When time matters most, Metropolitan Logistics delivers. Our air freight forwarding solutions are designed for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive cargo that needs to move quickly, safely, and with precision — anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re shipping high-priority goods across continents or restocking critical inventory, air cargo services provide unmatched speed and security. We offer:
We handle a full range of international air freight shipments for B2B and commercial clients:
cold chain compliance, secure handling
high-volume, lightweight, and seasonal restocks
urgent parts and component replenishment
high-value, fragile, and time-sensitive equipment
critical support for aviation clients
As a trusted air freight forwarder in Canada, we manage:
🇨🇦 Departures from: YYZ • YVR • YUL
Connecting to global hubs in the US, Europe, Asia & beyond.
With offices and warehouse access in Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, we pick up and deliver freight across all Canadian provinces — and connect you globally with our expansive partner network.
Whether you’re moving cargo between Toronto and Frankfurt, Montreal to Dubai, or Vancouver to Shanghai, we’ll route it through the fastest, most reliable lane.
Need air shipping now or planning a future shipment?
Let’s talk.
Air freight forwarding works through a streamlined process where cargo is picked up from the shipper, consolidated at an airport facility, and flown to the destination airport, where it clears customs and is delivered to the final consignee. The process begins with booking space on an aircraft, either with a commercial airline or a cargo airline. Freight forwarders handle documentation such as the Air Waybill, customs clearance, and ensure compliance with international regulations. Air freight forwarding is often chosen for urgent shipments, high-value cargo, or goods requiring strict timelines because of its unmatched speed compared to ocean freight.
The transit time for air freight forwarding depends on the route, type of service, and customs clearance. Typically, domestic air freight in Canada takes 1–2 days, while international shipments may range from 3–7 days. Express services can deliver cargo even within 24 hours, depending on availability of direct flights. Delays may occur due to weather conditions, airport congestion, or documentation issues. Compared to sea freight, which may take weeks, air freight forwarding offers a much faster and more reliable timeline for businesses with urgent supply chain needs.
Air freight forwarding costs are calculated based on chargeable weight, which is either the actual gross weight or the volumetric (dimensional) weight of the cargo, whichever is greater. Rates also depend on distance, type of goods, fuel surcharges, and airport fees. For example, fragile electronics and pharmaceuticals may require specialized handling, increasing costs. According to IATA guidelines, air freight is typically more expensive than ocean shipping but offers significant value for time-sensitive or high-value cargo. To get a customized quote in Canada, you can explore options with Metropolitan Logistics, which provides tailored solutions for air cargo across multiple industries.
In air freight forwarding, chargeable weight is the weight used by airlines to calculate the cost of shipping. It is determined by comparing the actual weight of the shipment and its volumetric weight, with the higher value applied. For instance, if you are shipping lightweight but bulky cargo, such as textiles, the volumetric weight may be higher than the actual weight, and charges will be based on the volumetric calculation. This ensures that space on aircraft is fairly allocated and billed, since volume is as important as physical weight in aviation logistics.
Volumetric weight for air freight forwarding is calculated by multiplying the length × width × height of a package (in centimeters) and then dividing the result by 6000.
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6000
Example:
If your shipment measures 100 cm × 80 cm × 60 cm, the calculation will be:
100 × 80 × 60 = 480,000 ÷ 6000 = 80 kg
If the actual weight of the shipment is only 50 kg, the airline will charge based on 80 kg, because the cargo takes up more space on the aircraft.
Air freight forwarding is ideal for goods that are time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable. Examples include electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, luxury items, fashion apparel, and urgent spare parts for manufacturing. It is also the best option for shipping small quantities that require rapid delivery. While air freight has limitations in terms of oversized or heavy cargo due to aircraft capacity, it provides unmatched reliability for businesses where speed and security are priorities.
Shipping cargo by air requires several essential documents. The primary document is the Air Waybill (AWB), which serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. Other documents may include the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any special permits for restricted goods. For international shipments, customs documentation is also mandatory, and errors in paperwork can cause delays. Experienced freight forwarders handle documentation to ensure compliance with both Canadian and international aviation authorities, saving shippers time and reducing the risk of penalties.
Yes, air freight forwarding is considered one of the safest modes of cargo transport. Airports and airlines implement strict security procedures, including X-ray screening, surveillance, and controlled access to cargo terminals. Fragile and high-value cargo can be secured with specialized packaging, shock-absorbing materials, and even GPS-enabled tracking for additional visibility. Insurance options are also available to cover potential risks. For many companies, the combination of speed, security, and handling expertise makes air freight forwarding the preferred choice for delicate or valuable shipments.
Air freight forwarding offers several advantages over sea freight, particularly in terms of speed, reliability, and global connectivity. While sea freight may take 30–40 days for international routes, air freight typically delivers in under a week. Air freight is also less affected by port congestion and weather disruptions at sea. However, it comes at a higher cost and is better suited for smaller, time-critical shipments rather than bulk cargo. Many businesses choose a hybrid approach, combining sea freight for large shipments with air freight for urgent replenishments or critical components.
Yes, door-to-door air freight forwarding services in Canada are available. Metropolitan Logistics and other leading freight forwarders provide complete logistics solutions, including pickup from the shipper’s facility, air transport, customs clearance, and delivery to the consignee’s warehouse or final destination. This service simplifies the shipping process for businesses by providing a single point of contact for the entire journey. Door-to-door air freight forwarding is particularly valuable for companies that prioritize convenience and efficiency, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple providers.
