Air freight is a widely used shipping method that relies on aircraft to move goods quickly and efficiently across the world. It plays a key role in global logistics and transportation, helping businesses meet strict deadlines and deliver products on time. 

Air freight shipment is popular for its speed and reliability and is ideal for time-sensitive goods like perishables, electronics, and urgent documents. With the increasing demands of global trade, businesses are increasingly choosing air cargo and air shipping to ensure faster and more dependable deliveries. 

In this blog, we’ll explore air freight meaning, its advantages, and differences between air freight and air shipping. 

What Does Air Freight Mean?

Air Freight, also known as air cargo, refers to the transportation of goods by aircraft. It is a fast and efficient way to move items across domestic as well as international locations. Businesses rely on air freight shipping to deliver goods quickly and securely.

There are two main types of air cargo: general cargo and special cargo. General cargo includes standard goods that don’t need special handling. Special cargo, on the other hand, involves items like perishables, hazardous materials, or temperature-sensitive goods requiring specific care.

Another important thing to mention in air freight is the air waybill. This document helps track shipments and confirms all shipping details.

Difference Between Air Freight and Air Shipping

Air freight refers specifically to the transportation of commercial goods by air. It involves large-scale air cargo shipments, that usually, focus on logistics, regulations, and associated costs. Air freight is commonly used by businesses that require fast and secure delivery internationally.

Air shipping, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes all types of air shipment. It can refer to personal parcels, luggage on passenger flights, or commercial goods transported by cargo planes. While air freight is a type of air shipping, the latter often includes smaller-scale or personal shipments.

Types of Cargo Shipped by Air

Air freight shipment is the fastest way to transport goods globally. Below are the common types of cargo shipped by air and their specific requirements.

Perishable Goods: Perishable items like fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, flowers, and temperature-sensitive medicines are commonly shipped via air. These goods require temperature-controlled packaging to preserve their freshness and quality. Proper labeling, such as “perishable” or “handle with care”, or “delicate” ensures these items are prioritized during transit. 

Electronics and High-Value Items: Items like smartphones, laptops, jewelry, and luxury goods are often shipped by air for their high value and demand. These products need secure and shock-resistant packaging to prevent damage during handling. Apart from proper packaging, insurance is also recommeded for these high-value items to ensure added security. 

Documents and Paper Materials: Documents like contracts, legal paperwork, and medical reports are time-sensitive items. For such items, air transport is ideal option due to the speed it offers. Such items need lightweight yet durable packaging, such as padded or plastic envelopes. 

Live Animals: Air transport is used for transporting pets, zoo animals, and livestock, ensuring that they reach their destination quickly and safely. The process requires strict adherence to animal welfare regulations and coordination to minimize stress on the animals.

Aerospace and Defense Equipment: Aircraft parts, drones, and military supplies are frequently shipped by air due to their size, sensitivity, and urgency. These items are usually packed in custom crates to prevent damage and comply with strict safety and regulatory standards. 

E-commerce Goods: Products like fashion items, gadgets, and accessories from online stores are transported via air to meet fast delivery expectations. Compact and sturdy packaging helps reduce shipping costs and protect the items. 

Humanitarian Aid Supplies: Relief materials, including medicines, food, water, and shelter kits, are critical during emergencies. Such shipments often require special labeling for quick identification. Speed is essential because these items needs to be loaded and unloaded efficiently to provide timely assistance.

Items Not to Be Shipped By Air Cargo

Air freight shipping is efficient but not suitable for all items. The goods that are restricted for air shipment are mentioned below.

Oversized Cargo: Large machinery or heavy equipment exceeding aircraft size or weight limits cannot be shipped through air cargo.

Hazardous Materials (Unless Certified): Items like flammable substances, explosives, and lithium batteries are prohibited unless certified for safe air transport.

Advantages of Air Freight Shipping

Air Freight shipping serves multiple benefits. Some of them are mentioned below:

Faster Delivery Times: Air cargo significantly reduces transit time compared to ocean or road freight. International air shipments can be delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

Expanded Global Connectivity: Aircraft can reach anywhere in the world, making air cargo essential for businesses looking to enter international markets quickly and effectively.

Lower Risk of Damage: The shorter transit time and smoother travel conditions in air shipping help reduce the chances of damage or spoilage of products.

Enhanced Security Measures: Air freight benefits from strict airport security protocols and specialized handling as it reduces the risk of theft, tampering, or damage. 

Disadvantages of Air Freight Shipping

While air freight shipping offers many benefits, there are several drawbacks as well. Some of them are given below.

Expensive: Air cargo usually costs more than road freight and sea cargo. This is because of fuel charges, airport fees, and specialized handling. 

Weight Restrictions: There are weight and size limitations on air freight shipments. This makes air shipping unsuitable for large and heavy goods. 

Weather-Related Delays: Air cargo is heavily dependent on weather conditions. Adverse weather can disrupt schedules, ultimately leading to delays in delivery.

How Air Freight Works: Step-By-Step Process

Air freight may appear to be simple, but it involves several detailed steps. The complete process is mentioned below.

Arranging Transport and Costs: The process begins by selecting a carrier and securing the best rates. This stage involves planning the logistics and determining the most suitable schedule for air shipping.

Preparing Goods for Shipment: Items are then packed securely to meet air cargo regulations. Necessary shipping documents, such as the air waybill, are also prepared to avoid delays during transit.

Pickup and Grouping of Shipments: Your goods are collected by the carrier and combined with other shipments. This consolidation optimizes space and ensures cost-effective transport.

Clearing Customs Procedures: Before departure, export customs inspections are conducted. Import clearance is also arranged to meet all legal and regulatory requirements, including duties and taxes.

Transporting Goods by Air: The shipment is loaded onto a dedicated cargo plane selected based on the size, weight, and urgency of the goods.

Final Processing and Delivery: Once the shipment reaches the destination airport, it undergoes import customs clearance. After that, the cargo is transported to its final delivery location.

When should businesses Opt for Air Freight Shipping

Air Freight is a reliable option for business, however, there are certain circumstances when it becomes the best mode of shipping. 

For High-Value Items: Air freight shipment is worth considering for expensive items like electronics, pharmaceuticals, or luxury goods. 

For Urgent Deliveries: If your shipment is time-sensitive, air freight is the best option. It is perfect for goods that must reach their destination within 1 to 2 days, such as perishable food items and important event-related items.

To Reach Remote Locations: For regions with limited land or sea connectivity, air freight provides a fast and practical solution. 

Special Requirements for Certain Goods: Shipments requiring special care, such as fragile items, fresh produce, or medical supplies, often rely on air freight. The shorter transit times reduce the risk of damage.

Considering Security: When security is a concern, air shipping offers better measures to protect sensitive or high-risk cargo.

How Is Air Freight Cost Determined?

Air freight charges mainly depend on three key factors. These are the shipment type, the delivery destination, and the urgency of shipment. These factors combine to determine the base cost of air freight shipment. Apart from these elements, additional costs may include insurance, customs duties, taxes, and surcharges.

What is an Airway Bill in Air Freight?

In air freight shipping, an airway bill is a crucial document required for transporting goods. It serves as legal proof of shipment and includes important details about the cargo. The air waybill acts as both a receipt and a contract between the shipper and the airline. It also contains key shipment information needed for customs clearance and tracking, thus making it an essential part of the air shipping process.

Conclusion

Therefore, air freight is an ideal option for businesses that prioritize speed, security, with reliability, especially for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. While it may come with higher costs, its ability to meet tight deadlines and safeguard goods during transit makes it a valuable choice for urgent deliveries. 

Bigship offers reliable air cargo shipping services tailored to your business requirements. It focuses on efficiency along with customer satisfaction and ensures your shipments are handled with care and delivered on time. 

Quickly sign up with Bigship, whether you need to send your air cargo domestically or internationally!

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