Airfreight Crosstrades. From Country to Country, Managed from the Netherlands
Goods that need to go from China to Brazil, or from India to the US, without passing through the Netherlands? Aircargo.nl fully coordinates your crosstrade shipment from Aalsmeer. One point of contact, one invoice, global coordination.
In a crosstrade, also known as a triangular shipment or third-country shipment, the paying party is located in a different country than both the country of origin and the country of destination.
The goods move directly from country A to country B, while Aircargo.nl coordinates the entire logistics from the Netherlands. This is a commonly used setup for international trading companies, importers, and exporters aiming to optimize their supply chain without intermediate storage or double handling costs.
Advantages of airfreight crosstrades via Aircargo.nl:
- Goods move directly from origin to destination — no unnecessary detour through the Netherlands
- Lower costs thanks to shorter routes and less handling
- One fixed point of contact and one invoice — regardless of how many countries are involved
- Coordination of documentation in all involved countries via our agent network
- Option for neutral shipping — manufacturer remains invisible to the end customer if desired
- Full track & trace also for crosstrade shipments
Neutral Airfreight Crosstrade, Manufacturer Shielded
Don’t want your customer to know which manufacturer you’re sourcing from? We can handle your crosstrade shipment neutrally. Our agent in the country of origin issues the original AWB with the manufacturer’s name. Aircargo.nl replaces this with a Switch AWB showing only your details as shipper. Your procurement relationships stay confidential — your customer only sees what you want them to see.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crosstrades
What is the difference between crosstrade and regular export?
With regular export, the shipment departs from the Netherlands. With a crosstrade, the shipment departs from another country — we coordinate from the Netherlands, but the goods themselves don’t need to enter the Netherlands. This saves time, costs, and unnecessary handling.
Is crosstrade airfreight more expensive than regular airfreight?
Not necessarily. Because goods go directly from A to B without intermediate handling, crosstrades can actually be cheaper than the alternative where goods first come to the Netherlands. We always calculate the most efficient route for you.
How does customs work for a crosstrade shipment?
For a crosstrade shipment, customs formalities take place in the country of origin and the country of destination — not in the Netherlands. Our global network of certified agents ensures that local customs clearance in both countries is handled correctly and on time.
What types of companies benefit from crosstrades?
Crosstrades are especially interesting for international trading companies, importers who supply customers outside the Netherlands, and businesses buying in Asia and directly delivering to customers in North America, Africa, or the Middle East — without first bringing goods to the Netherlands.
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