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

For time-sensitive shipments, an on-board courier through air freight is the fastest and most reliable option. Rhenus provides personal transport of your valuable cargo by courier and oversees all steps to guarantee efficient handling and customs clearance.

 

How we deliver urgent air cargo to any destination

As part of our on-board courier service, we make sure that hand-carried express goods such as prototypes, samples, urgent spare parts, contracts or documents reach their destination as fast as possible. One of our couriers personally accompanies your shipment from start to finish, making our hand-carry services a safe and dependable option for valuable goods.

Before each shipment, a team of specialists carefully plans the freight handling process, using their expertise in customs procedures for the importing countries. For on-board courier services, Rhenus not only relies on its own resources but also works with partners with long-standing experience.

Throughout the entire transportation process, communication is as personal as the delivery itself.  With transparent milestone updates sent through chat or email, you can stay informed and check the shipment status with your 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 services. Compared to traditional handling procedures, our on-board courier service provides the fastest transit and customs clearance possible.

Through personal delivery with our hand-carry service, you benefit from special care and security for your valuable and urgent goods.

We know that air courier shipments require fast action. With clear processes and transparent agreements, we are a reliable partner by your side even during scheduling changes or emergencies.

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

Urgent air shipments with Rhenus

  • Experience full transparency with top-quality customer service and active communication at all times, featuring live updates, AirTag location sharing and personal contact with your on-board courier. *
  • With in-house resources and reliable partners across key global markets, we deliver seamless worldwide service, even when unexpected situations arise.
  • Our expert teams bring extensive knowledge of international customs regulations, ensuring smooth, compliant and efficient clearance for your goods worldwide.

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 data such as shipping orders or status codes accurately and according to agreed message standards. A personalized dashboard with key metrics, reports and maps gives you a clear view of shipment status, transit times and other on-board courier details.

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Document solutions

With our specialized document solutions for air freight, you benefit from complete security through accurate preparation and management of all required documentation. We handle the safe delivery of confidential documents by air courier with proof of delivery and can create customized reports based on your KPIs and timeframes. If needed, we can also provide and mail paper invoices along with proof of delivery.

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Express solutions

Hand-carry services for express pickup and delivery make sure your urgent shipments reach their destination on time. Choose from flexible options designed for faster pickups and deliveries than standard services, backed by long-term partnerships with trusted global providers. With our 24-hour delivery service, we guarantee your goods arrive punctually worldwide.

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Customs clearance

By choosing our customs clearance and documentation services with the on-board courier option for air freight, you can leave all import and export formalities to us. We handle customs clearance in line with country-specific regulations and prepare the required documents for air freight import clearance at the destination.

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Insurance

With our customized insurance solutions, your cargo stays protected throughout every stage of global transport. Comprehensive coverage safeguards your goods from risks in transit, giving you peace of mind against damage, loss or 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) is a courier who personally travels with important or time-sensitive shipments to ensure they reach their destination quickly and directly. They usually carry the goods with them or in their carry-on luggage. Items commonly shipped this way include documents, samples, prototypes and valuable jewelry or designer pieces.

For shipments that are especially urgent or valuable, our hand carry services provide a secure and dependable solution. Weight and size limits can vary by route, airline, aircraft type and whether the shipment is checked or carried on. Typically, packages are limited to around 30 kg each, with dimensions ranging from approximately 120 to 160 centimeters in length, 80 to 120 centimeters in width and 80 to 100 centimeters in height. These are general guidelines and may differ based on airline or courier rules. Shipments must also be suitable for handling with standard luggage equipment during the entire journey, including loading and unloading. Based on your schedule and shipment type, you can choose from several express options and add extra value-added services.

Parcels exceeding 32 kilograms or a combined length, height and width of 290 centimeters cannot be transported via hand-carry service. Hazardous items, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishable goods are also typically excluded.

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

Depending on your hand-carry service agreement, you will receive regular updates via email, chat or through a dedicated dashboard. Our customer service team is available around the clock to answer questions. You can reach the couriers directly whenever needed.

The Rhenus on-board courier provides immediate support for urgent and important freight. With our worldwide 24-hour service, we can meet deadlines even on weekends, public holidays or outside standard business hours. 

*The AirTag service is optional and depends on equipment availability at the time, as it is provided through an external partner.

** Please note that insurance coverage and terms may differ based on the origin or destination country, airline and type of goods. For high-value shipments, additional freight insurance might