Skip to content

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 quickest and most dependable solution. Rhenus offers safe and personalized transport for your valuable cargo by a courier, managing every step for smooth processing and customs clearance.

We deliver urgent air freight to destinations worldwide

As part of our on-board courier service, we handle hand-carried express items such as prototypes, samples, critical or urgent spare parts, contracts or documents with particular attention, so they 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.

Ahead of transport, a team of specialists carefully organizes the freight handling process, using their expertise in customs procedures of the importing countries. For on-board courier services, Rhenus utilizes both its own capacities and long-standing partners with many years of experience.

Communication during the entire transport process remains as individualized as the delivery of your sensitive shipment by our courier. With transparent milestone updates via chat or email, you remain up to date and reassured, with the ability to monitor your shipment status with the on-board courier at any time.

Close-up of an airplane turbine.

Hand-carry services at a glance

Time is critical for your hand-carry shipments. In comparison with 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 are given dedicated personal handling and enhanced protection.

We understand that air courier shipments require constant speed and immediate action. 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 manages your goods. This means you consistently have a direct contact person and can check the status of your shipment at any time.

Urgent air shipments with Rhenus

  • Complete visibility 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 capabilities and reliable partners in key markets provide complete global service, even when disruptions occur.
  • Comprehensive expertise of our expert teams in international customs laws enables safe and proper customs clearance for your cargo.

Increased efficiency for hand-carry services

tablet device in the hands of two persons

E-solutions

To maximize process efficiency and transparency, we connect you to our systems. This enables us to send you data such as shipping orders and status codes error-free, following predefined message standards. Access to a personalized dashboard featuring key figures, reports and maps provides a clear overview of shipment progress, transit times and other details related to your on-board courier shipment.

Files in an open drawer

Document solutions

Our document solutions for air freight shipments ensure full security through accurate preparation and coordination 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 together with proof of delivery.

two people secure cargo

Express solutions

Hand-carry services for express pickup and delivery ensure that your time-critical shipments arrive dependably at their destination. You can select from multiple 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.

one person is standing in front of parcels, holding a checklist

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 accordance with country-specific customs regulations and prepare all necessary documentation for air freight import customs clearance at the destination.

Discover now

two people are standing at a conference table

Insurance

With our tailor-made insurance solutions, you can be assured that your cargo remains fully safeguarded and is well protected throughout the global transport process. Thanks to extensive coverage, your goods are protected against potential transit risks, so you do not need to be concerned about damage, loss or other unforeseen incidents.**

Friendly call center agent who is talking to a customer

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

We transport 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 typically keeps the consignment with them or in their carry-on luggage. Frequently transported items include documents, samples, prototypes or valuable jewelry and designer pieces.

If you have a shipment that is time-critical or valuable, hand-carry services provide a reliable and secure solution. Weight and size limits may differ based on the route, airline, aircraft type and whether the shipment is transported as checked or carry-on luggage. Typically, packages are restricted 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 type of freight, you can select from various express options and book value-added services as needed.

Goods that exceed 32 kilograms per parcel and measure over 290 centimeters in length, height and width cannot be transported by a hand carrier. In addition, hazardous goods, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishable goods are generally not accepted.

To process your request as quickly as possible, we require details on 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 terms defined 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 assist with your inquiries, and you can contact the couriers directly.

The Rhenus on-board courier provides immediate assistance for urgent and important freight. With our global 24/7 availability, 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.