What counts as special cargo?
- Oversized cargo: pieces that do not fit standard air cargo pallets or containers, or that exceed the height limit of the lower deck
- Heavy pieces: single items whose weight needs special loading, spreaders or skids
- Time-critical shipments: spare parts for a stopped production line, aircraft on ground, urgent documents or samples
- Dangerous goods: batteries, chemicals and other regulated goods, see dangerous goods
- Temperature-sensitive goods: see pharma logistics and perishables
- Whole loads: cargo volumes or deadlines that call for a full or part air charter
Belly or main-deck freighter: what fits where?
Air cargo flies either in the lower deck (belly) of passenger aircraft or on the main deck of freighters. The limits below are general and differ by aircraft type, loading position and airline.
| Lower deck, narrow-body passenger aircraft | Lower deck, wide-body passenger aircraft | Main deck, freighter aircraft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Small loose pieces and parcels | Most general air freight on pallets and containers | Large, tall, long or heavy pieces and full loads |
| Height limit | Low, set by small hold doors | About 160 cm | Much higher, often around 240–300 cm depending on the aircraft |
| Piece weight | Limited by manual handling | Limited by pallet and floor loading | Heavier pieces possible with floor-load spreading |
| Availability from Helsinki | Many daily flights | Long-haul passenger routes | Limited; often via a European hub or by charter |
If a piece is too tall for the lower deck, it needs main-deck capacity. From Finland that often means trucking the cargo to a European freighter hub or chartering an aircraft. We check the options and the total time door to door, so you can compare.
When does an air charter make sense?
- The cargo is too large or heavy for scheduled flights on the route
- The deadline cannot wait for the next available scheduled capacity
- The volume fills a large part of an aircraft, so a charter can compete with buying space piece by piece
- The cargo must fly between airports without suitable scheduled cargo services
| Charter type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Full charter | You book the whole aircraft for one route and date. The price is per flight and usually includes positioning (empty) legs. |
| Part charter | Your cargo shares a charter flight with other shippers, or you take a fixed share of the capacity. |
| Next flight out | Not a charter: the cargo is booked on the first scheduled flight with space, often combined with priority handling. |
| On-board courier | A courier carries the shipment as baggage on a passenger flight. See on-board courier. |
Charter prices depend on the aircraft type, route, positioning, airport charges and any landing or overflight permits. We get offers through charter brokers and present them so you can decide.
Which shipments are time-critical?
When a production line, a ship or an aircraft is waiting, the cheapest option is the one that arrives in time. For aircraft parts we run AOG air freight 24/7. For other urgent goods we compare next flight out, on-board courier and charter, and tell you the realistic arrival time of each. Typical air freight from Finland takes 1–3 days, and urgent options can be faster on many routes.
What information do we need for special cargo?
- Dimensions (length × width × height) and weight of each piece, and whether it can be tilted or stacked
- Drawings or photos for unusual shapes, and the lifting points for heavy items
- Goods description and, for dangerous goods, the safety data sheet and UN number
- Pickup and delivery addresses and loading equipment available at both ends
- The date the cargo is ready and the latest acceptable arrival date
- Value and any insurance requirements
How it works
- You send the cargo details and the deadline.
- We check which aircraft and routes can take the cargo and ask airlines or charter brokers for capacity.
- You get the options with the price, routing and expected arrival time.
- We book the space, arrange pickup, packing or crating if needed, export clearance and documents.
- We follow the shipment to delivery and keep you updated.
Updated 14 October 2026 · Reviewed by Artem Tchervonni, Managing Director