Transhipment

Transhipment is the process where cargo is discharged at an intermediate airport with the intention of being loaded onto another aircraft for onward carriage to its final destination. The cargo is moved from one aircraft to another at a hub airport, while the container or unit load device stays sealed during the transfer. Transhipment enables airlines to connect routes that lack direct service and allows cargo to reach destinations via major hub airports rather than requiring point-to-point flights. Compliance with government restrictions is critical for an air cargo shipment to be exported, imported or transshipped.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment with AWB number 020-12345678 arrives at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) from Shanghai (PVG), where it is transferred to a Lufthansa feeder flight continuing to Stockholm (ARN). An Emirates SkyCargo consignment bearing AWB 176-87654321 from Dubai (DXB) is transhipped through Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) onto a Singapore Airlines Cargo flight with AWB prefix 618 for final delivery to Sydney (SYD).

• transshipment
• tranship
• transfer
• connecting shipment
• hub transfer
• interline transfer

What is the difference between transhipment and in-transit cargo in air freight?

In-transit cargo refers to cargo that stays on board the same international carrier and is not offloaded during stop-over periods at airports. Transhipment occurs where cargo is discharged at an airport and loaded onto another aircraft for onwards carriage to an overseas destination. You do not need to pay duties and taxes on either transhipped or in-transit goods.

How long does cargo typically remain at a transhipment hub airport?

The duration of transshipment varies, ranging from a few hours to a few days, depending on numerous factors, such as the efficiency of the airport and cargo type. Many modern transhipment hubs are designed to make this downtime as short as possible. The primary objective for air cargo acceptance and handling is to ensure that consignments are ready for carriage in compliance with operator and IATA regulations.