April 25, 2024
Air Freight
Efficient transportation of a business’s goods and cargo is essential for them to thrive. Among the various methods available, air freight stands out as a rapid and reliable option for shipping cargo across long distances. But what is air freight? How does it work, and is it a suitable option for organisations that need to ship around the world?
Let’s explore the intricacies of air freight services, understanding the definition of air freight, the processes involved, advantages and benefits of air freight, plus considerations for business owners.
What is Air Freight?
Air freight, also known as air cargo, refers to the transportation of goods via aircraft. This method offers expedited delivery compared to other modes of transportation such as sea or land freight. Air freight services are utilised by businesses across many different industries to transport high-value, time-sensitive, and perishable goods to domestic and international destinations efficiently.
Air freight services are utilised by businesses across diverse industries, from manufacturing and retail to healthcare and technology, to meet tight deadlines, capitalise on market opportunities, and satisfy the growing customer demand for fast delivery.
Unlike other modes of transportation such as sea or road freight, which may take weeks to deliver, air freight offers unparalleled speed and reliability. With transit times ranging from just a few hours to a few days, depending on the distance and service level chosen, air freight is the preferred choice for time-sensitive shipments and urgent deliveries.
Air Freight and Air Cargo – What’s the Difference?
The terms “air freight” and “air cargo” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference between them. While air freight focuses on commercial shipments transported by air, air cargo encompasses a broader spectrum, including both commercial and non-commercial goods. Air cargo may also include mail and other items transported via air carriers.
Is Air Freight the Fastest Way to Ship?
Yes, air freight is widely regarded as one of the fastest modes of shipping due to its rapid transit times. On average, air freight shipments can reach their destination within 1-5 days, depending on the distance that the goods are travelling. This speed is particularly advantageous for businesses requiring urgent delivery of goods to meet tight deadlines.
How Does Air Freight Work?
Understanding the process of air freight is crucial for businesses looking to optimise their logistics operations efficiently. The process involves several key components:
Air Freight By Commercial Planes
Sometimes, air freight is transported aboard commercial passenger planes, alongside passengers’ luggage. Airlines designate specific cargo holds within their aircraft to accommodate freight shipments. This shared space allows for cost-effective transportation of goods while leveraging existing flight routes and schedules.
Air Freight By Freight Planes
Dedicated freight planes, also known as cargo aircraft or freighters, are used for transporting large volumes of cargo exclusively. These aircrafts are specially designed to maximise cargo capacity and facilitate efficient loading and unloading processes.
Types of Freight Planes
There are various types of freight planes tailored to different cargo requirements. These include:
- Dedicated freighters: Designed solely for cargo transport, offering maximum payload capacity.
- Combi aircraft: Dual-purpose planes that accommodate both passengers and cargo, allowing for flexible operations.
- Charter planes: On-demand aircraft charters tailored to specific cargo needs, offering customisation and expedited services.
The Air Freight Process
The air freight process involves several stages, each essential for the successful transportation of goods via aircraft. Let’s explore the typical air freight process:
Shipment Booking and Documentation:
The process begins with the shipper (the business sending the goods) contacting an air freight forwarder or carrier to book the shipment. Documentation such as a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any required permits or certificates is prepared and submitted to the carrier.
Cargo Consolidation and Packing:
The goods are packed and prepared for transportation in accordance with air cargo regulations and safety standards. Depending on the nature of the goods, special packaging, labelling, or handling instructions may be required to ensure safe transit.
Transportation to the Airport:
Once packed, the cargo is transported to the designated departure airport, either by the shipper or a third-party logistics provider. Specialised transport vehicles, such as trucks or freight trains, may be used to transport the goods to the airport.
Loading onto the Aircraft:
At the airport, the cargo undergoes security screening and is then loaded onto the aircraft.
Cargo handlers or ground crew carefully load the shipments into the designated cargo holds or compartments of the aircraft, ensuring proper weight distribution and secure stowage.
Air Transportation:
The aircraft departs from the origin airport and flies to the destination airport, carrying the cargo onboard. During the flight, the cargo is subject to various environmental conditions, such as temperature and pressure changes, which may affect certain types of goods.
Customs Clearance (for International Shipments):
Once the air cargo has arrived at the destination airport, the cargo undergoes customs clearance procedures if it is an international shipment. Customs officials inspect the cargo, verify documentation, and assess any applicable duties, taxes, or tariffs before releasing the goods for onward delivery.
Delivery to the Consignee’s Location:
Once cleared by customs, the cargo is transported from the airport to the final destination, either by the consignee (the entity receiving the goods) or a local delivery service. Depending on the agreement between the shipper and consignee, delivery may be made to a warehouse, distribution centre, retail store, or directly to the end customer.
Throughout the air freight process, effective communication between all parties involved, including shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and consignees, is essential to ensure timely and successful delivery of the goods. Additionally, adherence to safety, security, and regulatory requirements is paramount to mitigate risks and maintain the integrity of the supply chain.
How Air Freight is Calculated?
Several factors influence the cost of air freight services, including financial conditions, social factors, and working expenses.
Financial Conditions:
The cost of air freight is influenced by economic factors such as fuel prices, exchange rates, and market demand. Fluctuations in these conditions can impact air freight rates, affecting overall shipping costs for businesses.
Social Factors:
Social factors such as geopolitical events, regulatory changes, and labour disputes can also influence air freight operations and pricing. These factors may disrupt supply chains, leading to delays or increased costs for businesses.
Working Expenses:
Air freight carriers incur various operational expenses, including fuel, maintenance, labour, and infrastructure costs. These expenses contribute to the overall pricing structure of air freight services, reflecting the investment required to maintain reliable and efficient operations.
Air freight services play a vital role in global trade, offering businesses a fast and efficient means of transporting goods to domestic and international markets. By understanding the nuances of air freight operations and pricing, business owners can make informed decisions to optimise their supply chain logistics effectively.
For reliable and efficient air freight services tailored to your specific business needs, contact our team of experts today. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing seamless transportation services to help your business thrive, and get your air cargo exactly where it needs to go, and for all of the latest AGI news, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!