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    On-board courier: The fastest air freight option for your valuable goods

    For time-sensitive shipments, an on-board courier via air freight is the fastest and most reliable option. Rhenus provides safe and personalized transport for your valuable cargo by a courier, managing every step for smooth processing and customs clearance.

    On-board courier service
    Benefits
    Urgent air shipments
    Value-added services
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    FAQ
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    We deliver urgent air cargo to any destination

    As part of our on-board courier service, we take special care to ensure that hand-carried express items such as prototypes, samples, critical or urgent spare parts, contracts or documents reach their destination as quickly as possible. One of our couriers personally accompanies your shipment throughout the entire transport journey, offering a particularly safe option for valuable goods.

    In advance, a team of specialists carefully plans the freight handling process, using their expertise in customs procedures of the importing countries. For on-board courier services, Rhenus relies on its own resources and partners who have many years of experience.

    Communication throughout the entire transport process is just as personal as the delivery of your special freight by one of our couriers. With transparent milestone updates via chat or email, you stay informed and reassured, knowing that you can check the status of your shipment with the on-board courier at any time.

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    Hand-carry services at a glance

    Time is of the essence for your hand-carry shipments. Compared to traditional handling procedures, we offer the fastest possible transit and customs clearance processes with our on-board courier service.

    With our hand-carry service, your urgent and valuable goods receive special personal care and security.

    We know that when it comes to air courier shipments, things need to move quickly at all times. With clear processes and transparent agreements, we are a reliable partner by your side even in the event of scheduling changes or emergencies.

    With our hand-carry services, a dedicated courier personally handles your goods. This means you always have a direct contact person and can check the status of your shipment at any time.

    Urgent air shipments with Rhenus

    • Full transparency through first-class customer service and active communication, including live updates, real-time location sharing via AirTag and personal contact with the on-board courier.*
    • In-house resourcesand trusted partners in key markets ensure complete global service, even in the event of irregularities.
    • Extensive knowledgeof our expert teams in international customs laws enables safe and proper customs clearance for your goods.

    Increased efficiency for hand-carry services

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    E-solutions

    To make our processes as efficient and transparent as possible, we connect you to our systems. This allows us to send you data such as shipping orders and status codes error-free, following predefined message standards. Access to a personalized dashboard with key metrics, reports and maps gives you a clear overview of shipment statuses, transit times and other details related to your on-board courier shipment.

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    Document solutions

    Our document solutions for air freight shipments ensure complete security through precise preparation and management of all required documents. We handle the secure delivery of confidential documents by air courier with proof of delivery and prepare customized reports based on defined KPIs and time periods. Upon request, we can also generate and mail paper invoices along with proof of delivery.

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    Express solutions

    Hand-carry services for express pickup and delivery ensure that your urgent shipments reach their destination reliably. You can choose from several options that offer faster pickups and deliveries compared to standard services and benefit from long-standing partnerships with leading providers. With our 24-hour delivery service, we guarantee the punctual arrival of your goods worldwide.

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    Customs clearance

    By choosing our customs clearance and documentation services as part of the on-board courier option for air freight, you no longer need to worry about the formalities of importing and exporting goods. We handle customs clearance in line with country-specific customs regulations and prepare all documents required for air freight import customs clearance at the destination.

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    Insurance

    With our tailor-made insurance solutions, you can be confident that your cargo is well protected throughout the global transport process. Thanks to comprehensive coverage, your goods are safe from potential risks in transit, so you don’t have to worry about damage, loss or other unforeseen events.**

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    Do you want to send valuable or urgent freight and need absolute reassurance?

    We deliver your goods by on-board courier as quickly and reliably as possible.

    Frequently asked questions

    An on-board courier (OBC) personally accompanies important or time-sensitive deliveries so they reach their destination quickly and directly. The courier usually carries the consignment with them or in their carry-on luggage. Commonly transported goods include documents, samples, prototypes or valuable jewelry and designer pieces.

    If you have a shipment that is particularly urgent or valuable, hand-carry services provide a reliable and secure solution. Weight and size limits can vary depending on the route, airline, aircraft type and whether the shipment is transported as checked or carry-on luggage. Typically, packages are limited to around 30 kilograms per piece, with maximum dimensions of about 120 to 160 centimeters in length, 80 to 120 centimeters in width and 80 to 100 centimeters in height. These values may vary depending on airline or courier restrictions. Additionally, shipments must be suitable for processing with standard luggage handling equipment throughout the journey, including loading and unloading. Depending on the timeframe and freight type, you can choose from various express options and book value-added services as needed. 

    Goods weighing more than 32 kilograms per parcel and measuring more than 290 centimeters in length + height + width cannot be delivered by hand carrier. In addition, hazardous goods, temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products and perishable goods are typically excluded.

    To process your request as quickly as possible, we need information about the number of parcels, their dimensions and weights, as well as the type of goods. We also require the delivery time, ZIP code and the city or airport of both the pickup and final destination.

    Depending on the agreement for your hand-carry services, you will receive regular notifications via email or chat. You can also access a dashboard created specifically for this purpose. Additionally, our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, and you can contact the couriers directly.

    The Rhenus on-board courier provides immediate support for urgent and important freight. With our global 24/7 service, we can meet deadlines even on weekends, public holidays or outside normal working hours. 

    *The AirTag service is optional and subject to equipment availability at the time, as it is outsourced.

    **Please note that insurance coverage and clauses may vary depending on the origin or destination country, airline and type of goods. For high-value products, additional freight insurance may be required, as not all insurers or countries cover on-board courier shipments. Our legal and compliance teams are available to provide further guidance in specific cases.