9 types of air freight: understanding your options for shipping goods by air

In international trade, sea freight is usually cheap and efficient for large cargo. Air freight, however, is costly, but what is more important in shipping is its speediness and reliability. This article discusses nine types of air freight services in use in the shipping industry. All these sea freight logistics types have unique features and benefits that make them most appropriate in different situations and environments. 

General cargo 

General cargo refers to cargo that is not sensitive; neither hazardous nor oversized, it includes goods like electronics, textiles, machinery, and other non-sensitive goods. It is normally moved in standard containers, and it often goes by air for such goods with high values or where time is of the essence.

Perishable goods

Perishable products—food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals, for example—are sensitive and quite often have to be transported very fast. Air freight provides ideal conditions for those types of products because it gives the shortest time in transport, therefore reducing the risk of spoilage of fresh goods. Such goods are mostly carried in refrigerated containers to preserve freshness and quality.

Dangerous goods

Transporting dangerous goods by air is under strict control, with these goods including chemicals, explosives, flammable liquids, and other risky substances. Special air freight companies experienced in handling such dangerous items must comply with very detailed rules and limitations for packaging, labelling, and documentation to ensure safe travel.

Oversized cargo

There are many types of oversized cargo, such as heavy machinery or industrial equipment that cannot be fitted inside standard containers. Air freighting this kind of cargo requires special aircraft types, and freighters can carry loads that are of abnormal dimensions or are heavy. These goods are usually loaded up with specialized equipment and sometimes have to be dismantled before being shipped.

Live animals

Air freights are mostly utilized while transporting live animals. The speed and care required for the well-being of an animal necessitate airlines to be particularly competent in this area of business. Be it pets, livestock, or exotics, special containers, and expert handlers become a dire need. Airlines taking up this job have to adhere to the rules and regulations provided by the International Air Transport Association so that the shipment is safe and humane.

Valuables

For instance, high-value goods such as jewellery, artwork, or even currency must be transported via a highly secured and fast shipment method. Air freighting is therefore considered for such types of goods since the level of security involved is higher and the time taken to deliver the goods is shorter. Such goods are mainly moved in highly secured containers with the addition of special insurance coverage.

Express freight

It offers the quickest delivery time available for urgent shipments. Hence, it is the best service for any business involved in sending important documents, spare parts, or emergency supplies. Express freight guarantees delivery within a specific timeframe, often within 24 to 48 hours.

Consolidated freight

Consolidated freight is a means of consolidating a few small shipments to make one big shipment, and this helps to reduce the freight charges. It is meant for those companies that do not have goods in the quantity needed to fill a cargo plane. Sharing space with other shippers gives the company lower shipping rates.

Charter services

Charter services are available for those companies that have special shipping needs. In this case, one charters the whole aircraft from origin to destination. This charter service is best fitted for large, time-critical shipments or when regular air freight services can’t meet customers’ requirements.

Conclusion

It ranges from a general cargo type to specialized services such as live animal transportation and express delivery. The different types of air freight offered by the sea shipping company mean that businesses understand how to select the most appropriate method for their goods, ensuring safety, timing, and cost-effective delivery.