Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Air Freight

Our global network and associations with over 350 other independent freight forwarders in more than 95 countries, means that we can find the shortest, quickest and safest air freight route for your goods to reach their destination.

Our Air Freight Services

Mercator uses reliable and reputable airlines treating each shipment with individual care and attention. Our air freight forwarder services are tailor-made to your requirements and particular arrangements can be made where necessary for the following freight and services:

Mercator is a UK based freight forwarder that has been providing air freight shipping services for over thirty years and has a dedicated team familiar in all aspects of organising air freight and customs procedures across the globe.

Air Freight Forwarding

Mercator provides fast, reliable, cost-effective air freight forwarder services from all major airports worldwide.

Please contact us or complete the form below to allow a freight forwarder from the Mercator team find the most suitable type of air freight service for your cargo, offer advice and answer any questions you may have.

Any Destination

Globe Logo

Import & Export

Shipping from Logo

Door to Door

Air Freight FAQ.

Chargeable weight for air freight shipments is either based on the volume of the shipment, or the gross weight – whichever is larger.  Generally, if you have a heavy but small shipment, the actual weight will be chargeable.  Conversely, if your shipment is large but lightweight, the volume will be chargeable.  The volumetric weight is calculated by dividing the cubic meters by 0.006.

For example, 1 pallet measuring 1.4m x 1.0m x 0.9m = 1.26 cubic meters.  Divided by 0.006 = 210: the volumetric weight is 210kg.  If this pallet, for example, weighs 100kg, then 210kg is the chargeable weight as it is greater than the actual weight.

As standard air freight tends to transit on commercial passenger aircraft.  There are exceptions to this rule including the height of the shipment.  If your air freight shipment is over 160cm in height, then it will need to be scheduled onto a cargo aircraft.

Yes, we regularly handle air freight of dangerous goods both as imports into the UK and exports from the UK.  We have a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor who is expert in the field, offering help and advice with matters such as correct packaging procedures, classification and paperwork required.

Yes, unless the shipment requires special handling, such as an anomaly with the weight or dimensions, requiring temperature control or specific classification of dangerous goods.  Around 60 per cent of air freight is transported in the hold of passenger aircraft.