Air Freight: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for fast and reliable transportation for your goods, air freight might be the solution for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the logistics of air freight, the advantages it offers, the types of cargo it can transport, and the stages of the shipping process.

What is Air Freight?

Air freight is the transportation of goods by air using either commercial or charter airlines. It allows for the quick and efficient transportation of goods to any location that is accessible by plane.

Logistics of Air Freight

While air freight may seem like a different transportation method than others, the logistics of air freight are largely comparable to other freight transportation methods. Goods are transported in containers, which come with associated costs and a “free time” period, and they must be transported to and from the correct airport terminal. Related documentation is also necessary for air freight shipments.

Advantages of Air Freight

The primary advantages of air freight are its speed and reliability. It typically takes no more than 24 hours for cargo to arrive at its destination once it arrives at the airport. This makes it a highly reliable way to ship time-sensitive and high-value cargo.

However, the cost of air freight can be significantly higher than other transportation methods, with prices ranging from 400% to 700% higher per pound than ocean freight. This is due to the higher cost of high-speed shipping, which is typically required for air freight.

Types of Air Freight Goods

Air freight can be divided into two main groups: General Cargo and Special Cargo.

• General cargo consists of everyday products such as consumer goods, dry goods, retail products, hardware, and textiles, excluding mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. This type of cargo requires no special handling during air transport.
• Special cargo includes items that require specific handling and precautions due to their weight, dimensions, nature, and value. Examples of special cargo include live animals, perishable goods, wet cargo, time and temperature-sensitive products, and dangerous goods such as flammable liquids and gases.

Stages of the Shipping Process by Air

The shipping process for air freight involves several stages, including:

• Checking restrictions to ensure that the cargo meets all necessary regulations
• Making bookings and arranging shipment
• Preparing the freight for export and packing it accordingly
• Calculating the gross weight and shipping costs
• Delivering the freight, tracking it, and collecting it

Each type of cargo has specific regulations and rules that must be followed throughout the shipping process, including proper marking and labeling, packaging, and handling.

Get in Touch

For successful air freight solutions, it’s helpful to work with a specialized company like CSI. They can coordinate the entire shipping process from start to finish, ensuring that your cargo arrives safely and on time. Contact us today to learn more.