Machines & Parts by Air Freight to America

Why ship machines & parts by air freight?

Machines and industrial parts are heavy and large — not usually the first thing that comes to mind for air freight. Still, air freight is often the best option for these goods for three reasons:

1. Downtime costs more than shipping — A production line that is down due to a failed part often costs €5,000–50,000 per day in lost revenue. The extra cost of air freight versus sea freight is negligible in comparison.

2. Value versus weight — Precision parts (CNC tools, hydraulic pumps, servo motors) carry a high value per kilogram. Air freight rates are reasonable relative to their value.

3. Time-critical projects — For installations, commissioning, or repairs when technicians are on standby, delays are unacceptable. Air freight guarantees arrival time certainty.

Exporting to the United States

The US is the world’s largest importer and a top destination for Dutch exporters. Schiphol offers daily direct cargo flights to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL), with a flight time of approximately 9 hours. Due to the large capacity, air freight rates to the US are generally competitive.

US Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

US customs require a correct Airway Bill, commercial invoice, and packing list for every shipment. Shipments over $800 require a formal customs entry (ISF filing). Electronics, pharmaceuticals, and dual-use goods may require additional licenses, such as an EAR export license or FDA registration of the manufacturer.

What you need to know

• Lithium batteries are subject to IATA DGR rules — always notify in advance
• Certain goods fall under EAR (Export Administration Regulations) and require a BIS license
• The US has no VAT but does impose customs duties — your buyer pays these upon import
• ISF 10+2 filing is mandatory for sea freight; for air freight, AMS (Advance Manifest System) applies

Aircargo.nl handles complete export documentation to the US and has established relationships with US customs agents at all major hubs.

Key considerations for machines & parts

Weight and dimensions

Machines and heavy parts often exceed standard air freight size or weight limits. Shipments over 500 kg per piece or with oversized dimensions require special freighter flights or dedicated space on cargo aircraft. Aircargo.nl has access to freighters from KLM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, and other carriers for oversized cargo.

Detailed packing list

Machines typically have complex assemblies: multiple parts, materials, and values. A detailed and accurate packing list is essential for customs clearance, especially for destinations with high import duties on capital goods (India, Brazil).

AOG situations

When a machine production process stops due to a broken part, every minute counts. Aircargo.nl operates a 24/7 AOG desk for time-critical machine parts — from booking to delivery on the production floor.