Frequently asked questions
-
What does AOG mean in aviation?
AOG means Aircraft on Ground, an emergency where an aircraft cannot fly until a critical part is delivered. -
How fast can an AOG shipment be delivered?
AOG shipments can often be delivered within hours using dedicated road vehicles or the next available flight. -
What is an AOG desk?
An AOG desk is a 24/7 control centre that arranges urgent collection, transport, and delivery of aircraft parts. -
What counts as an AOG emergency?
An AOG emergency is when an aircraft is grounded due to a fault and needs a part immediately to return to service. -
Which industries need AOG support?
AOG support is used by airlines, MROs, leasing companies, and aerospace manufacturers. -
What documents are required for an AOG shipment?
AOG shipments normally need a commercial invoice, packing list, and any export/import clearances. -
How do AOG logistics reduce aircraft downtime?
AOG logistics reduce downtime by providing fast, direct transport that gets the required part to the aircraft as quickly as possible. -
What is an onboard courier (OBC)?
An OBC is a trained courier who hand-carries urgent parts on commercial flights for maximum speed and security. -
What is the difference between AOG and time-critical freight?
AOG is aviation-specific; time-critical freight covers any urgent shipment that must move immediately. -
What is the cost of an AOG shipment?
AOG costs vary by distance and urgency but are higher due to dedicated transport and priority handling.
AOG & Time-Critical Logistics FAQs
-
What does a freight forwarder do?
A freight forwarder manages the planning, transport, and customs process for international shipments. -
How does international shipping work?
International shipping involves collection, export clearance, transport, import clearance, and final delivery. -
What’s the difference between a freight forwarder and a courier?
Couriers deliver small parcels; freight forwarders handle larger cargo, customs, and global logistics. -
Which transport modes can freight forwarders arrange?
They arrange air, road, sea, rail, and multimodal transport. -
How long does international shipping take?
Transit times vary from same-day air to several weeks by sea. -
What documents are needed for international shipping?
You normally need a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document. -
What is customs clearance?
Customs clearance is the process of declaring, inspecting, and approving goods to enter or exit a country. -
Who pays duties and taxes?
Duties and taxes are paid by the importer, unless the chosen Incoterm states otherwise. -
What is an airwaybill?
An airwaybill (AWB) is the contract of carriage for air freight. -
What is a bill of lading?
A bill of lading is a legal document and receipt for sea freight shipments. -
What does Incoterms mean?
Incoterms are international rules that define buyer and seller responsibilities in shipping. -
What are the most common Incoterms?
Common Incoterms include EXW, FCA, CPT, DAP, DDP, and FOB (for sea freight). -
What are the benefits of using a freight forwarder?
Freight forwarders offer expert planning, problem-solving, and global transport solutions. -
What insurance is needed for shipping goods?
Cargo insurance covers loss, damage, or delay during transport. -
What affects freight costs?
Costs depend on weight, size, distance, mode, and urgency.
General Freight Forwarding FAQs
-
What is air freight?
Air freight is the transport of goods by aircraft, usually the fastest international option. -
How fast is air freight?
Air freight can deliver goods same day to a few days, depending on route and schedule. -
Is air freight trackable?
Yes, air freight is tracked using AWB numbers updated at each movement stage. -
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight used to calculate cost. -
What cargo cannot be shipped by air?
Prohibited items include explosives, certain chemicals, and cargo with unsafe packaging.
Air Freight FAQs
-
What is express road freight?
Express road freight uses dedicated vehicles for rapid door-to-door delivery. -
How long does road freight take in Europe?
European road freight typically takes 1–4 days, depending on distance. -
What vehicles are used for road freight?
Common vehicles include small vans, Lutons, 7.5t trucks, and articulated lorries. -
What is a dedicated van delivery?
A dedicated van delivery transports just your cargo, with no stops or sharing.
Road Freight FAQs
-
What is AEO certification?
AEO certification recognises businesses as trusted, secure, and compliant in international trade. -
Do freight forwarders need AEO?
Freight forwarders benefit from AEO because it offers fewer checks and faster customs clearance. -
What is a commercial invoice?
A commercial invoice lists the value, description, and HS codes of the goods. -
What is a packing list?
A packing list details the quantities, weights, and packaging of each item. -
What customs documents are required post-Brexit?
Post-Brexit shipments need export declarations, import declarations, and commodity codes. -
What causes customs delays?
Delays are usually caused by incorrect documents, missing data, or unpaid taxes.
Customs & Compliance FAQs
Supply Chain/Operations FAQs
-
What is supply chain visibility?
Supply chain visibility means being able to track cargo at every stage of its journey. -
What is last-mile delivery?
Last-mile delivery is the final transport leg from the hub to the customer. -
What is a logistics control tower?
A control tower is a team that monitors, manages, and solves issues across shipments in real time. -
How do freight forwarders track shipments?
They track shipments through carrier systems, GPS updates, and milestone scans. -
What is the difference between B2B and B2C shipping?
B2B shipping moves goods between businesses; B2C ships directly to consumers.
Industry-Specific FAQs
-
What is aerospace logistics?
Aerospace logistics manages the movement of aircraft parts, engines, and tools worldwide. -
What is automotive time-critical logistics?
Automotive time-critical logistics prevents production stoppages by delivering urgent vehicle parts. -
How do dangerous goods shipments work?
Dangerous goods must be classified, packaged, labelled, and documented under strict regulations. -
What is temperature-controlled shipping?
Temperature-controlled shipping maintains goods at a constant temperature throughout transit. -
How do freight forwarders ensure cargo security?
Cargo security is maintained through sealed packaging, secure handling, and vetted transport partners.

