.
2. Global reach
With access to international air routes, air freight forwarding enables seamless shipping to virtually any location in the world.
3. High security
Shipments handled by air are managed in secure, controlled environments, minimizing the risk of damage, theft, or loss.
4. Real-time tracking
Modern air freight forwarders provide advanced tracking systems that allow businesses to monitor their shipments in real time, ensuring transparency and peace of mind throughout the logistics process.
Discover additional benefits in our article: Top 10 advantages of shipping goods by air
You think air freight is always pricier? – Think again
Air shipments are widely recognized for their speed and reliability compared to ocean freight. But what often surprises shippers is that air transport can also be the more cost-effective option, depending on the nature of the cargo.
The key difference lies in how pricing is structured. Ocean freight costs are typically based on the volume of the shipment, while air freight is priced primarily according to weight. Additionally, ocean carriers often require minimum volume or weight thresholds, which may not suit all shipments.
As a result, for large and heavy cargo, ocean transport is usually the more economical choice. However, for smaller, lighter, or time-critical shipments, air freight can actually be the better—and cheaper—solution.
The real value lies in identifying the optimal balance. By evaluating your cargo’s weight, size, urgency, and destination, you can determine which mode offers the greatest efficiency and cost savings for your specific needs.
Curious how shipping costs are calculated?
Read our guide: How do you calculate shipping costs?
Explore more of Bertling´s services
At Bertling, we understand that air freight isn't always the most suitable solution. As a global logistics provider, we’re committed to offering smart, sustainable transport options without compromising on reliability or service quality.
In addition to our air freight forwarding expertise, we offer a full range of multimodal logistics solutions—including road, rail, and sea freight—to ensure your cargo reaches its destination safely, efficiently, and on time. Whether you're shipping from China to USA, or anywhere in between, our flexible, end-to-end services are designed to meet your unique transport requirements.