On-Board Courier (OBC)
A courier personally carries your shipment on a passenger flight, door to door. It is the fastest way to move small, critical items across borders.
- What
- A courier hand-carries the goods as passenger baggage
- Typical use
- AOG parts, production-critical components, samples, tenders
- Limits
- Size, weight and dangerous goods rules of the airline
- Customs
- Documents prepared before departure for fast release
Your shipment never leaves the courier's hands
With an on-board courier, the goods travel as checked or cabin baggage with a dedicated courier on a scheduled passenger flight. There is no cargo terminal handling and no waiting for cargo cut-offs. The courier delivers directly to the recipient on arrival.
- Courier dispatchA courier is assigned and travels to the pick-up point.
- Hand-carryThe shipment stays with the courier for the entire journey.
- Customs prepared in advanceInvoice and declaration data are ready before departure.
- Direct deliveryThe courier hands over the goods in person at destination.
- Live updatesStatus updates at every step.
What can travel with an on-board courier
OBC suits small and medium items that fit airline baggage rules: spare parts, electronic components, samples, prototypes and documents. Dangerous goods such as many lithium batteries and some chemicals are restricted. For larger shipments, Next Flight Out is usually the better option.
Related services and pages
On-Board Courier (OBC): FAQ
Can't find your answer? Email ops@ziem-logistics.com or call +49 40 57290280.
What is an on-board courier?
An on-board courier (OBC) is a person who carries an urgent shipment as baggage on a passenger flight and delivers it directly to the recipient.
How is customs handled for OBC shipments?
We prepare the commercial documents and declaration data before departure, so the goods can be cleared on arrival, in-house in our own markets or via the Ziem network.
How much can an on-board courier carry?
That depends on the airline's baggage allowance and whether extra baggage can be booked. OBC is ideal for small and medium items. For larger shipments, Next Flight Out is usually better.
Is an on-board courier faster than express services?
Often, yes. The goods stay with the courier and skip cargo terminal handling and hub sorting. This is especially valuable for international and long-haul routes.
What cannot travel with an on-board courier?
Goods that airlines do not accept in passenger baggage, such as many dangerous goods. Some lithium batteries, chemicals and pressurised items are restricted. We check this before booking.
Tell us about your shipment
Send us the lane, the goods and the timeline. We reply within one business day. For urgent cargo, call us directly.