Airmodal Service, Inc. (ASI) is an air freight forwarder with a track record spanning half a century as a critical component of the internationally integrated shipping network of the KOBELCO Group. Leveraging a network of logistics companies in 100 major cities outside Japan, ASI responds to a full spectrum of logistical needs.
Guided by its motto of "Fast, reliable and safe transport," ASI proposes and promises low-cost shipping plans as well as made-to-order logistics, building optimal solutions for each customer.
Quick decision- making
Rapid design of shipping plans
Fast shipping
Selection of optimal shipping routes
Handling of local import and customs-clearance procedures
Response to local laws and regulations
Last-mile support
Network of people assignable to airports around the world Worldwide network of destination airports
Our highly experienced staff propose shipping plans as your supporter.
Consultation
Estimate and proposal
Order placement
Cargo collection and customs clearance
Flight
Local import and customs-clearance procedures
Delivery
Sample estimate and proposal
For small-lot cargo
Proposal of the best possible route according to the customer's needs
For large and special cargo
Negotiations with airline companies, overland and marine shipping operators, packing operators and local agents
Packing advice
Prior confirmation of shipping route
For hazardous cargo
Confirmation of SDS, check of hazardous-goods declaration, confirmation of receiving airline company, negotiation of freight rates with airline companies
Packing advice
We propose made-to-order shipping to match customer needs and cargo characteristics.
Air shipping of: 15.6 m pipe Length: 15.6 mWeight: 10 t Quantity: 4
A request to ship large plant construction partsto Central Asia by air
Shipping sports cars for world-class company "M"to an exhibition before product launch
Shipping medical equipment (MRI)to Lebanon
Shipping of various parts usedby a ship at sea
Finding dangerous cargothat the customer missed
Domestic Network
ASI controls cargo departing and arriving at all major international airports in Japan from its base in Kobe, providing the following services:
International freight forwarding
Internationally integrated shipping services
Export/import customs clearance business and bonded storage
Domestic overland shipping
Overseas Network
ASI boasts a unique network, spanning over 100 cities worldwide, that delivers a wealth of solid results in shipping. We provide services tailored to customer needs, including shipping to other than major urban areas.
ASI strives to conduct shipping from an environmental, social and governance (ESG) perspective. For example, we devise air shipping routes that reduce environmental impact and introduce modal shifts to shipping methods that minimize emissions of carbon dioxide.
As the dedicated air-freight-forwarding subsidiary of Koelco Logistics, Ltd., Airmodal Service, Inc. proposes air and other shipping plans as customers’ trusted and valued supporter.
Air shipping of: 15.6 m pipe Length: 15.6 m Weight: 10 t Quantity: 4
Narita Airport → Amsterdam → Argentina
There were no airline companies with direct cargo routes from Japan to Argentina, so ASI opted for a proposal that competitors could not offer: Transshipment at an airport in Europe.
VOICEIn Our Sales Rep's Words
We'd shipped 12 m pipes many times before, but 15.6 m was an unusual length of pipe to ship by air. To load the pipes, we installed a shipper's trailer and large crane on the runway next to the airplane. Total loading time, including fixing the pipes in place inside the plane, was about 10 hours.
A request to ship large plant construction parts to Central Asia by air
Chartering an Antonov
The cargo was too large to load onto the largest airplane in regular service, the Boeing 747F. To ship the cargo by air, ASI obtained an Antonov 124, one of the world’s largest cargo airplanes. There are only 23 of them in the world, so ASI was obliged to charter it.
VOICEIn Our Sales Rep's Words
Concluding the charter agreement and arranging the flight was only the beginning. We had to apply for all kinds of permissions from the airport management company, taking countless meetings, and coordinate with overland shipping companies. But thanks to all that preparation to ship this large cargo on time, we succeeded in getting an on-time takeoff. I’ll never forget how happy I felt then. But just as we were feeling relieved, new problems arose before the cargo could touch down at the destination. We kept coordinating with the charter aviation company until we got the job done, which was a good experience.
Shipping sports cars for world-class company "M" to an exhibition before product launch
Getting the products to the exhibition on time
To ensure none of the sports cars became dented or scratched, everything was packed by hand under strict handling conditions, taking great care when touching the vehicles. To ship the cars securely and safely, it was decided to fix them in place inside wooden crates.
VOICEIn Our Sales Rep's Words
We had plenty of experience in shipping vehicles, but we had to take much greater care than when planning for a normal vehicle shipment. We had to pack and ship the sports cars by hand.
Shipping medical equipment (MRI) to Lebanon
Arranging a charter flight from the connecting airport
A magnetic-resonance imaging device (MRI) is considered hazardous air freight because its internal components have to be filled with liquefied gas to cool it. It is also too large to be loaded onto a passenger flight, so ASI proposed a partial charter plan.
VOICEIn Our Sales Rep's Words
From experience we knew that arranging a charter flight from the connecting airport was a safe and reliable way of shipping goods cheaply, reliably and on a tight schedule. After fielding the inquiry about the plan it took about a day to put it together and we secured the order for the proposal from the customer. Our expertise in special shipping gives us the ability to propose shipping plans like this one. That’s the strength of ASI.
Shipping of various parts used by a ship at sea
Urgent shipment of nautical equipment to a ship’s next port of call
Dedicated ASI staff presented the customer with a proposal for speedy shipment at reasonable cost on the customer’s desired delivery schedule.
Finding dangerous cargo that the customer missed
Quick response to unforeseen situations, guided by a wealth of experience
When we received an order from a new customer to ship some machinery, we soon discovered that the accessories included some hazardous products. After collecting the cargo, ASI quickly separated the hazardous products from the main units and packed them. We were able to complete the shipment as originally scheduled.
VOICEIn Our Sales Rep's Words
The customer had no idea that the product was dangerous, so they were grateful that they had placed their order with us. We were able to respond effectively because we always treat each case individually, doing our best to provide shipping that meets the customer’s preferences and the characteristics of the cargo. That’s how we were able to send the shipment safely and on time.
Consultation
Estimate and 
Order 
Cargo 
Flight
Local 
Delivery
For small-lot cargo
For large 
For hazardous cargo
