Frequently Asked Questions

A hand carry service or on board courier (OBC) shipment is a personally accompanied transportation of goods that is monitored by the courier at all times. This is often a door-to-door or airport-to-airport shipment.

Yes, Chapman Freeborn couriers use an app that tracks every step of the job. Customers will receive an online tracking link and email updates to follow the progress of the shipment.

In principle, all items that do not exceed the following:

• Deliveries with a weight of more than 32 kg per parcel – parcels of greater weight possible by prior arrangement.
• Parcels that exceed the dimensions of (L x W x H) 80 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm – bulkier parcels possible by prior arrangement.
• Deliveries that do not comply with the transport regulations of IATA, ICAO or with the regulations of the airline selected for air transport by CFO.

However, these conditions vary from airline to airline and are therefore subject to availability.

Anything from a small envelope to several parcels can be transported by hand carry. Whether spare parts, samples, specimens, or important documents – with a Chapman Freeborn On Board Courier, your shipment will be delivered safely and on time to its destination.

Chapman Freeborn OBC can arrange hand-carry shipments anywhere in the world. However, the execution of the operation is always dependent on local legislation and entry regulations.

Exceptions apply in conflict zones and high-risk areas.

To process an OBC quotation, we need the following information:

• Departure location / address
• Destination location / address
• The time when the goods are available
• The weight of the goods kg/lb
• What the content of the shipment is
• Company information

Shipments are subject to courier and airline availability. However, your booked delivery can be in the air just a few hours after pickup.

Our hand carry service is currently only for business to business (B2B) customers.

A good onboard courier needs to have qualities in communication skills, flexibility and organisation skills. You can apply to become an onboard courier via our online ‘Become an OBC’ portal. You can register your interest by filling out the form, and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.

Customs clearance is usually be managed by the customers, however, Chapman Freeborn OBC has the availability to support Customs clearance in a few countries.

Clients can book an additional repacking service if required.

Depending on the size and weight of the shipment, it can be transported as hand luggage or belly-load.

Chapman Freeborn OBC is a 24/7/365 operation with three offices worldwide. Our on board courier team is available to you via email and telephone all around the clock.

We have a vast amount of countries that we can access globally, however, we do not operate to/from countries that have significant commercial restrictions. This includes companies that are registered and/or based in these countries and routings.

Every shipment which is booked through Chapman Freeborn OBC is insured against damages and loss.

Valuable goods will need additional insurance, which can be purchased for every transport individually and is subject to availability.

Shipments are not insured against consequential damage – such as production line stops.