Time Critical FAQs

An OBC is a specialised courier who personally escorts urgent, and time-sensitive shipments, ensuring they are delivered directly to the recipient. The OBC carries the item or items as part of their luggage (either in hold, or in cabin) on a scheduled flight, maintaining close supervision on the item(s), and addressing any issues which may arrive in real time
If sending an urgent shipment, NFO courier services are designed to make sure that your package gets the next possible scheduled flight to its final destination; this service requires a more-involved level of handling by the provider, though is much faster than traditional cargo routes.

Which Time Critical Service is right for me?

Onboard Couriers (OBCs)

Next Flight Out (NFO)

Onboard Couriers (OBCs)

Why use an OBC, and why does it differ from regular courier services?

There are many reasons why OBCs may be perfect for your shipment:
a. Personal escort
An OBC personally accompanies the shipment throughout its journey, ensuring constant supervision, and taking immediate action if any issues arise – standard couriers typically do not provide this level of human oversight and accountability. Our OBCs are treated as a priority due to both our and their excellent relationships with airlines and airport staff.
b. Speed
OBC services are designed for urgent deliveries – often using the next available scheduled flight; regular courier services may take longer, depending on the shipping method chosen. At ACS Time Critical, we have 24/7 availability across a number of time zones; we quote in 15 minutes – both shipments and arrangements are speedy.
c. Security
With an OBC, the shipment travels with the courier, vastly reducing the risk of loss or theft. Regular couriers may involve multiple handoffs and storage in various facilities, which can increase security risks.
d. Flexibility
OBCs can adapt to changes in circumstances quickly, such as rebooking flights, or changing routes to ensure a timely delivery – standard courier services follow more rigid schedules and routes.
e. Special handling
OBCs are ideal for handling sensitive or high-value items that require special care and supervision, such as medical supplies, legal documents or luxury goods – standard couriers can often offer the transport of these, but probably won’t be able to offer the same level of specialised handling.

What are some typical scenarios where OBC services are used?

OBC services tend to be employed in situations where speed and security are paramount. Here are some common reasons and industries who often use an OBC:
a. Medical and Pharmaceutical Shipments
Transporting urgent medical supplies, organs for transport, or time-critical pharmaceutical items.
b. Automotive industry
Delivering essential parts to avoid production lines grinding to a halt.
c. Aerospace and aviation
Shipping critical aircraft components to keep planes’ ground time at a minimum (also called Aircraft on Ground [AOG]).
d. High-value goods
Transporting valuable items like jewellery, electronics, or sensitive documents.
e. Legal and financial documents
Ensuring a secure and timely delivery of important contracts or financial instruments.
f. Fashion industry
Delivering high-end fashion items for fashion shows, or editorial shoots.

What is the process of arranging OBC transport?

There are several steps to the undertaking:
a. Initial consultation
An initial consultation is held to understand the shipment’s specific requirements, including the nature of the package(s) and destination, after which we will issue a quote within 15 minutes (though complicated journeys and animals may take longer).
b. Planning and booking
We plan the most efficient route and book the necessary flight(s) – this includes considering flight schedules, flight changes and any potential customs requirements.
c. Pickup and packaging
The OBC collects the shipment from the sender, ensuring all is present and securely packaged.
d. Documentation
All necessary documentation, such as customs declaration, shipping labels and any required permits are prepared and verified to ensure a smooth transit through airports and customs.
e. Travel and supervision
The OBC personally accompanies the shipment, carrying it as part of their luggage – supervising it throughout the journey.
f. Customs clearance
Upon arrival at the destination, the OBC personally handles customs clearance, leveraging their experience and favourable status amongst airlines and airport staff to expedite the process, minimising the risk of any delays.
g. Delivery
The OBC delivers the shipment directly to the recipient, ensuring that it is handed over in person – this step is often accompanied by obtaining a signature or other proof of delivery from the recipient. Everything is delivered within 32 hours, with most delivered in under 24 hours.
h. Communication
Throughout the process, the OBC remains in constant contact with us, who in turn maintain communication with the sender on the ground – providing updates on the status of the shipment, and confirming delivery.

Are there any restrictions on OBC transport?

There are some considerations to bear in mind when considering OBC transport:
a. Weight
The limit on weight is 32kg per box. However, you may have as many boxes as the airline will allow to be carried on board, but for logistical reasons, every ten boxes requires one OBC – i.e. 20 boxes will require two OBCs.
b. Size
This depends on the airline; however, if you have a combination of box sizes, any outsize packages are handled through our cargo team – so outsize cargo and OBCs can be arranged simultaneously. However, there is a hard and fast rule that we cannot move anything more than 3.8m long.
c. Permissions
Due to our network of OBCs with 90% of the world immediately covered, and the rest flown in from nearby, no specific permissions are needed with no permit lead time, with local knowledge extracted from our 35+ worldwide offices nearby.

Are there any restrictions on the parcel destination country?

Yes, there are a select few places which are completely inaccessible to us (and to other courier services), usually warzones. 90% of the world’s surface is immediately covered by our network of OBCs, with the rest available on request (which may have a slight added time delay). Please see the map below for more information.

Are there specific rules regarding travel between the US and Mexico (and sometimes other countries in Central America and the Caribbean)?

During large parts of the calendar year, and especially around holidays, passenger travel between the US and Mexico is often heavily-subscribed. As a result, airlines often restrict the amount of baggage allowed per flying passenger in order to streamline busy periods. Passengers are limited to two bags, with no oversized bags allowed, meaning that OBC services become more complicated, and if still used, carry an increased cost (which is set by the airlines and out of our control).

Rules around allowed baggage vary from airline to airline, and depend on whether you are travelling with boxes or bags. However, general rules seem to follow these guidelines:
a. Usual dates of restrictions on luggage
March 31 – April 14
June 1 – August 31
November 19 – January 15
b. Exceptions
Customers at the following airports are usually allowed one extra checked bag (weighing less than 100lbs):
Acapulco (ACA), Aguascalientes (AGU), Chihuahua (CUU), Cozumel (CZM), Guadalajara (GDL), Ixtapa (ZIH), Leon/Gunanajuato (BJX), Los Cabos (SJD), Manzanillo (ZLO), Merida (MID), Mexico City (MEX), Monterrey (MTY), Morelia (MLM), Oaxaca (OAX), Puebla (PBC), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Queretaro (QRO), Tampico (TAM), Veracruz (VER)
c. Checking in with boxes instead of bags
If you are traveling to a place with limits for extra checked bags, you can check a box instead. The box can weigh up to 50lb (23kg). The total length + width + height of the box must be less than 62in (158cm). For destinations in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, the measurement must be less than 42in (107cm).

These rules are by no means comprehensive, the best way for us to help you with any time critical shipments is to contact us to discuss your requirements.

Next Flight Out (NFO)

If your shipment doesn’t meet the specifications for transportation by OBC (usually in size, or number of parcels), our NFO service ensures that your items get to their destination in the fastest way possible, without the need for a full cargo charter, this is done by transporting your goods on scheduled flights.

How do NFO services differ from standard courier services?

In several ways:
a. Speed
NFO services prioritise loading your shipment onto the next available flight, ensuring the fastest possible delivery. Standard courier services typically follow scheduled routes and delivery times, which can be slower.
b. Cost
NFO services are generally more expensive due to the urgency of the shipment and the special handling required; standard courier services may be more cost effective for less time-sensitive deliveries.
c. Tracking and security
NFO shipments often employ advanced tracking and security measures, with packages being scanned several times and so traceable throughout their journey; standard couriers often also offer tracking, but it may not be as detailed, or as frequent.
d. Handling
NFO services are ideal for urgent, high-value, or sensitive shipments which require special handling. Standard couriers handle a wide range of packages but may not offer the same level of care for critical shipments.
e. Flexibility
NFO services can be more flexible in terms of pickup and delivery times, accommodating urgent needs; standard courier services follow more rigid schedules.

Why send a shipment on an NFO service with ACS Time Critical Services?

a. A door-to-door solution with real-time updates
We can offer solutions in line with your needs, from door-to-door, to airport-to-airport.
b. Expert knowledge
With over 30 years’ experience, our highly-trained transportation experts tailor-make each solution to your shipment needs.
c. Rapid response times
With quotes within 15 minutes in most circumstances; we have access to, and extensive experience with over 50 carriers globally, with a 24/7 booking option once the rate from the airline has been given.
d. Global coverage
No matter where your shipment needs to get to or where from, our international network of offices provides you with local knowledge on a global scale.

Have an urgent shipping need?
When time is of the essence, you need a shipping partner you can trust. Our team is available 24/7, and poised to handle your urgent shipping needs with both speed and precision. Don’t delay – reach out to our transportation experts to discuss how we can get your shipment where it needs to go.