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From shipping procedures to customs clearance — get clear, straightforward answers to your most pressing logistics questions.
Are there items FlashGL cannot carry? Shipping
We cannot carry items prohibited by aviation law or the destination country, including explosives, illegal substances, counterfeit goods, and cash or bearer instruments.
Some items are restricted rather than prohibited: lithium batteries, chemicals, biological samples, and controlled/dual-use technology can usually travel with the correct classification, permits, and documentation — our team handles this assessment for you.
If you are unsure about an item, contact our operations desk with a description before booking. We will confirm feasibility, the applicable transport mode, and any documentation needed — usually within the hour.
Can FlashGL deliver directly to the aircraft or airside? Service
Yes. Our OBC couriers hold airside clearance at major airports worldwide, allowing direct delivery to the aircraft, MRO facility, or airline operations center — bypassing cargo terminal delays entirely.
This is critical for AOG situations where every minute of ground time costs thousands of dollars.
Can I share the tracking link with my consignee or colleagues? Tracking
Yes. The tracking link can be shared freely with your consignee, colleagues, or end customer — no login required. Everyone sees the same live status and ETA.
On request we can also send milestone notifications directly to multiple recipients (for example, your customer's receiving dock and your project manager), so everyone stays informed without forwarding emails.
Can I track my shipment in real time? Tracking
Yes. All FlashGL shipments include GPS-enabled real-time tracking. Upon booking you receive a tracking link with live status updates, and proactive milestone notifications at key stages: pickup confirmed, flight departure, flight arrival, customs clearance, and delivery.
For OBC shipments, you can follow the courier's location in real time and communicate directly with your assigned courier. Temperature-sensitive shipments also include continuous temperature monitoring with excursion alerts.
Can OBC shipments include cold chain or temperature control? Service
Yes. For pharmaceutical, biomedical, or temperature-sensitive shipments, our OBC couriers carry validated passive containers pre-conditioned to maintain 2–8°C, 15–25°C, or frozen ranges.
Continuous data loggers monitor temperature throughout transit, and you receive a calibrated temperature report upon delivery. This service is GDP-compliant and qualified for clinical trial IMP deliveries.
Do I receive proof of delivery (POD)? Tracking
Yes. Every delivery is closed with a formal proof of delivery: recipient name, signature, date/time stamp, and — for OBC shipments — a photo record of the handover.
The POD is sent to you immediately upon delivery and archived with the full shipment file (tracking history, customs documents, temperature report where applicable) for your audit and compliance records.
Do you operate on weekends and public holidays? Shipping
Yes. Time-critical logistics does not stop for weekends. Our operations desk, AOG desk, and courier network operate 24/7/365 — including public holidays at origin and destination.
Note that customs offices in some countries have limited weekend hours. Where that could affect your deadline, we pre-file documentation or route via an alternative gateway to keep your shipment moving.
Does FlashGL handle customs clearance? Customs & Documentation
Yes. FlashGL provides full customs brokerage services at both origin and destination. Our licensed brokers handle export and import clearance, including specialized categories: ITAR licenses for defense items, dangerous goods declarations, controlled substance permits, pharmaceutical import authorizations, and semiconductor equipment expedited clearance.
Pre-filing documentation before the flight lands minimizes customs dwell time.
Does FlashGL handle dangerous goods? Customs & Documentation
Yes, within regulatory limits. FlashGL complies with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport and ADR for road transport. We handle common DG categories including lithium batteries (UN3481, UN3091), chemical precursors, and battery-powered equipment.
Each DG shipment includes proper classification, packaging, marking, labeling, and documentation. For items that cannot fly as DG, we arrange alternative transport modes.
How do I request a quote or book a shipment? General
You can request a quote through our online Request a Quote form, by emailing service@flashgl.com, or by calling our 24/7 operations desk.
For urgent emergencies (AOG, line-down, rig-down), call our emergency hotline directly — we respond within 10–15 minutes with a confirmed flight plan and pricing. No commitment is required to get a quote.
How does FlashGL ensure the security and chain of custody for OBC shipments? Service
Every OBC shipment is protected by tamper-evident seals applied at pickup and verified at delivery. The courier maintains physical custody throughout transit — your package never leaves human hands.
We provide real-time GPS tracking, and every handoff is documented with signed proof of custody transfer. For defense or dual-use items, additional security protocols and end-to-end documentation are applied.
How does Next Flight Out (NFO) differ from standard air freight? General
Standard air freight routes shipments through cargo terminals with 12–48 hours of handling, sorting, and customs processing. Next Flight Out (NFO) secures confirmed space on the very next available commercial flight and uses expedited handling procedures to bypass normal cargo channel delays.
NFO typically delivers in 24–48 hours versus 3–5 days for standard air freight.
How fast can FlashGL respond to an AOG request? General
FlashGL operates a dedicated 24/7 AOG desk with a guaranteed response time of 15 minutes. Once we receive your request, our operations team immediately identifies the optimal route, books the courier on the next available flight, and coordinates customs pre-clearance to minimize delays.
Typical door-to-door delivery times range from 6 to 24 hours depending on the origin and destination.
How fast can FlashGL respond to an urgent shipment request? General
Our operations desk is staffed 24/7. For most requests, you will receive a confirmed flight plan and quote within 10–15 minutes of your initial call or email.
For AOG (Aircraft on Ground) emergencies, our dedicated AOG desk responds within 15 minutes — guaranteed. We understand that in time-critical logistics, every minute of delay costs money.
How is pricing determined for time-critical shipments? Pricing
Pricing depends on the service type (OBC, NFO, Charter), origin and destination, shipment weight and dimensions, transit time required, and any special handling (cold chain, dangerous goods, customs complexity). OBC pricing includes courier fees, flight tickets, and handling.
We provide transparent, all-inclusive quotes — no hidden surcharges. Contact us for a quote tailored to your specific shipment.
How quickly can a courier collect my shipment after booking? Shipping
In major cities we can typically collect within 1–3 hours of booking confirmation, 24/7 including nights and weekends. For OBC shipments, the courier often collects on the way to the departure airport to minimize total transit time.
For remote locations, we coordinate the fastest available option — a local partner pickup, a dedicated drive, or a domestic flight connection — and give you a confirmed collection window in the quote.
How should I package my shipment? Shipping
Use a sturdy outer box or case with internal cushioning that prevents movement during transit. For OBC shipments, remember the courier must be able to hand-carry the package through airports, so a practical size and secure closure matter.
Special cargo has additional requirements: temperature-sensitive goods travel in validated thermal containers we can supply; fragile electronics should use anti-static and shock-absorbing packaging; dangerous goods must follow IATA DGR packing instructions — our team confirms the correct packaging class before pickup.
Not sure? Send us photos and dimensions of your item, and our operations desk will advise the right packaging — or arrange professional packing at origin.
Is cargo insurance included in the shipment cost? Pricing
Yes. Comprehensive all-risk cargo insurance is included in all FlashGL shipments up to the declared value. For high-value shipments exceeding standard coverage limits, additional insurance can be arranged at competitive rates.
We recommend declaring the full commercial value to ensure complete protection.
Is FlashGL properly accredited and insured? General
Yes. FlashGL holds IATA accreditation as a cargo agent, is a member of the WCA Time Critical network, and holds IPATA and CIFA memberships.
All shipments are covered by comprehensive all-risk cargo insurance up to the declared value. We maintain full documentation trails and audit-ready records for every shipment.
Is FlashGL service door-to-door? Shipping
Yes. Our standard scope is full door-to-door: pickup at your facility, export clearance, flight transport, import clearance, and delivery to the final consignee — one contact, one price, one tracking link.
We also support door-to-airport, airport-to-door, and direct airside delivery (for AOG) where that is faster for your operation. Tell us the required delivery point and we will build the route around it.
What countries does FlashGL cover? General
FlashGL provides time-critical logistics to over 200 countries and 200+ cities worldwide. Our key corridors include China to Europe and North America, intra-Asia routes, Middle East connections, and Africa coverage.
We have established partnerships with local agents, customs brokers, and airlines in all major logistics hubs to ensure seamless cross-border delivery.
What happens if my shipment is delayed? Shipping
Every shipment is monitored proactively by our operations team. If a flight is cancelled or a connection is at risk, we do not wait — we rebook onto the next best routing immediately and notify you with a revised ETA, usually before the airline publishes the disruption.
Because we work with commercial passenger flights across multiple airlines, there are almost always alternative routings available. For genuinely critical deadlines, we can also position backup options (a second courier or charter availability) in parallel.
What information do I need to provide to get a quote? Pricing
For a fast quote, please provide: (1) pickup and delivery addresses, (2) shipment weight and dimensions, (3) contents description (especially if dangerous goods or high-value), (4) required delivery deadline, and (5) any special requirements (temperature control, customs pre-clearance, insurance value).
The more detail you provide upfront, the faster and more accurate our quote will be.
What is AOG (Aircraft on Ground) and how does FlashGL handle it? Service
AOG (Aircraft on Ground) is an aviation emergency where an aircraft cannot fly due to a missing or failed part. FlashGL operates a dedicated 24/7 AOG desk that responds within 15 minutes.
We dispatch an OBC courier with the required part on the next available flight, with direct-to-airside delivery at the destination airport. Typical AOG response time is 6–24 hours door-to-door, depending on flight availability and locations.
What is FlashGL and what services do you offer? General
FlashGL is an IATA-accredited time-critical logistics company specializing in urgent international shipments. Our core services include On Board Courier (OBC), Next Flight Out (NFO), Air Charter, Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support, Customs Brokerage, and Cross-Border Trucking.
We serve industries including aerospace, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, automotive, medical devices, and energy — delivering critical parts and materials when conventional freight is too slow.
What is On Board Courier (OBC) service? Service
An On Board Courier (OBC) is a specialized logistics service where a professionally trained courier personally escorts your shipment on a commercial passenger flight. Your goods travel as hand luggage in the cabin or as accompanied checked baggage — never as cargo in the belly hold.
This provides an unbroken chain of custody, maximum security, and the fastest possible door-to-door transit for urgent or high-value shipments.
What is the difference between OBC and NFO? General
OBC (On Board Courier) involves a dedicated courier who hand-carries your shipment on a commercial flight, maintaining physical possession throughout. NFO (Next Flight Out) involves booking your cargo on the next available flight as priority freight.
OBC offers the fastest and most secure option, while NFO is more cost-effective for shipments that are urgent but do not require a dedicated courier.
What is the maximum weight and size for an OBC shipment? Service
Each OBC courier can hand-carry up to 200 kg. The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 180 cm.
For shipments exceeding these limits, we can arrange multiple couriers on the same flight or switch to NFO/Charter service. Contact our operations desk for oversized or overweight items — we will find the right solution.
What milestone notifications will I receive during transit? Tracking
You receive proactive notifications at every key stage: booking confirmed, courier dispatched, pickup completed, export customs cleared, flight departed, flight arrived, import customs cleared, out for delivery, and delivered with proof of delivery.
Notifications are sent by email, and for urgent shipments we can additionally update you via WhatsApp or phone at the frequency you prefer — including a live handover call for AOG deliveries.
What should I do if my tracking hasn't updated? Tracking
Short gaps are normal during flights — GPS devices and courier phones are in flight mode while airborne, and updates resume on landing.
If tracking has not moved outside of a flight window, contact our 24/7 operations desk with your shipment reference. A human who knows your shipment — not a bot — will confirm the actual status within minutes. We monitor every shipment proactively, so in most cases we will have contacted you first.
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