Transit time in air freight

Definition

Transit time describes the expected duration of a defined transport leg. Depending on the quotation, it may start at collection, acceptance or departure and end at arrival, availability or delivery. Customs, weekends, connections and local handling may need separate consideration.

Why does it matter?

Two quotations showing “two days transit” are comparable only when their start and end points match. Cut-off, flight schedule, availability and delivery windows also affect planning.

Key points

• State the start, end and calculation basis.
• Distinguish direct flights from connecting services.
• Show customs and delivery time separately when not included.

Practical example

A carrier quotes one day airport to airport. Including collection, export clearance, import release and delivery, planned door-to-door transit is four days.

Common mistakes

• Selling flight time as door-to-door transit
• Ignoring weekends and local holidays
• Treating ETA as guaranteed cargo availability