What Are the Restrictions on Shipping Dimensions for Air Cargo?

International air transport has become a core logistics choice for B2B companies and cross-border e-commerce sellers due to its fast timeliness and wide coverage. However, the size restrictions on international air transport are often a major pain point for sellers. Every year, more than 30% of customers face additional costs or return risks due to excessive dimensions.

This article will focus on hot topics such as shipping dimensions and provide sellers with comprehensive analysis and feasible solutions from the perspective of professional fulfillment agent service providers.

International air transport is a fast, efficient and safe logistics method, but it has strict restrictions on the size and weight of goods. These restrictions are set by airlines based on aircraft models, cargo compartment dimensions and safety regulations. Understanding these restrictions can help you avoid shipping delays, reduce additional costs, and ensure that goods pass security checks and loading smoothly.

Overview of size restrictions for international air shipments

The size restrictions for international air cargo vary depending on factors such as airlines, aircraft models and routes. But generally speaking, the following size restrictions are more common:

Length restriction

The length limit of a single piece of air cargo is usually 3 meters. For some special goods such as pianos and furniture, the length limit can be relaxed to 4 meters. But please note that this length limit also includes the length of the packaging.

Width restriction

The width limit of air cargo is usually 1.5 meters. For wider goods, they can be packaged by splitting or folding to meet the requirements of air transportation.

Height restriction

The height limit of air cargo is usually 1.8 meters. For goods with a height exceeding 1.8 meters, special treatment is required, such as splitting or tilting.

Space utilization

The aircraft cargo hold has strict restrictions on the length, width and height of a single piece of cargo (usually ≤300cm on one side). Oversized goods may be rejected or required to be disassembled.

Volume weight billing

Air freight charges are calculated based on the higher value of volumetric weight and actual weight. The formula is: length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm)/6000. For example, a box with dimensions of 120×80×60cm has a volume weight of 96kg, far exceeding the actual weight of 50kg, and the freight will be charged as 96kg.

Ground handling safety

Oversized cargo may not be able to pass through airport security machines, conveyor belts and other facilities, resulting in delays.

In addition, the outer packaging of the goods should be firm, not exposed, and meet international transportation standards. It is best to use export wooden boxes (such as plywood, mixed boards, etc.) because many countries have restrictions on original wooden boxes.

Core strategy for international air transport size compliance

Standardized packaging grading management

Grade A (standard parts): length + width + height ≤ 420cm, single side ≤ 300cm → applicable to general cargo rates

Grade B (oversized parts): single side 300-500cm → need to declare 3 working days in advance, 20%-50% surcharge

Grade C (special parts): single side > 500cm → only available for charter transportation, need to negotiate separately

Non-wide-body aircraft

Weight limit: each piece of cargo generally does not exceed 80 kg.

Dimension limit: the volume generally does not exceed 40 cm × 60 cm × 100 cm.

Wide-body aircraft

Weight limit: each piece of cargo generally does not exceed 250 kg.

Dimension limit: the volume generally does not exceed 100 cm × 100 cm × 140 cm.

Minimum size

The sum of the length, width and height of the cargo must not be less than 40 cm.

Oversized cargo

For oversized cargo, special handling and transportation arrangements may be required, which usually involve additional costs and complex operations.

Some airlines may also have specific restrictions on the length, width or height of a single piece of cargo. For example, the length of a single piece of cargo cannot exceed 3 meters, the width is usually limited to about 1 meter to 1.5 meters, and the height generally cannot exceed 1.6 meters.

Intelligent pre-qualification system to avoid risks

Chinadivision customers can use the online size pre-qualification tool for free, upload cargo photos or size data, and get real-time feedback on whether it meets the requirements of the target route, and recommend the most cost-effective carrier.

Special requirements for key markets

US: FAA stipulates that a single piece weighing ≥68kg must be labeled "Heavy"

EU: Cargo with a single side ≥160cm must provide a loading and unloading plan

Middle East: Cargo with a length, width and height of ≥400cm is required to purchase additional insurance

For oversized cargo that exceeds the standard limit, how to ensure smooth transportation?

For oversized cargo, sellers need to contact the airline in advance to understand the specific transportation regulations and requirements. Special transportation methods and packaging measures may be required, such as loading with pallets or containers. As a professional international fulfillment service provider, ChinaDivision has rich experience in transporting oversized goods and can provide sellers with customized transportation solutions.

What should I do if the length and width of the goods are within the limit, but the weight exceeds the limit?

For goods that exceed the weight limit, sellers need to carry out special handling according to the requirements of the airline, such as transporting in batches or using heavy aircraft. ChinaDivision can provide sellers with the best transportation plan based on the actual situation of the goods to ensure that the goods can be transported smoothly.

Different countries have different size restrictions on air cargo. How to ensure that the goods can pass customs smoothly?

Before shipping, sellers need to understand the size restrictions of the destination country for air cargo, and package and mark them accordingly. ChinaDivision has a global logistics network and professional team, which can provide sellers with relevant regulations and policy consultations in the destination country to ensure that the goods can pass customs smoothly.

How to avoid transportation delays caused by size restrictions?

1. Plan in advance

Before shipping, confirm with the airline or freight forwarder whether the size and weight of the goods meet the requirements.

2. Optimize packaging

Use appropriate packaging materials to ensure the safety of the goods during transportation.

3. Reserve time

For oversized or overweight goods, reserve enough time for security inspection and special handling.

4. Real-time tracking

Use advanced logistics management systems to track the status of cargo transportation in real time to ensure that the goods are delivered on time.

ChinaDivision's feasible solutions

As a professional international fulfillment service provider, ChinaDivision is committed to providing a full range of logistics solutions for b2b companies and e-commerce sellers. In response to the size restrictions of international air shipments, ChinaDivision provides the following feasible solutions:

Customized packaging services

According to the size, weight and nature of the goods, provide sellers with customized packaging solutions to ensure the safety and stability of the goods during transportation.

Global logistics network

With a logistics network covering more than 220 countries and regions around the world, it can provide sellers with a variety of transportation methods and route options to ensure that the goods can be delivered to the destination quickly and accurately.

Professional customs declaration team

With a professional customs declaration team, familiar with the laws and policies of customs in various countries, it can provide sellers with efficient and accurate customs declaration services to ensure that the goods can pass customs smoothly.

One-stop service

Provide one-stop service from order management, inventory management, packaging labeling to last-mile delivery, saving sellers time and energy and improving operational efficiency.

FAQs and answers

How to determine whether the size of the goods exceeds the standard?

Sellers can use professional measuring tools to measure the length, width and height of the goods and compare them with the size restrictions of the airline. If necessary, you can ask ChinaDivision's professional team to assist in measurement and evaluation.

If the size of the goods exceeds the standard, will it be rejected by the airline?

If the size of the goods exceeds the standard, the airline may refuse to transport or require the seller to take special handling measures. Therefore, sellers need to understand the airline's size restrictions before shipping, and package and label accordingly. If necessary, you can ask ChinaDivision to provide customized transportation solutions.

How to reduce the additional costs caused by size issues?

Sellers can reduce the additional costs caused by size issues by optimizing packaging design, choosing appropriate transportation methods and routes, etc. At the same time, working with professional international fulfillment service providers such as ChinaDivision can also get more favorable transportation prices and better service experience.

Size restrictions for international air freight shipments are a significant issue for b2b companies and e-commerce sellers. By understanding air freight size restrictions and optimizing shipping dimensions, companies can avoid expensive oversize charges, reduce delays, and improve fulfillment efficiency. Need help with air freight and warehouse distribution? Contact ChinaDivision today for professional package size optimization and international distribution solutions!