International Air Freight Services

TRASKO provides professional services for organizing commercial cargo transportation by air. Air freight is the purchase of cargo space on board a passenger, cargo, or charter aircraft for the express delivery of goods over long distances.

We build international import and export routes in strict compliance with aviation regulations, terminal handling requirements, and customs legislation. Thanks to many years of experience working with leading global airlines, commercial shipments are dispatched without delays at transit airports.

As part of the service, corporate clients have access to Door-to-Door cargo delivery, export documentation preparation, customs clearance by in-house declarants, and cargo insurance with full risk coverage.

Air Freight Cost: What Affects the Price

The budget for air logistics is calculated individually for each shipment. The final air freight cost is influenced by the following factors:

1. Weight and dimensional characteristics: airlines calculate the tariff based on the greater value between the actual weight on the scales and the volumetric weight (when a light but bulky cargo occupies a lot of chargeable space).

2. Route and flight type: direct flights cost more, while transit routes with transshipment allow savings. The tariff also depends on the choice between a scheduled flight and an individual charter.

3. Airline surcharges: the base rate per kilogram is always supplemented by a fuel surcharge and an aviation security surcharge.

4. Nature of cargo: standard (general) cargo is charged according to the base rate grid, while dangerous, perishable, or valuable goods require surcharges for specialized handling.

5. Additional services: terminal handling at the airport warehouse, local cargo pickup by truck, customs clearance, and packaging.

Who Is This Service For

Air delivery from TRASKO is aimed at the corporate business segment (B2B) where speed, security, and predictability matter:

• Importers of high-tech goods: electronics, server equipment, optics, and precision instruments requiring careful handling and minimal risk of theft or damage.

• Manufacturing enterprises: when urgent delivery of spare parts or components is needed to prevent production line shutdowns.

• Pharmaceutical and medical companies: for delivering medications with strict shelf life and temperature control requirements.

• Foreign trade participants: when working with product samples before purchasing large shipments from China, India, or Southeast Asian countries.

Key Capabilities of TRASKO

• Global coverage: organizing export-import air shipments to Russia from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

• Multimodal solutions: combining air and road transport for delivery to Russian regions remote from major aviation hubs.

• Shipment consolidation: partner warehouses abroad allow us to combine small cargo loads (LCL/LTL in road and sea terminology, consolidation in aviation) into a single shipment to reduce the cost per kilogram.

• Direct contracts: working with international airlines without unnecessary intermediaries provides access to the best rates and guaranteed cargo space on flights.

• Customs representation: in-house customs departments at all key airports (Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and regional hubs) ensure same-day cargo release.

What Documents Are Required for Air Cargo Transportation

Air transport is characterized by strict documentary control. The basic set of documents to start an international shipment includes:

• Commercial invoice indicating the value and terms of delivery

• Detailed packing list with exact gross/net weights and dimensions of each cargo piece

• Air Waybill (AWB) — the main document confirming the contract of carriage. Issued by the freight forwarder

• For specific goods: certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Expert Tips from TRASKO: How to Optimize Freight Costs

Rule #1: Monitor the Volumetric Weight

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) standard applies in aviation: 1 cubic meter equals 167 kilograms. If your packaging contains a lot of "air" (for example, the product sits in an oversized box), you will overpay for volume. Ask your suppliers to pack goods as tightly as possible.

Rule #2: Use the Rate Grid

Airlines reduce the cost per kilogram as the shipment weight increases. Discount thresholds typically occur at 45 kg, 100 kg, 300 kg, and so on. Sometimes adding a few extra boxes to move into the "over 100 kg" category and get a lower rate is more cost-effective than shipping 95 kg at a high base rate.

Rule #3: Choose the Right Terminal in Russia

Cargo pieces weighing over 80 kg are classified as heavyweight. Terminal handling fees at arrival airports for such pieces are always 10–15% higher. Where possible, at the supplier's loading stage, split machinery and equipment into several crates weighing up to 80 kg each.

How We Organize Transportation

1. Request analysis, volumetric weight calculation, and assessment of provided documents.

2. Restriction checks, optimal route selection, and rate comparison across different airlines.

3. Booking cargo space on board, picking up goods from the sender's warehouse, and completing export customs procedures.

4. Physical flight and aircraft movement monitoring.

5. Arrival, terminal handling, assistance with customs clearance in Russia, and release (or delivery to the client's warehouse by truck).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)