Air Freight Shipping from/to Dominican Republic

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between the Dominican Republic and global markets, especially for time-sensitive, high-value, or regulated cargo. With strong export activity in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, apparel, electronics, and perishables, the country depends on fast transit times and predictable customs clearance.

Air freight from/to the Dominican Republic is commonly used for urgent shipments where speed and reliability matter. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator, validate dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator, and check lane-specific lead times with the Transit Time Calculator. Before booking, confirm cost responsibilities and risk transfer using Incoterms.

Standard documentation usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List. Regulated cargo such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices may require approvals from DGII (customs) and MSP/DIGEMAPS, depending on the product category. Shipments containing batteries, aerosols, or chemicals may require classification under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR); review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations before tendering cargo.

iContainers allows you to compare routes, book air freight online, and manage documentation in one place, helping you move cargo to and from the Dominican Republic faster, with transparent pricing and expert customs support.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to Dominican Republic

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from the Dominican Republic with just a few clicks. Compare multiple airlines and routes, and book the most convenient option instantly through our digital platform. If you’re still validating weight vs. volume, run a quick scenario in the Freight Cost Calculator and confirm dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator before booking.

How to Book Air Freight with iContainers

1. Request your online quote.
2. Select your preferred route and airline.
3. Upload shipment details and required documents.
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We support air freight customs clearance in the Dominican Republic and destination countries. From DGII (Dirección General de Impuestos Internos) customs processes to approvals required by MSP/DIGEMAPS for regulated pharmaceutical and medical categories (where applicable), our team helps you stay compliant and reduce clearance delays. For smoother processing, ensure your AWB, commercial invoice, and packing list match shipment contents and values, and review common requirements in Customs Clearance & Duties. You also get end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to Dominican Republic

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

Key Dominican exports shipped by air include:

• Medical devices and electronics
• Textiles and apparel
• Premium cigars and tobacco products
• Cocoa, coffee, and specialty foods
• Tropical fruits (mangoes, avocados, bananas)

Air Express

If your shipment to/from the Dominican Republic requires urgent delivery, our air express service is ideal for small parcels, documents, and time-critical shipments with priority handling via hubs like Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ). For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers better cost efficiency, see Air Freight vs Air Express to choose the right service by size, urgency, and customs complexity.

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight Dominican Republic Routes

These are typical transit ranges and can vary by flight frequency, cut-off times, capacity constraints, customs processing, and any additional screening required for restricted cargo. For lane-specific estimates by season, use the Transit Time Calculator.

• Santo Domingo (SDQ) → Miami: ~1–2 business days
• Santo Domingo (SDQ) → New York: ~2–3 business days
• Santo Domingo (SDQ) → Madrid: ~3–4 business days
• Santo Domingo (SDQ) → Panama City: <24 hours (hub-to-hub)
• Punta Cana (PUJ) → Frankfurt: ~4–6 business days

Main Airports in the Dominican Republic for Air Freight

• Las Américas International Airport (SDQ, Santo Domingo): The country’s primary cargo hub for electronics, textiles, and perishables.
• Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ): Major hub for perishable exports such as tropical fruits and seafood.
• Cibao International Airport (STI, Santiago): Serving the northern region, handling textiles, cigars, and agricultural products.

Air Freight Costs from/to Dominican Republic

Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors

Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Use the Cubic Meter Calculator to validate volume, then estimate and compare options using the Air Freight Calculator or the Freight Cost Calculator. Medical devices and pharma may require additional compliance checks, while apparel and electronics often benefit from faster airport handling.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

The Dominican Republic’s exports influence freight costs:

• Medical devices & electronics (year-round): Consistent demand, high compliance requirements.
• Cocoa & coffee (harvest peaks in Q4): Increased export volumes drive seasonal demand.
• Tropical fruits (peak in Q2 and Q3): High export season for mangoes and avocados.
• Holiday season (Oct–Dec): Global demand for air freight increases rates.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Duties and ITBIS (VAT) set by the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA).
• Agricultural inspection fees from the Ministerio de Agricultura.
• Handling and security fees at airports.
• Aviation fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Documents Checklist for Air Freight from/to Dominican Republic

Always required (most shipments):

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Often required (product-dependent):

• DGII customs documentation and import/export declarations
• MSP / DIGEMAPS approvals for pharmaceutical and medical products (where applicable)
• Certificates of origin (trade agreement–based or buyer requested)
• ISPM-15 compliance for wooden packaging and pallets (where applicable)
• IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) documentation for restricted cargo (when applicable)

For a full overview of documents commonly required for air shipments, see Air Freight Shipping Documents.

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Contract between airline and shipper.
• Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Detailed cargo breakdown.
• Export Declarations (DUA/DGA forms): For goods leaving the country.
• Phytosanitary or Health Certificates: For food, fruits, and agricultural products (issued by Ministerio de Agricultura or Salud Pública).

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified pallets for compliance.
• Refrigerated packaging for perishables and pharmaceuticals.
• Shrink-wrap/strapping and clear labeling.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

The Dominican Republic follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, in addition to national customs rules and product-specific controls. Restrictions are often product-dependent, so cargo classification and documentation should be confirmed before booking.

• Prohibited (examples):Explosives, narcotics, undeclared dangerous goods.




• Restricted / may require additional checks (examples):

  • Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: may require approvals from MSP / DIGEMAPS depending on product type.
  
  
  • Batteries, aerosols, chemicals: may require DGR classification and airline acceptance under IATA rules.
  • Sensitive or controlled items: may require additional customs declarations and clearance through DGII.