Shipping Aerospace Parts and Components
Specialized Freight Solutions for Aerospace Parts & Components
Your aerospace parts are mission-critical and require speed, precision, and compliance. At FreightCenter, we offer tailored shipping services to ensure your parts arrive safely and on time. Whether it's avionics, engines, or structural components, our expert team provides top logistics support from takeoff to touchdown.
Aside from Aerospace Parts and Components, We Also Ship...
Manufacturing Equipment Automotive Parts Power Generation Equipment
Creating aircraft and space travel craft is an incredible feat of human innovation and ingenuity. However, assembling these man-made miracles is more complicated than it seems. Shipping aerospace parts and components demands precision, expertise, and absolute compliance. From turbines and avionics to composite materials and landing gear, these high-value, often time-sensitive shipments require a freight partner who understands the aerospace industry’s complexities.
At FreightCenter, we specialize in logistics solutions tailored to the aerospace sector. Whether you’re moving aircraft components for commercial airlines, defense contractors, or MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations, we make sure your freight reaches its destination safely, securely, and on time.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Shipping Aerospace Parts and Components?
Access to a Nationwide Network of Carriers: We’ve built strong partnerships with trusted carriers across the country who specialize in moving aerospace freight. Whether you need LTL, FTL, or expedited options, we connect you to the right carrier at the right price.
Specialized Freight Options (Crating, White Glove, Hazmat): From custom crating and temperature-sensitive options to white glove handling and hazmat services, FreightCenter ensures that your aerospace parts are protected every step of the way. We tailor solutions to match your cargo’s unique requirements.
Support for Domestic and International Aerospace Freight: Whether your aerospace components are headed across the state or the globe, FreightCenter offers seamless shipping solutions. We support you through whatever shipping issues you may come across, ensuring your parts and components arrive at their destination safely and securely.
Expert Guidance on Compliance and Documentation: Aerospace freight often requires detailed documentation and strict regulatory compliance. Our experts are well-versed in FAA, IATA, and ITAR regulations and help you complete every shipment with accurate paperwork and peace of mind.
Why Is Shipping Aerospace Parts and Components Challenging?
Aerospace parts and components refer to any item used in the manufacturing, repair, or maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, or related systems. These can range from large structural pieces to delicate electronics. Common aerospace items shipped include:
- Aircraft engines and engine parts
- Avionics and navigation systems
- Fuselage sections, wings, and landing gear
- Composite panels and lightweight materials
- Hydraulic systems and actuators
- Satellite components and ground systems
Freight shipping aerospace parts is no simple task; it involves a unique set of challenges that demand expert coordination, compliance, and care. Aerospace parts and components are high-value and large, making it difficult to ship them via standard freight. They are also under a number of regulations due to their hazardous parts.
Understanding these challenges is the first step to ensuring your shipment arrives safely and on schedule. Here are some of the significant issues aerospace companies may come across when shipping their parts:
High Value and Fragility: Many components, such as avionics, sensors, and turbine blades, are highly sensitive and expensive. Without proper packaging and handling, the risk of in-transit damage can be costly and dangerous.
Oversized or Irregular Shipments: Engines, fuselage parts, and wing structures don’t always fit on a standard pallet. Shipping these oversized or oddly shaped items often requires flatbed trucks, escort vehicles, and detailed route planning.
Hazardous Materials: Certain parts may contain lithium batteries, flammable coatings, or pressurized systems, classifying them as hazardous materials. These require specialized packaging, labeling, and hazmat-certified carriers.
Regulatory Compliance: Aerospace parts often fall under complex federal and international regulations, including ITAR, EAR, FAA, and IATA. Failure to meet these standards can result in customs delays, fines, or shipment rejections.
Security & Confidentiality Concerns: Military-grade parts or proprietary technology demand enhanced security. Some shipments require sealed containers, tamper-evident packaging, or discreet handling to ensure protection.
Complex Coordination: International shipments, customs clearance, multi-carrier logistics, and chain-of-custody protocols all contribute to the complexity of aerospace freight. Effective coordination is critical to avoid costly errors.
All of these challenges are difficult for a single company to handle alone, even if you have the infrastructure, time, and money to manage your logistics by yourself. What you need is a third-party logistics provider like FreightCenter. Our logistics experts understand these challenges. We work with you to overcome them, handling all of your logistics for you so your aerospace shipment lifts off without a hitch.
Aerospace parts tend to be very large and heavy, cumbersome to handle correctly. However, the right freight transportation can safely and efficiently deliver your components to their destination. At FreightCenter, we help you match your shipment’s urgency, size, and handling needs to the most efficient freight solution available. Here are some of the options you have for transporting your aerospace parts and components:
If you’re shipping larger, high-value freight like engine assemblies, landing gear, or multiple pallets of components, Full Truckload (FTL) shipping is the best option. With FTL, your shipment is the only one on the truck, minimizing handling and significantly reducing the risk of damage. FreightCenter’s team will arrange a dedicated truck and driver, and can coordinate additional services like custom crating or specialized loading equipment if needed.
For oversized aerospace freight—such as wing assemblies, fuselage sections, or crated jet engines—heavy haul and oversized shipping is the solution you need. These types of shipments require more than just a standard trailer; they often demand flatbeds, lowboys, or even removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers to accommodate unusual dimensions or excessive weight. FreightCenter specializes in coordinating heavy haul logistics, including permits, escort vehicles, and route planning for wide loads. We work with an extensive network of carriers experienced in handling complex aerospace freight, ensuring your oversized components are transported safely, compliantly, and on schedule.
For long-distance deliveries, especially those that don’t require urgent arrival, intermodal shipping offers a cost-effective alternative. By combining truck and rail, you can move aerospace components across the country at a reduced cost while still maintaining security and tracking visibility. FreightCenter coordinates every leg of your intermodal shipment, from initial pickup to final delivery, and keeps you updated throughout the process.
When time is critical, such as during grounded aircraft repairs or last-minute production needs, air freight becomes the go-to solution. FreightCenter works with major air carriers to provide fast, secure delivery for urgent aerospace shipments, both domestic and international. We assist with the entire process, including customs documentation, export declarations, and even insurance coverage for high-value parts.
Cost of Shipping Aerospace Parts and Components
The final cost of shipping aerospace parts and components will depend on many factors. These include:
Freight Class & Density: Aerospace parts vary in density and value, which influences freight classification. Lower-density items may be classified higher and cost more to ship.
- Packaging & Crating Needs: Custom crates, shock absorption materials, anti-static protection, and reinforced pallets are often required, especially for fragile or high-value components.
- Hazardous Materials Requirements: If your shipment includes items like lithium batteries, compressed gases, or other regulated substances, hazmat fees and certified carriers are required.
- Accessorial Services: Liftgate delivery, residential pickup, limited access locations, and white glove services can add to your base shipping rate.
- Distance and Route Type: Longer distances and routes with limited carrier availability may increase shipping costs, especially for oversized or specialized freight.
- Mode of Transportation: LTL, FTL, air freight, and rail each come with different pricing structures depending on speed, cargo size, and service level.
- International Shipping & Customs Fees: Duties, tariffs, and documentation fees apply when shipping aerospace parts overseas. FreightCenter helps you navigate customs and avoid delays.
Here is a sample table showcasing a rough estimate of shipping rates for four standard aerospace parts:
| Aerospace Part | Shipping Route | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boxed avionics module | Cincinnati, OH → Raleigh, NC | $300 – $500 (LTL) |
| Aircraft landing gear set | Phoenix, AZ → Minneapolis, MN | $1,500 – $2,000 (FTL) |
| Jet engine (crated) | New York, NY → London, UK | $4,000 – $7,000 (Air Freight) |
| Composite wing sections | Seattle, WA → Miami, FL | $2,000 – $3,500 (Rail) |
Note: These rates are only estimates, and the final cost may be different from what you see here. Contact your FreightCenter agent for a precise quote tailored to your shipment.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter Services for Aerospace Shipping
FreightCenter is dedicated to helping our customers ship their aerospace parts, no matter what their circumstances are. We offer a suite of services that are designed for aerospace supply chain needs, including:
- Custom Crating & Palletizing: Protect fragile avionics and structural components with our third-party crating and palletizing services.
- White Glove Delivery: Ideal for delicate electronics requiring special handling, our carriers take care of your parts from inside pickup to delivery unboxing.
- Expedited Freight: We offer same-day or next-day shipping options for time-sensitive parts, when available.
- International Shipping: We provide options for customs brokerage and IATA-certified air freight shipping. We’ll also guide you through the paperwork and regulations required.
- Hazardous Materials Handling: For components containing lithium batteries or regulated substances, we connect you with carriers experienced in hazmat handling.
- Real-Time Tracking & Updates: Using our tracking tools, we provide complete visibility into every shipment milestone, from the moment your parts are picked up until they arrive at their destination.
Let your aerospace logistics take flight with FreightCenter’s highly-regarded freight shipping services. If you are ready to ship with us, call us at (800) 716-7608 to speak to one of our freight agents, or try our free online quoting tool, which lets you compare shipping rates from our network of carriers instantly. Give FreightCenter a try today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Aerospace Parts and Components
Q. What qualifies as aerospace parts and components?
Aerospace parts and components refer to any item used in the construction, maintenance, or operation of aircraft or spacecraft. This includes engines, avionics, landing gear, structural sections, sensors, fasteners, hydraulic systems, and even satellite components. These parts are often subject to strict manufacturing standards and regulatory oversight due to their critical role in flight safety and performance.
Q. How should I package aerospace components for freight shipping?
Proper packaging is crucial for aerospace parts due to their fragility and high value. Most components require custom crating, foam padding, anti-static protection, and reinforced pallets. Some may also need temperature or moisture controls. FreightCenter can connect you with packaging experts who specialize in aerospace cargo to ensure your parts are protected against shock, vibration, and environmental hazards during transit.
Q. Do aerospace shipments require special documentation?
Yes, documentation requirements for aerospace parts can be extensive. You may need a commercial invoice, bill of lading, material safety data sheets (if hazardous), and export licenses, especially for international shipments. ITAR-controlled items must also comply with strict government regulations. FreightCenter helps customers understand and manage these documentation needs to avoid costly delays or compliance issues.
Q. Is insurance recommended for aerospace part shipments?
Absolutely. Given the high value of most aerospace parts, shipping insurance is essential. It protects against loss, theft, or damage during transit. Even with expert packaging and reliable carriers, accidents can happen—insurance ensures you’re not left absorbing the cost. FreightCenter offers third-party insurance options through our platform and can help you select appropriate coverage.
Q. What’s the best mode of transport for urgent aerospace deliveries?
Air freight is typically the fastest and most reliable method for urgent or time-sensitive aerospace shipments. It minimizes transit time and reduces handling risks. FreightCenter works with major air cargo providers to ensure your critical components reach their destination quickly, whether you’re shipping within the U.S. or overseas.
Q. Are there restrictions on shipping military aircraft components?
Yes, shipping military or defense-related components is heavily regulated under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). These shipments often require government approval, proper licensing, and tight security. FreightCenter can assist in identifying whether your items fall under ITAR and help you find compliant transportation solutions.
Q. Can I ship aerospace parts internationally with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter offers international freight services that include customs clearance, documentation assistance, and coordination with international carriers. We ensure your aerospace shipment complies with import/export laws, and we help you navigate international regulations like IATA, ITAR, and country-specific documentation requirements.
Q. Do aerospace shipments fall under hazmat regulations?
Some aerospace shipments do fall under hazmat regulations, especially if they contain lithium batteries, pressurized systems, or flammable materials. These must be shipped in compliance with hazardous materials regulations, including proper labeling, packaging, and carrier selection. FreightCenter works with hazmat-certified carriers and can help you determine if your shipment qualifies and what steps are needed to remain compliant.
Q. Can I schedule recurring shipments for aerospace parts?
Yes, FreightCenter can arrange recurring or scheduled shipments for manufacturers, suppliers, or maintenance facilities. We help streamline the shipping process by setting up reliable carrier relationships, consistent pickup schedules, and rate structures tailored to your business’s shipping volume and frequency.
Q. What if my shipment is oversized or heavy?
Oversized aerospace parts like jet engines, wing sections, or fuselage panels require special equipment and transport solutions. FreightCenter offers heavy haul services that include flatbed trucks, lowboys, or RGNs, and we handle all the logistics—permits, route planning, and carrier selection—to move your oversized freight safely and efficiently.
Q. Can FreightCenter help with customs clearance?
Yes, we assist with customs clearance for international shipments. Our team helps ensure your paperwork is complete and accurate, minimizing the risk of delays or holds at international borders. We also work with carriers experienced in efficiently handling aerospace goods through customs.
Q. What if my aerospace shipment is time-critical and fragile?
When shipments are both time-sensitive and delicate, we recommend combining expedited or air freight shipping with white glove services. FreightCenter can coordinate a tailored solution that includes special handling, protective packaging, and fast delivery to meet your deadline without compromising the integrity of your components.
Q. Are there bulk shipping discounts for aerospace manufacturers?
Yes, FreightCenter offers volume pricing and negotiated carrier rates for businesses that ship frequently or in large volumes. If you’re an aerospace manufacturer, supplier, or MRO facility, our team can help you save by optimizing routes, consolidating shipments, and leveraging our carrier relationships for better pricing.
Q. What kind of tracking is available for aerospace shipments?
FreightCenter provides real-time tracking through our customer dashboard, so you can monitor your shipment’s location and status at any time. For high-value or time-sensitive aerospace parts, we offer proactive updates and can arrange GPS tracking through select carriers to ensure full visibility from pickup to delivery.
Q. How do I get a freight quote for aerospace parts?
Getting a quote is simple with FreightCenter. Use our online quote tool to enter details such as weight, dimensions, origin, and destination. For more complex shipments, such as oversized or international freight, you can speak directly with one of our logistics experts at (800) 716-7608, who will walk you through the best shipping options and provide a tailored quote based on your needs.
Tips for Shipping Aerospace Parts Internationally
Understand Export Compliance Early
International aerospace shipping often involves strict export laws, including ITAR or EAR regulations. Begin the documentation process early to avoid costly delays at customs and ensure you’re cleared to ship regulated items. FreightCenter can help guide you through compliance and documentation preparation.
Use the Right Freight Mode for Speed and Safety
Choosing the right mode—air, ocean, or multimodal—depends on urgency, cost, and cargo sensitivity. For critical aerospace parts, air freight ensures speed, while ocean freight suits bulkier items. FreightCenter helps match your shipment with the best carrier for both timing and security.
Partner With a Freight Expert Familiar With Aerospace Logistics
A freight partner with aerospace experience understands the complexities of international regulations, packaging requirements, and high-value cargo security. FreightCenter’s network of certified carriers and knowledgeable agents ensures smooth international transit from dock to destination.
