Parcelhero launches pallet air freight guide for exporters

Parcelhero has launched a free pallet air freight guide for UK exporters aimed at businesses shipping international consignments of 150kg or more.

The guide is designed for exporters moving from parcel shipments to palletised freight, or for those looking to bring heavier international consignments into a single logistics process as they grow. It outlines the practical information businesses need before booking a shipment, including pallet dimensions, weight limits, aircraft height restrictions, ISPM-15 rules for wooden pallets, and how to prepare for collection.

The launch also includes an online pricing and booking service for pallet air freight. Businesses shipping 150kg or more can get instant prices and book door-to-door pallet air freight online, including for US imports and exports.

The service uses the same platform as Parcelhero's parcel shipping system. Quotes include collection, customs handling and delivery, while customs documentation is generated during the booking process.

David Jinks, Head of Consumer Research at Parcelhero, said the move is intended to address a point where smaller exporters often face added complexity.

"For a lot of growing exporters, the jump from parcels to pallets is where things start to feel complicated. Suddenly you're dealing with unfamiliar compliance rules, questions about pallet dimensions and preparation, and the fear of unexpected charges landing on your desk days after you thought a shipment was booked. We put this easy-to-follow guide together so exporters have clear, practical answers before they even think about booking.

"Once businesses know what's required, we wanted to make sure acting on it was just as simple. That's why we've also launched instant online pricing and booking for pallet air freight, so exporters get the same speed and simplicity they've always had for parcels, now extended to heavier consignments.

"Our new air freight booking service allows businesses shipping 150kg or more to get instant online pricing and book door-to-door pallet air freight in minutes. It removes the manual quotes, email chains and 24 to 48-hour waiting times that have traditionally slowed down heavier international shipments. The service covers international destinations, including US imports and exports.

"Built into the same platform businesses already use for parcel shipping, the service means growing exporters no longer need to juggle separate providers, portals or account managers as their shipment volumes and pallet sizes increase. Customs documentation is generated automatically at the point of booking, and every quote includes collection, customs handling and delivery.

"This innovation marks a step change for the freight industry, streamlining the booking process for bulk, oversized and palletised cargo. Businesses now benefit from the same speed, transparency and convenience that parcel shippers have long enjoyed. Freight pricing shouldn't be a waiting game. Using instant online technology, Parcelhero has made it possible to quote and book international palletised air freight faster than ever. Businesses can now quote, book and ship without ever picking up the phone."

The new guide and booking process target a segment of the market that is larger than standard parcel users but not yet operating at the scale typically associated with dedicated freight forwarding contracts.

Exporter shift

For many small and medium-sized exporters, pallet freight introduces unfamiliar requirements that do not usually arise with standard parcel shipments. These can include cargo measurements that affect aircraft acceptance, packaging standards, timber treatment rules and customs paperwork.

Parcelhero's guide aims to reduce that uncertainty by setting out those requirements in advance. The approach reflects a broader commercial opportunity among UK businesses increasing export volumes and needing heavier international shipping options without moving immediately to bespoke freight arrangements.

Air freight remains a premium option for goods that need faster international transit or tighter delivery windows. However, access has often involved offline quotation processes, manual exchanges with account managers and delayed confirmation, particularly for businesses shipping irregular freight volumes rather than contracted bulk loads.

By placing pallet air freight alongside parcel booking on the same online system, Parcelhero is aiming to keep those customers within a single channel as their shipping needs evolve. That means users can move from smaller consignments to palletised cargo without changing providers or processes.

Customs process

Jinks also addressed customs requirements for first-time freight users.

"For most international destinations, shipments require a customs declaration form. First-time shippers need not worry if they have never completed one before. During the booking process, Parcelhero asks shippers a series of questions that are used to complete the form for them. For most services, Parcelhero submits this electronically to the courier, although some services require printed paper copies.

"Together, the guide and the booking tool mean growing exporters can check what's required, get a door-to-door price and book a shipment all in one place, without the delays or guesswork that usually come with scaling up internationally.

"The launch reflects a wider shift in demand from Parcelhero's business customers, many of whom are outgrowing standard parcel services as their export volumes increase but are not yet large enough to justify dedicated freight forwarding contracts. By publishing clear guidance alongside a self-serve booking platform, we aim to give this segment of exporters a straightforward route to scale internationally without unnecessary complexity."