Airvan for air freight relocation: Safe, fast, and cost-effective delivery to your destination With an airvan, you can pack your belongings for air freight in a standardized and protected manner—and get an initial cost estimate right away with the moving cost calculator from DACHSER & KOLB.
Your most important advantages at one glance:
✓ Price transparency thanks to clear volume/weight logic
✓ Greater security thanks to stable, triple-wall cardboard construction and safe load securing
✓ Faster availability than sea freight – ideal for a quick start
✓ Better planning thanks to pre-move survey, volume calculation, and fixed process steps
✓ Less damage thanks to defined packing standards + suitable special packaging
✓ Clear documentation (e.g., Air Waybill (AWB), ETD/ETA) for less friction at interfaces
What is an airvan—and why is it relevant when moving house?
An airvan is a large, sturdy cardboard box (usually three-walled) in the standard size of a pallet. DACHSER & KOLB uses it for air freight removals to:
- clearly separate your removal goods (no mixing with other shipments),
- protect them mechanically (impact/pressure risks during handling),
- optimally placed in the aircraft hold.
Important: Since most air freight shipments are transported on scheduled flights, the height is limited to a maximum of 1.60 m.
In short: An airvan is a standardized air freight box.
When is an airvan the right solution?
You need quick availability at your destination (job start, project, temporary apartment)
You want to prioritize critical essentials (work equipment, clothing, baby/child supplies).
You want to control costs by only using air freight for what is really necessary.
You are planning an international move and want to reduce risks/time.
Airvan planning in practice: step by step and without chaos
Deciding between air or sea freight
If the goods need to be delivered within a few days, then air freight is the best option. If they can arrive later, then sea freight is sufficient.
Create an inventory list
DACHSER & KOLB requires a list of all goods to be transported by air freight. Ideally: please specify all items with quantities, approximate dimensions, and any special features.
Survey before moving
During the removal survey, the removal goods are recorded and the volume calculated.
Standardize packing materials and packaging
Use suitable packaging materials (e.g., bubble wrap, packing paper) and the correct boxes.
Clarify restrictions
Some items are prohibited or restricted (e.g., dangerous goods, pressure vessels). Clarify this prior to packing and not on the day of departure.
Optimize pickup and on-site procedures
Costs and risks also depend on your living situation (distance to the curb, number of floors, no-parking zones).
Short checklist – “airvan-ready” in 48 hours:
✓ Air freight items prioritized
✓ Moving inventory list created and clearly described
✓ Restrictions clarified—nothing prohibited packed
✓ Packing materials organized or delivery planned
✓ Distance to the curb, floors, and parking options checked
Why choose an airvan for your move? - Your advantages:
budget control
Standardized dimensions reduce calculation risks for volume
Protection against transport damage
Three-layer cardboard provides protection and is robust
Faster operational readiness
Essentials at the destination – lower transition costs
Less stress
Clear process chain instead of improvisation at every handover point
More efficient processing
Clear labeling and demarcation in the air freight process
What DACHSER & KOLB does for you
To ensure that your air freight move is predictable, secure, and efficient, DACHSER & KOLB takes care of the following:
- Preliminary survey, including recording of air freight goods and volume calculation
- Advice on selecting moving goods that are suitable for an airvan
- Professional packaging planning, including suitable packaging materials and protection concept
- Process control of air freight, including document logic (AWB) and scheduling (ETD/ETA)
- Load securing and protective measures to minimize risk
- Coordination of interfaces (airline/handling/delivery), including optimal Origin Service
- Support with transport insurance and pragmatic damage prevention, including clear documentation
Working together for success: What we need from you
A smooth process is teamwork. To prepare your air freight move perfectly, the following information and steps on your part are important:
- Detailed list of items to be moved: A list of all items to be transported in the Airvan.
- Customs-related documents: Provision of necessary documents such as copies of visas or employment contracts for customs exemption.
- Early scheduling: Arranging an appointment for a pre-move inspection to determine the exact volume weight.
- Hazardous goods check: Sorting out items that are not permitted to be transported by airline (e.g., sprays, batteries).
- General information about the pickup: Distance to the curb, number of floors, and parking/access situation.
- Advance clarification of packing: Decide whether to use the packing service or PBO (packed by owner).
How to calculate air freight costs realistically
When it comes to air freight, weight is rarely the only decisive factor. The following are also key:
- Volume (cubic meters) and the resulting volumetric weight
- Packaging standards (neat, compact packaging saves money)
- Handling (e.g., X-ray inspection, terminal processes, security requirements)
- Documents and approvals (e.g., AWB, customs regulations)
- Transport insurance (risk profile, desired coverage)
A cost lever that many underestimate: “air” in the package costs money. Packing compactly and planning volume carefully is budget management.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Airvan and air freight relocation
What is an airvan when moving house?
An airvan is a sturdy, usually three-walled cardboard box in standard pallet size, which is used for air freight removals to transport removal goods in a protected, clearly separated and space-optimized manner.
When is it worth transporting goods with an airvan?
If you need to be operational quickly at your destination (job start, project, temporary accommodation) or want to prioritize important essentials. For large volumes, a combination with sea freight is often more economical.
Why is an Airvan usually not allowed to be taller than 1.60 m?
Because many air freight shipments are transported on passenger planes, whose cargo holds are limited in terms of height and handling. 1.60 m is a practical guideline for smooth processing.
What information does DACHSER & KOLB need for air freight planning?
Above all, a list of air freight items, plus details of collection (access route, number of floors, parking/no-stopping zone) and information on restricted items.
What is an Air Waybill (AWB)?
The air waybill is the central air freight transport document. It serves to clearly identify shipments and accompanies the freight throughout the handling chain.
Can everything be packed into an airvan?
No. Certain items are excluded or subject to restrictions (e.g., hazardous goods). Clarify this in advance so that nothing has to be repackaged or sorted out at short notice.
Are the items being moved insured in an airvan?
Yes, we offer you customized transport insurance that goes far beyond the legal liability requirements.
What are the benefits of surveying a property before moving?
It generates reliable data: which goods are transported by air freight, what volume is generated, which local factors influence effort and costs. This reduces surprises and stabilizes calculations.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
DACHSER & KOLB will take care of your international move by air van quickly, safely, and transparently—ensuring a smooth, on-time process. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
We are here for you
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Sabrina Klier
Customer Service & Sales - AIR & SEA
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