Contact & Services
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.
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.


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.


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