air cargo is the process of transporting goods and commodities by aircraft, whether through commercial airlines or chartered flights specifically for this purpose. This type of shipping relies on an extensive network of flights, allowing goods to be transported quickly and efficiently over long distances.
Air freight is a crucial component of global logistics services, offering a fast and reliable means to deliver high-value products that require quick delivery. It is the ideal solution for transporting electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, and other items that need urgent delivery.
While international air freight accounts for a small percentage of the total volume of shipments in terms of weight, its importance in supporting international trade, e-commerce, and urgent supply chain needs cannot be overlooked.
Advantages of Air Freight
Air freight offers several benefits that make it a preferred option for both international and domestic transportation, especially for goods that require speed and efficiency. The main advantages of air freight include:
- Speed: Air freight is the fastest mode of transportation available, with goods reaching their destination in a matter of hours or days.
- Reliability: Thanks to fewer delays due to weather and advanced tracking systems, air freight offers a higher level of reliability compared to other transportation methods.
- Global Reach: Airports connect major cities worldwide, making air freight an ideal choice for international trade and cross-border shipments.
- High Security: Air cargo stations adhere to strict security standards, ensuring the protection of goods during transit.
- Reduced Inventory Costs: The speed of air freight helps reduce inventory costs by minimizing storage time and preventing stockouts.
- Flexibility: Air freight offers significant flexibility in terms of timing, routes, and capacity, allowing last-minute changes and meeting urgent demands.
Air Freight Services
Air freight services include a variety of logistical solutions provided by airlines and freight companies. These services include:
- Express Shipping: Fast delivery for urgent parcels.
- Standard Air Freight: A reliable service for shipments that do not require immediate delivery.
- Specialized Services: Handling specific goods such as hazardous materials or oversized items.
How Are air cargo Costs Calculated?
Calculating air freight costs is a key element in logistics, directly affecting shipping budgets and profitability. Various factors influence air freight costs, such as:
- Weight and Dimensions of Goods: The heavier or larger the shipment, the higher the cost.
- Distance to Destination: Shipping costs change based on the distance between the origin and the destination.
- Additional Services: Such as insurance, premium shipping, or storage services.
Therefore, understanding how to determine air freight costs helps businesses optimize their shipping strategies and manage expenses effectively.
Types of Goods Shipped by air cargo
- Urgent Shipments: Air transport is the best choice for long distances requiring urgent and fast delivery.
- Consumer Goods: Such as clothing and footwear.
- Live Animals: Transporting live animals requires special care and regulations.
- Perishable Foods and Pharmaceuticals: Products that require temperature control or fast delivery.
- Trade Exhibits and Spare Parts: Items that need to be delivered quickly for trade events or maintenance purposes.
Valuable Goods: When it comes to valuable items, air transport is always the preferred choice due to speed and security:
- Gemstones and Jewelry.
- Precision Electronics and Artworks.
- Luxury Fashion Items.
Hazardous Goods: Although some goods are highly dangerous and cannot be transported by air, others can be shipped under strict conditions with prior approval from civil aviation authorities:
- Class 1: Explosives.
- Class 2: Gases.
- Class 3: Flammable liquids.
- Class 4: Flammable solids and self-reactive substances.
- Class 5: Oxidizers and organic peroxides.
- Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances.
- Class 7: Radioactive materials.
- Class 8: Corrosive substances.
- Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods, including environmentally hazardous materials.
Note: To transport these products by air, companies must obtain authorization from the airline and ensure the cargo complies with safety regulations. The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) guide by IATA is the global reference for classifying, preparing, and handling hazardous goods.
How to Calculate Air Freight Costs Based on Actual and Volumetric Weight
Two main methods are used to calculate air freight costs: actual weight and volumetric weight. The weight applied is the higher of the two.
1. Actual Weight:
This is the real weight of the goods being shipped, measured using a scale.
2. Volumetric Weight:
It is calculated based on the dimensions of the package using the following formula:
Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 5000
Thus, the dimensions (Length × Width × Height) in meters are multiplied together, and the result is divided by 5000 to obtain the volumetric weight in kilograms.
Example:
Assume the package dimensions are 30 × 30 × 30 cm (Length × Width × Height).
Volumetric Weight Calculation:
Volumetric Weight = (30 × 30 × 30) ÷ 5000 = 27000 ÷ 5000 = 5.4 kg
If the actual weight of the shipment is less than 5.4 kg, the shipping cost will be based on the volumetric weight of 5.4 kg.
Tips for Efficient and Safe air cargo
- Plan Ahead: Prepare all necessary documents, such as the air waybill and invoices, early to avoid any potential delays.
- Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder: Select a trusted freight forwarder with a good reputation and extensive experience in air freight, such as Badr International, to ensure smooth processing and high-quality service.
- Safe Packaging: Use strong and secure packaging materials suitable for the type of goods to ensure protection during transport and prevent damage.
- Know the Costs: Be aware of factors like volumetric weight, fuel prices, and compare prices between different options to choose the best one.
- Maintain Effective Communication: Keep continuous communication with your freight forwarder and recipients to ensure the process runs smoothly and without issues.
Conclusion
Air freight is one of the fastest and simplest transportation methods, capable of reaching distant destinations in record time. With proper planning and thoughtful decisions, a safe and efficient process can be ensured. Despite its higher cost compared to other shipping methods, it remains the ideal choice for goods that require rapid transport.
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