Brief Guide to Types of Air Cargo

Air cargo is a crucial element of global logistics, having the capacity to transport goods quickly and securely. Currently, air cargo freight accounts for 35% of the value of global trade, amounting to an annual quantum of $6.8 trillion.

What Is Air Cargo?

It refers to the transport of goods via aircraft, be it passenger aircraft or cargo-only aircraft. The main advantage of this mode of transport is speed; it is much faster than road, rail or sea transport and covers long distances. It is also a safe mode with minimal risk of damage or theft. It is also highly reliable, having fixed schedules and fewer delays.

Types of Air Cargo

General cargo

This is a vital and versatile category serving as the backbone of the air freight industry. It covers a wide range of goods, from clothing and electronics to medical supplies and machinery. It refers to items that do not need special conditions of storage or handling.

Special cargo

This category comprises goods that mandate unique storage, handling, or transport needs. It covers items like sensitive equipment, pharmaceuticals, fine arts and even stage props for entertainment gigs.

Live animals

This comprises feathered, furry or four-legged kinds of cargo. This cargo is intended for handling different creatures ranging from farm animals and pets to rare species heading to zoos or centres of conservation. Thus, the diverse inhabitants of the planet get special care during transport.

Hazardous or dangerous cargo

This category includes goods that pose potential risks to property, safety or health during transport. Such items need special handling and attention to ensure the safety of cargo aircraft or personnel in charge of air cargo. These include items ranging from explosives and flammable liquids to radio-active and corrosive substances.

Fragile or high-value cargo

This category comprises items that are highly expensive or are sensitive to damage during transit. These include items like high-end electronics, luxury goods, fine art, precious metals or gems and fragile musical instruments. All these items need delicate handling and strong security.

Perishable cargo

Time is a major factor for this kind of air cargo in India. Having a short shelf-life, such goods require special conditions of transport. They must reach their destination quickly and in good condition. These include seafood, meat, flowers, fresh fruit and drugs that are temperature-sensitive.

Cargo with temperature control

These include goods that depend on precise temperature conditions during transport. Thus, these items are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. Most of these goods belong to industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Mail cargo

It is comprised of the global postal and parcel delivery industry. It covers the highest significant percentage of loads of air-shipment.

Organ, tissue and human remains

These items make for highly sensitive cargo, such as the transfer of human remains for funerals or lifesaving organs for patients around the world. Efficient and sensitive transport is vital for such valuable items.

Humanitarian aid

Air cargo is vital for the delivery of aid and relief supplies in a fast manner to areas impacted by emergencies such as humanitarian crises or natural disasters. Items include medical equipment & supplies, water & food supplies, materials for housing & shelter and kits for hygiene & sanitation.

In sum, the realm of air cargo is dynamic and diverse, serving different logistics needs efficiently and quickly. This kind of transport is expanding fast, thanks to innovations in aircraft technology and the world of logistics.