Chapman Freeborn Ensures Smooth Automotive Shipments from China to Europe

Urgent Automotive Deliveries Across Continents

Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group – the world’s largest ACMI provider – has successfully managed a series of urgent shipments of specialised automotive materials from China to Europe. This project highlights not only the company’s technical expertise but also the strength of its global coordination and dedication.

Transporting specialised automotive parts demands familiarity with the materials, strict customs procedures, and the ability to mobilise a strong local network under tight timeframes. Chapman Freeborn’s teams in China and Poland have been central to this effort, ensuring that each shipment is handled with precision and efficiency.

Scale of the Operation

So far, the collaboration has resulted in 26 shipments, with the total volume shipped exceeding 60 tonnes across 95 pallets. Deliveries were initially routed from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) to Poland, using a combination of 747F freighters and passenger belly capacity. As demand grew, the routes expanded to include flights from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

The shipments included critical automotive parts, many of which were essential for enhancing vehicle performance in European production lines. The scale and speed of these deliveries underline Chapman Freeborn’s ability to respond to demanding logistics requirements in highly regulated markets.

Navigating Complex Customs Requirements

According to Joyce Di, Cargo Manager China at Chapman Freeborn, one of the main challenges was the dual-use nature of the materials, which are subject to strict scrutiny and export controls in China.

Exporting such goods required specialist documentation, including:

Export licenses for dual-use items
MPI (Metrology, Physics, and Instrumentation) reports
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) reports

“Shipping these materials demanded not just paperwork, but also an in-depth understanding of related procedures. Our strong experience and partnerships allowed us to secure smooth customs clearance without delays,” Joyce explained.

Overcoming Holiday and Time Constraints

The urgency of the first shipment presented another major challenge. The client required delivery on the next available flight, but the request came during China’s three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday. During this time, customs offices, airlines, and clearance companies were either closed or operating with limited responsiveness.

To meet the deadline, Chapman Freeborn’s team worked overtime online, coordinating resources immediately and offering multiple departure options from Qingdao on the very day the request was received.

After several rounds of confirmation with the client, the team swiftly completed booking, pickup, and all necessary procedures – ensuring the goods departed immediately after the holiday. This successful execution not only met the client’s expectations but also laid the foundation for an ongoing collaborat

Expanding Routes and Reducing Costs

Following the first urgent shipment, Chapman Freeborn continued to look for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. Since Qingdao had limited capacity and relatively high costs, the team explored alternative ports.

They conducted a test shipment via Yantai port, evaluating clearance speed and compliance with export regulations. The trial proved successful, meeting both the client’s speed requirements and cost targets.

For subsequent batches with less time sensitivity, Chapman Freeborn used Yantai port and PEK routes, providing the client with more affordable shipping options while maintaining reliability. This approach significantly reduced logistics costs for the client without compromising service quality.

Backed by Global Expertise

With over 50 years of experience, Chapman Freeborn is a trusted name in global air cargo charter solutions. Its services extend to major corporations, governments, NGOs, relief agencies, and private clients.

As part of Avia Solutions Group, Chapman Freeborn benefits from the backing of the world’s largest ACMI provider, which operates a fleet of 209 aircraft and manages over 250 subsidiaries worldwide. The group’s expertise covers MRO services, pilot and crew training, ground handling, and other aviation solutions, supported by more than 14,000 aviation professionals across six continents.

Conclusion

Chapman Freeborn’s successful handling of these critical automotive shipments demonstrates not only its specialist knowledge and operational flexibility but also its ability to deliver under extreme time pressure. From navigating complex customs regulations to securing alternative routes that balance speed with cost, the company has proven itself as a reliable logistics partner.

This project underlines Chapman Freeborn’s continued commitment to providing seamless global air cargo solutions, supported by the strength and resources of Avia Solutions Group.