The Complete Guide to Air Cargo Types: Understanding Aviation Freight Categories

Air cargo services have changed how we transport goods from one continent to another. As demand for ever faster and more efficient shipping solutions grows, it is important for businesses and logistics professionals to understand the different types of air cargo. In this comprehensive guide we explore the nine main categories of air cargo, their specific requirements and air logistics in a modern context.

General Cargo

The most common type of air freight is called general cargo, which is pretty much any commercial good that doesn’t need special handling. They are mostly headed for box, pallet or container and include manufactured products, retail goods and industrial equipment. 

Perishable Goods

During air transport, temperature-sensitive items are handled and stored in a special way. Fresh produce, flowers, pharmaceuticals and some chemicals all fall into this category. Today’s air cargo services include the usage of temperature-controlled containers and also storage places that keep certain temperature ranges during the precise trip so that the merchandise is fully intact from the starting point to the final location.

Dangerous Goods

Safeguarding any hazardous material is often a task that needs to follow national and international safety regulations. Chemicals, flammable substances, batteries and pressurized containers are included in this category. For this reason, IATA dangerous goods regulations have to be followed by air logistics providers using specially designed packaging and handling procedures for proper air transportation.

Live Animals

Transporting live animals requires utmost care and attention. Pets, livestock, and exotic animals are included in this category. Climate-controlled compartments, proper ventilation and experienced handlers are available through specialized air cargo services. 

High-Value Items

Security needs to be in place for those items which hold value, such as precious metals, jewellery, artwork, or currency. In addition to air security measures, air logistics company take extra security measures in the form of sealed containers, armed escorts and real time tracking systems. 

Heavy and Oversized Cargo

This category includes large industrial equipment, vehicles and machinery. Specialized loading equipment and a fleet of large door and floor reinforced cargo aircraft are used in air cargo services. These shipments are particularly carefully planned, including calculations of weight distribution, as well as procedures for special handling.

Express Cargo

Expedited handling and priority treatment are the facts of time-critical shipments. Urgent documents, spare parts or emergency supplies all fall into this category. Guaranteed delivery times of 24-48 hours are possible using express air cargo services travelling on dedicated aircraft and applying streamlined customs clearance processes.

Mail and Postal Items

Air cargo is used in many postal services for international mail delivery. Sorting and careful handling systems are necessary for efficient management of large volumes of letters, packets and parcels for this category.

Humanitarian Cargo

In case of a crisis, emergency relief supplies and aid materials must reach the people who require them immediately. This category consists of medical supplies, food aid, and disaster relief equipment. Often, air cargo services provide special rates and priority handling of humanitarian shipments, and provide quick response times in emergencies.

Conclusion

These diverse cargo types help businesses select air freight solutions that allow them to match their various cargo types. Specialized companies like Aveeraj Logistics have become favoured partners in the air cargo industry, providing quality services for every cargo segment. The vast network and the knowledge experts in Aveeraj Logistics are able to provide the very latest in transportation procedures, enabling them to ship goods in a safe and efficient manner worldwide.