The Speed Difference: Hours vs Days
When comparing On Board Courier (OBC) services to traditional air freight, the speed difference is dramatic:
| Method | Typical Transit Time |
|---|---|
| On Board Courier | 12-48 hours |
| Air Freight | 3-7 days |
| Express Courier | 2-5 days |
An OBC can deliver internationally in the time it takes air freight to clear export customs.
Why On Board Couriers Are Faster
Direct Flight Routing
OBC couriers travel on commercial passenger flights, which means:
- Multiple daily flight options
- Direct routes between major cities
- No consolidation delays
- Departure within hours of pickup
Passenger vs Cargo Processing
Passenger baggage moves through airports faster than cargo:
- Security screening takes minutes, not hours
- No warehouse staging required
- Customs clearance happens at passenger terminals
- Immediate availability upon landing
Human Decision-Making
Unlike automated freight systems, OBC operations adapt in real-time:
- Flight rebooking if connections are missed
- Alternative routing during disruptions
- Active customs management
- Direct communication throughout
Learn the fundamentals: What is an OBC?
Why Air Freight Takes Longer
The Air Freight Timeline
A typical air freight shipment goes through:
- Pickup and transport to warehouse (4-8 hours)
- Export customs clearance (4-24 hours)
- Consolidation and palletization (4-12 hours)
- Wait for flight space (12-48 hours)
- Flight time (varies)
- Import customs clearance (4-48 hours)
- Deconsolidation (4-12 hours)
- Final delivery (4-24 hours)
Total: 3-7 days minimum
Hidden Delays in Air Freight
- Cut-off times that add 24+ hours
- Limited cargo flight frequencies
- Customs backlogs
- Hub congestion
- Weekend and holiday closures
Real-World Transit Time Comparisons
New York to London
| Method | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| OBC | 10-14 hours |
| Air Freight | 3-4 days |
Los Angeles to Frankfurt
| Method | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| OBC | 14-18 hours |
| Air Freight | 4-5 days |
Mexico City to Madrid
| Method | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| OBC | 12-16 hours |
| Air Freight | 4-6 days |
When OBC Speed Matters Most
On Board Courier services are worth the premium when:
- Production lines are stopped waiting for parts
- Medical samples have limited viability windows
- Legal deadlines are imminent
- Prototypes are needed for critical meetings
- The cost of delay exceeds shipping costs
For decision guidance, see: OBC vs Express Courier: Making the Right Choice
The Cost-Speed Tradeoff
Air Freight Costs
- Lower per-kg rates
- Economical for volume shipments
- Predictable pricing
OBC Costs
- Higher base cost
- Includes flight ticket + courier fee
- Often cheaper than delay costs
The real comparison: What does a 3-5 day delay cost your business?
For companies where delays cost $1,000+ per day, OBC delivers positive ROI despite higher shipping costs.
When Air Freight Still Makes Sense
Traditional air freight remains appropriate for:
- Non-urgent shipments
- Heavy cargo (100+ kg)
- Dangerous goods requiring special handling
- Regular, scheduled shipments
- Cost-sensitive deliveries
Combining Both Methods
Smart logistics teams use both:
- Air freight for planned, regular shipments
- OBC for emergencies and critical deliveries
This hybrid approach optimizes both cost and reliability.
Making the Right Choice
The fastest international shipping option depends on your specific situation. For time-critical deliveries where hours matter, OBC consistently outperforms air freight.
Compare with express services: OBC vs Express Courier
Platforms like OnFlyGo help companies evaluate transit times and choose the right solution for each shipment.
Learn more about OBC services or explore what makes OBC different.
