Cut-off time in air freight

Definition

A cut-off time is the deadline by which a shipment must be available at the agreed location with the required documents and status. Cargo, documentation, customs and security cut-offs may differ and depend on the carrier, airport and product.

Why does it matter?

Delivery shortly before departure is not sufficient. Acceptance, checking, screening, build-up, documentation and airline handover still follow. Missing cut-off can cause rebooking, storage and additional cost.

Key points

• Confirm the relevant cut-off in writing with location and time zone.
• Allow lead time for customs, screening and road delays.
• Report package or document changes early.

Practical example

The flight departs in the evening, but cargo cut-off is early afternoon. Collection is planned so checks and security controls finish beforehand.

Common mistakes

• Treating cut-off as scheduled departure time
• Considering the cargo deadline but not the documentation deadline
• Communicating a time without date, location or time zone