Urgent Air Freight: 18 Pallets HGH to KUL
Shipping electronics containing batteries via air freight requires strict adherence to Dangerous Goods (DG) regulations and precise packaging standards.
This case study details how GWT Shipping assisted a Singaporean client during the pandemic peak.
By optimizing the flight route and organizing an emergency warehouse re-sorting operation for mixed batteries, we ensured the cargo departed on time despite severe labor shortages.
Project Snapshot
Route: Hangzhou (HGH) ➔ Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Cargo: Surveillance Cameras & Smart Locks (Batteries included)
Volume: 18 Pallets
Service Type: Luftfracht
Key Factors: Battery Regulations (Lithium vs. Dry), Pandemic Labor Shortage, Emergency Re-sorting.
Background & Challenges
In December 2021, a Singaporean client commissioned us to ship 18 pallets of security equipment from Hangzhou to Kuala Lumpur. The client originally planned to truck the goods to Shenzhen for departure. However, this would have incurred high inland costs and time delays. More critically, upon arrival at the airport, a severe compliance issue was discovered regarding the packaging and the batteries inside the devices.
After reviewing the shipment, we identified three main operational requirements:
Route Inefficiency: The original plan to truck goods to Shenzhen was costly and slow.
Packaging Mismatch: The factory delivered loose cartons, but the airline strictly required palletized cargo.
DG Compliance Crisis: The shipment contained both Lithium Batteries and Dry Batteries. The factory had mixed them within the cartons, violating airline safety rules which require strict separation on the aircraft.
GWT Shipping's Solution & Actions
To ensure the shipment met safety regulations and caught the flight, our team implemented the following steps:
1. Route Optimization & Cost Saving
We advised the client to switch the departure airport from Shenzhen to Hangzhou (HGH).
Result: Utilizing our strong contract rates in Hangzhou, we saved the client significant inland trucking costs and secured a more direct flight option to Kuala Lumpur.
2. Emergency Warehouse Intervention
Since the factory lacked the ability to palletize the goods to airline standards, we mobilized our relationship with the airport’s forward warehouse. Despite the pandemic-induced labor shortage, we secured a dedicated team to handle the cargo on-site.
3. Critical DG Re-Sorting
The mixed batteries posed a major safety risk. Our team coordinated a manual re-sorting operation at the airport warehouse. We separated the lithium battery cargo from the dry battery cargo to meet the airline’s Dangerous Goods separation requirements.
Reasoning: Airlines strictly regulate battery placement; failure to separate them would result in immediate rejection of the entire shipment.
4. Airline Coordination & Late Gate-In
Due to the time consumed by the manual re-sorting, the shipment was at risk of missing the flight. GWT actively negotiated with the airline, explaining the safety compliance measures we were taking, and secured a “Late Gate-In” approval.
Result: The first batch departed on schedule, earning the client’s trust for the subsequent batch.
GWT Expert Insight
Note for Electronics Shippers: When shipping goods with batteries (UN3480/UN3481 etc.), never mix different battery types (e.g., Lithium vs. Alkaline) in the same master carton without prior approval.
Airlines often require them to be stowed in different positions on the pallet or aircraft. Pre-sorting at the factory level saves significant time and cost at the airport.
Project Outcomes
Through meticulous planning and resource coordination, we delivered the following results:
Compliance Success: Successfully separated and re-palletized the cargo to meet strict airline safety standards.
Cost Reduction: Saved the client money by switching the origin port to Hangzhou.
Exclusive Partnership: Impressed by our crisis management during the pandemic, the client appointed GWT as their exclusive designated agent for all air and sea exports from China.
By solving the complex “mixed battery” issue on the ground when the factory could not, GWT Shipping ensured the supply chain remained uninterrupted.
The successful air freight service established GWT as the client’s trusted partner for time-sensitive electronics.
Client Review
We were very worried when the battery issue came up at the airport.
GWT didn’t just report the problem; they fixed it on the ground when the factory couldn’t.
Their handling of the safety regulations was impressive.
— Our Electronics Trading Partner in Singapore
Founded in 2004, Shenzhen Guanwutong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. (GWT) is a WCA- and AEO-certified global logistics provider offering end-to-end air, ocean, rail, express, and DDP solutions.
With bonded warehouses in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Fuzhou, plus 24/7 customs brokerage and real-time tracking, we deliver reliable, compliant, and tailored freight services to 3000+ clients across 190+ countries.
Need Air Freight Support for Electronics?
If you have sensitive electronics or cargo containing batteries destined for Southeast Asia, GWT Shipping provides professional and compliant solutions.
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