How air freight works at A1
A1's published prices and the calculator cover ocean LCL only. Air freight is a service we arrange case by case: you email us the shipment details, we check the route and the cargo with airline partners, and if we can offer it we reply with a written quote. We publish no air rates and no transit times, because both depend on the airline, the airports, the cargo and the day of booking; any figure on a web page would be a guess.
When air makes sense
Air suits shipments that are urgent, light for their value, or too small to justify weeks at sea: spare parts for a stopped machine, samples for a deadline, or goods a buyer needs this month. For boxes of belongings and for pallets of ordinary goods, ocean LCL is usually far cheaper, and its price is known at once in the calculator.
What to send for an air quote
- Origin city in Canada and destination city and country (the airport, if you know it).
- Number of pieces, the packed dimensions of each piece and the gross weight.
- What the goods are, their value, and whether they are commercial cargo or personal effects.
- When the cargo is ready, and any deadline at destination.
- Whether anything contains batteries, liquids, magnets or chemicals.
Email it to [email protected] with the subject "Air freight quote request", or use the contact form.
Weight and size in air cargo
Airlines charge by the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is greater; the volumetric weight is commonly calculated at 6,000 cubic centimetres per kilogram. A light but bulky carton can therefore be charged as if it were much heavier. Measure and weigh the packed pieces before you ask, as described in how to measure freight for a quote.
What A1 does not do
- No instant air price and no air rates on the site.
- No courier, express or parcel service.
- No pickup: if we quote, the quote says where the cargo is delivered.
- No dangerous goods: batteries, aerosols, flammables and other regulated cargo are not quoted.
- No promised flight dates or transit times before the airline confirms the booking.
Shipping by sea instead
For most shipments from Canada the ocean is the practical choice: personal effects for a move or boxes for family, commercial cargo for cartons and pallets of goods, priced instantly to 88 countries. See all shipping destinations A–Z.
Questions and answers
How much does air freight from Canada cost?
A1 has no published air freight rates. Each request is priced individually with airline partners, so send the details by email and we reply with a quote when we can offer one.
Can I get an instant air freight price in the calculator?
No. The calculator covers ocean LCL only. For air, email the route, pieces, dimensions, weight and contents.
Does A1 offer courier or express parcel service?
No. A1 does not offer courier, express or parcel service, and does not pick up.