Frequently Asked Questions About Air Freight
Real answers from our Shenzhen team to the questions importers ask most about shipping air cargo from China to Ukraine, Poland and the UK — pricing, customs, batteries, minimum weight and more.
Pricing
Pricing & Hidden Fees
How is air freight priced from China?
Air freight is charged on the chargeable weight — the greater of gross weight or volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 6000 per carton) — multiplied by the per-kilo rate. As an indicative guide, 100kg+ general cargo runs from roughly USD 4.5/kg to Ukraine and about USD 5–6/kg to Poland and the UK. Rates vary by weight, density, season and fuel surcharges, so treat all numbers on this site as indicative, not quotes.
Are there any hidden fees in your quote?
No. Our quote is itemised: air rate, fuel, pickup, export, customs and delivery are shown separately, and a DDP quote already includes duties and VAT. The only extras are optional choices you make — wooden crating, remote-area delivery or cargo insurance — and we confirm those with you before booking. See our no-hidden-fees pricing policy.
Transit
Transit Time & Booking
How long does air freight take from China?
Typical door-to-door transit is 5–7 working days to Ukraine and 4–6 working days to Poland and the UK (indicative). Booking and paperwork add 1–2 working days. For urgent lightweight parcels, express courier (DHL/UPS/FedEx) is faster but costs more per kilo. Full details: transit time guide.
How do I place an order with UTEC?
Send us weight, dimensions, commodity and destination by the quote form or email. We reply within 2 working hours with an itemised quote; on approval we book pickup, handle export and import, and deliver to your door. The whole journey is a transparent five-step process.
Customs
Customs Clearance & DDP
Who handles customs clearance at destination?
On DDP / dual-clearance shipments we handle both export and import clearance and settle duties and VAT on your behalf. On DDU / Ex-Works terms, you or your broker clear the import, and we supply the full document pack — invoice, packing list, air waybill and HS code support. More: customs clearance guide.
What does DDP (dual-clearance) mean?
DDP means Delivered Duty Paid: one all-in price covering freight, export and import clearance, duties, VAT and final delivery to your door. "Dual clearance" (双清) means we arrange customs on both sides in a single booking — popular with buyers who do not hold a local import licence.
Cargo rules
Batteries, Minimum Weight & Oversize
Can you ship batteries and other dangerous goods?
Yes, compliantly. Lithium-ion batteries, power banks and VRLA/UPS batteries are handled under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations with correct documentation — UN38.3 test summaries, MSDS and the shipper's DG declaration. Battery shipping guide → Prohibited items are never accepted.
Is there a 100kg minimum weight?
We specialise in bulk 100kg+ cargo, and our most competitive rates start there. That said, smaller shipments are still welcome — either consolidated onto our bulk lanes or sent by express courier for urgent small parcels. There is no penalty for asking.
Can you ship oversize or heavy cargo?
Yes. Palletised, wooden-crated and oversize pieces are our specialty. Airline size and weight limits apply and dimensional weight is charged, so we always compare air against sea or rail for cargo that is too large to fly economically.
Which items are prohibited to ship by air?
Drugs, weapons, ammunition, counterfeit goods, live animals, undeclared cash and other illegal or security-sensitive items are never accepted. Many restricted goods (liquids, magnets, powder) are fine with correct DG paperwork. Check what can I ship first.
Safety
Cargo Protection & Choosing a Forwarder
What happens if my cargo is lost or damaged?
Compensation follows IATA / Montreal Convention liability limits, calculated on the chargeable weight. For high-value shipments we recommend optional all-risk insurance. Report any loss or damage within 7 days with photos and the waybill. Full policy: cargo protection & compensation.
How do I verify a freight forwarder is legitimate?
Ask for business registration documents, warehouse photos, customer references and a physical office address. Be wary of forwarders who use only a WhatsApp number and quote far below market rates. We gladly share our Shenzhen (Bao'an) registration and warehouse details on request — see how to verify a forwarder.
Compliance note: batteries, liquids, magnets and other sensitive goods move only with complete, correct documentation under IATA DGR. We never promise to ship prohibited items. Rates and transit times on this page are indicative.
Still Have a Question?
Email info@euairc.com or WhatsApp +86 137-0000-0000 — we reply within 2 working hours.