Freight Forwarding · Air freight
Air freight, booked to your deadline.
For cargo that has to arrive on a set date. As an IATA member, we book directly with any airline and choose the service around your shipment.
How we approach air freight
The first question is what matters most: the lowest price, or a guaranteed arrival date.
If price leads, a consolidated service usually gives the best rate. If engineers are waiting on site for a specific date, a must-ride booking gives the strongest guarantee that the cargo arrives on time.
Because we book directly with the airlines, we are not tied to one carrier’s schedule. That lets us match the service to each shipment — from express movements to full freighter charters.
What's included
Air services we arrange.
Direct airline shipments
Booked straight with the carrier for control over routing, timing and handling.
Consolidated shipments
Your cargo shares space with other shippers for the lowest rate on less urgent freight.
Freighter shipments
Cargo-only aircraft for freight too large, heavy or restricted for passenger holds.
Dangerous goods
Hazardous cargo classified, packed, labelled and documented to IATA regulations.
Imports, exports & cross-trade
Shipments into and out of the UK, and between third countries without touching the UK.
Door-to-door
Collection, airport handling, flight, clearance and final delivery managed as one service.
Why Peters & May
Booked around the deadline
We ask when the cargo is actually needed, then book the service that meets that date — not the one that is easiest to sell.
The right aircraft for the cargo
From express to chartered flights, the size and nature of your cargo decides the service.
Worldwide agent network
Trusted agents at origin and destination handle the ground end, so the shipment does not stall on arrival.
Speak to the team
Air freight enquiries.
Office hours Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm (UK).
All offices & contact details →Air freight FAQs
Common questions
Do you offer door-to-door delivery for air freight?
Yes. We handle the whole shipment, from collection to final delivery.
How should I prepare my cargo for air freight?
Pack it securely, label it clearly and send it with the right documentation. If you are unsure what is needed, tell us what you are shipping and we will advise.
Is air freight more expensive than sea or road?
Generally, yes. For urgent or high-value shipments it can still be the most cost-effective option once time on the road or at sea is taken into account.
Can you handle customs clearance for air shipments?
Yes. Our customs team prepares and lodges the declarations so the shipment complies with the relevant regulations.
How fast is air freight?
It is the fastest method for international freight. Transit time depends on flight schedules and destination; we confirm it when we quote.
What is the maximum weight and size?
Limits vary by aircraft type and destination. Send us the dimensions and weight and we will confirm what is possible.
Often booked with
Tell us what you're moving.
Commodity, dimensions, weight, origin, destination and ready date are enough to start. We'll recommend the route and method, and explain why.