Difference between international express and international air freight

For international air freight and international express, we subconsciously feel that they should be the same thing. Let's explain in detail some of the differences between international express delivery and international air transportation.
1. Applicable objects are different
Small batches of goods less than 45 kilograms generally go by international express.
Large quantities of goods greater than 45 kg are usually shipped by international air.
2. Different transport entities
The main body of international air transport is major airlines and freight companies, such as Air China, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Northwest Airlines, etc. The freight company transports the goods you want to consign to the designated destination through these international airlines.
The main body of international express delivery is major express companies, such as China Post EMS, DHL, DHL, UPS, FEDEX and other major international express companies.
3. Different delivery methods
International air transport: from airport to airport, or when the goods are delivered to the airport and then cooperate with the logistics vehicle designated by the freight company to complete the air delivery.
International express: door to door.
4. Service content is different
International air freight: the consignor delivers the goods to the airport, and the destination consignee or his agent picks up the goods at the airport warehouse, clears customs, and picks up the goods, excluding customs duties.
International express delivery: the express company collects the package, declares and clears customs, and includes delivery, excluding the customs duties of the destination country.
5. The time limit is different
International Express: 3-5 days under normal circumstances.
International air freight: If the flight is normal and the shipping space is arranged smoothly, if it is a direct flight, it will arrive within one day; if it is a transit, it will usually arrive within 2-4 days. The speed of timeliness is mainly determined by the efficiency and strength of the transportation company, the schedule of airport flights and the speed of customs clearance at the destination.
6. Different methods of tracking goods
International air freight: Use the bill of lading number to inquire on the airline's website, or inquire through the freight company's own website.
International Express: Use the waybill number provided by the international express company to track and inquire on the express company website.
7. Different document requirements
International Air Freight: It is usually necessary to provide customs declaration power of attorney, export declaration documents, invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin and other documents for customs clearance. Basically, each ticket must be formally declared.
International express delivery: Generally, a lot of goods are declared at the customs at the same time, and only one invoice is required through the express customs declaration channel, so the customs declaration procedures are more convenient. If it is goods, commercial invoices and customs declarations are also required, and other supporting documents are required for special goods.