International Express vs. International Air Freight

1. Different concepts. Express means a logistics company delivers documents or parcels from sender to recipient door-to-door within a committed time. International express is express between two or more countries, most commonly by air. International air freight (general cargo) refers to moving goods and mail between countries by aircraft.

2. Different operators. International express is run by courier companies such as UPS, FedEx and DHL. International air freight is run by airlines and cargo companies such as Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines.

3. Different services. Express mainly carries letters, high-value products and personal items, with the courier managing the full chain for a door-to-door result. Air freight handles general and large cargo, usually received by a forwarder and delivered to the airport cargo terminal; consignees collect at the destination airport unless door delivery is arranged in advance.

4. Different clearance. Couriers generally provide customs clearance; air freight customers usually clear themselves or appoint a clearance agent.

5. Charging. Air freight charges the greater of volumetric and actual weight (L × W × H in cm ÷ 6000). DHL, UPS, TNT and FedEx use the same method; only EMS charges by actual weight regardless of volume.