International Hand-Carry for Businesses

We Carry More Than Cargo
We Keep Business Moving

Keep your lines running and your deadlines met.
Urgent cargo with no cut-off times,
delivered as fast as the same day.

Call Us Now
24/7 · Direct lines in 11 countries

Get a Free Quote
Quick estimate by route and date

Experience

28years

Annual Shipments*

1,000+

Coverage

75countries

Repeat Rate*

81%

Avg. Staff Tenure

8years

*2025 figures

Struggling with Urgent International Shipping?

Standard air freight won't meet the deadline!
Parts delays could stop production!
Can't reach partners after hours or on holidays!
No time or staff to send overseas!
No one to handle customs or unexpected issues!
Can't track or report shipment status!

At LOTUS, dedicated coordinators are available 24/7/365

During daytime hours in Japan, we usually provide a quote within 1 hour

We deliver your cargo as fast as the same day

ABOUT

What Is International Hand-Carry?

International hand-carry, also known as an on-board courier (OBC) service, is an urgent delivery service in which a courier boards a passenger flight and takes your cargo directly to its destination as carry-on or checked baggage. Standard air freight can take several days to a week due to sorting, transshipment, and import clearance. Because our courier travels with your cargo, delivery can be as fast as the same day.

The biggest difference from standard air freight is that there is no pickup cut-off time: we can start arranging a shipment at any hour, 24/7/365. If you discover a parts shortage late on a Friday night, we can have the parts there by Monday morning.

How We Compare

Service comparison: international express couriers, major logistics companies, and LOTUS
Item	International Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.)	Major Logistics Companies (Freight Forwarders)	LOTUS
Transit Time	1–3 days	3 days to 1 week	As fast as the same day
Pickup	Consolidated trucks, fixed time slots	Fixed time slots	From your factory, office, or airport of choice
Customs	Automated (inspections can cause delays)	Half a day to several days	Cleared promptly on arrival
Delivery	Consolidated trucks, fixed time slots	May be subcontracted to local carriers	Managed by us all the way to your door
Tracking	Tracking number	Tracking number	Real-time updates
Hours	Business hours	Business hours	24/7/365

Hand-carry is the fastest way to ship, and a service you can trust with your cargo.

Learn More About Our Service

REASONS

Why Clients Keep Choosing LOTUS

Available 24/7/365 —
No Cut-Off Times
During daytime hours (Japan time), we usually reply with a free quote within 1 hour of your inquiry. In one case, our courier was on board just 4 hours and 10 minutes after the request.
Trusted by Major
Logistics Companies
About 60% of our hand-carry shipments come from major carriers and logistics companies. We have earned the trust of logistics professionals for many years.
Local Support from
Our Own Staff
at 3 Asian Offices
With our own offices in Japan, Thailand (Bangkok), and Hong Kong, our staff plan the best flights, customs clearance, and delivery for each shipment.
28 Years of
Hand-Carry Expertise
We specialize in international hand-carry, including shipments complicated by delays, customs issues, or on-site trouble. We handle over 1,000 shipments a year, and 81% of our clients come back to us.
Arranged by Logistics Pros,
Carried by Veterans
Shipments are arranged by staff with experience at major Japanese forwarders and travel agencies. Our couriers have been with us for 8 years on average and know local customs and airline practices inside out.
Real-Time Updates from
Pickup to Delivery
We report every step, from pickup to final delivery, by email, SMS, and chat apps.

First time shipping this way, or not sure what to ask? That's fine.
Just tell us what you need to send, where, and by when.
Our dedicated coordinators will guide you through every step. Give us a call to get started.

FLOW

From Inquiry to Delivery

Inquiry &
Consultation
→↓
Quote &
Booking
→↓
Live Updates
Pickup,
Export Clearance
& Departure
→↓
Live Updates
Arrival,
Import Clearance
& Delivery
→↓
Live Updates
Handover

Besides factories and offices, we can also pick up and hand over cargo at the airport.

See the Full Process

ACHIEVEMENTS

Shipments to 75 Countries and About 200 Cities Worldwide

Our network, built over 28 years, is centered on Asia and reaches North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

35%Southeast Asia
30%East Asia
15%North America
10%Central America
(incl. Mexico)
5%Europe
5%Other

The LOTUS Advantage

Even for less common destinations, we submit a letter to customs in the local language along with the shipping documents to prevent clearance problems before they arise.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the airline, aircraft, and booking status, and heavier shipments may need more than one courier. We have hand-carried a shipment totaling 2 tons (2,000 kg) from Bangkok to New York, and we do our best to accommodate every request. Please get in touch first.

Same-day delivery is possible in some cases. For example, cargo from Japan to Bangkok, Thailand can arrive the same day or the next day, with a flight time of about 7 to 8 hours. Timing depends on the pickup location, destination, and seat availability, so contact us and we'll propose the fastest plan.

Yes. LOTUS operates 24/7/365. Late at night, early in the morning, or on a public holiday, we start arranging your shipment as soon as you call. There is no pickup cut-off time.

Rates depend on the origin, destination, airline, season, and cargo, so we quote each shipment individually. Quotes are free.

We have carried a wide range of cargo, including automotive parts, electronic components, machine parts, and prototypes. Whether we can accept a shipment depends on the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, aviation laws, and each airline's rules. If you're unsure, please prepare an SDS (Safety Data Sheet, formerly MSDS) in advance, and we will check with the airline. Please note that the final decision rests with the airline.

See More FAQs