Due to the numerous factors involved, air freight transportation is one of the most complicated shipping techniques. To make the best choices for their shipments, shippers need to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of air cargo shipping. The quickness of delivery, flexibility in sending to distant areas, and security of the consignment are all benefits of air cargo transportation. The high cost, the possibility of delays, and the requirement for special handling are all drawbacks of air freight shipping.
An Introduction to Air Cargo Shipping
The method of sending freight by air involves flying with your cargo. While air freight delivery is more expensive than other shipping options, it is also speedier. High-value or time-sensitive shipments typically use this mode of transportation. Shipments that are too big or heavy to be delivered by other methods sometimes use air freight shipping.
Airlines, airports, and freight forwarders are the three primary participants in the air cargo shipping sector. The businesses that own and fly aircraft are called airlines. Workers must transport the cargo from one location to another. Airports are the places where aeroplanes take off and land. They are in charge of moving the cargo to and from the airlines and handling it. The businesses that organise cargo transportation and take care of the documentation are called freight forwarders.
The International Air Transport Association oversees the regulation of the air freight transportation sector (IATA). The IATA establishes guidelines for the shipment of hazardous materials, live animals, and other types of cargo. They also determine the cost of cargo shipping.
An Introduction to Sea Cargo Shipping
Sea cargo shipping is one of the most popular modes of transportation for goods around the world. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a hub for sea cargo shipping in the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location and excellent infrastructure. One of the main advantages of sea cargo shipping in the UAE is its connectivity to major ports around the world.
An Introduction to Road Cargo Shipping
Road cargo shipping is an essential component of the logistics industry, providing a flexible and reliable mode of transportation for goods of all types and sizes. One of the main advantages of road cargo shipping is its flexibility. Unlike other modes of transportation, such as air or sea freight, road cargo shipping can reach almost any destination, no matter how remote.
How Air Cargo Shipping Works
A large number of participants in the air cargo shipping industry work together to convey a variety of goods securely and effectively.
Finding an airline that can move your goods from point A to point B is the first step in the procedure. You must schedule your shipment with a freight forwarder after choosing an aircraft. A business that specialises in organising transportation for cargo shipments is known as a freight forwarder. To deliver your shipment from point A to point B, they will cooperate with the airline. The freight forwarder will provide you with a shipment number when you make your cargo flight reservation so you can trace your package in real time.
The preparation of your shipment for transit comes next. Preparation preparation entails correctly packing your shipment and making sure it is labelled. In order to clear your shipment through customs, you will also need to complete a customs declaration form. The freight forwarder will pick up and transport your shipment to the airport once it is ready.
Your shipment will be put into the plane at the airport and transported there. Your shipment will be taken from the aeroplane and unloaded at the destination airport before being transported to the warehouse of the freight forwarder. If you requested door-to-door delivery service, the freight forwarder will then clear your product through customs and deliver it to your door.
Key Benefits of Air Cargo Shipping
There are three key advantages of shipping cargo by air:
Speed: Since air freight travels more quickly than ocean and land freight, your items will reach their destination sooner. A jet moves around 30 times quicker than an ocean liner. Passenger jets fly at a speed of 575 mph, while ocean liners move at 16 to 18 mph. An air freight consignment can fly from a factory in China to a warehouse in the US in as little as five days.
Reliability: One of the most dependable modes of transportation is air freight shipment. Your things will arrive at their destination on time with improved tracking and increased certainty. The timely and reliable delivery of goods is another strength of air freight firms. Also, they have a wide network of partners and agents who may assist with shipment. It follows that any delays or issues with the shipment will typically be remedied quickly.
Protection: When items are transported by air, they are frequently put in containers that are made to keep them safe from the elements and jarring movement. This translates into a lower risk of transit damage and a higher likelihood that your items will reach their destination in the same state as when they left. Also, since they are sent by air, your items are less likely to disappear during transport.
Drawbacks of Air Cargo Shipping
As with any mode of transportation, air cargo shipping comes with its own set of drawbacks as the following:
High Costs: Compared to other forms of transportation, such as ocean freight, air cargo is typically more expensive. This is a result of the several aspects that go into managing an air cargo operation, such as the high cost of fuel, the requirement for specialised machinery, and the requirement for qualified employees.
Restricted Capacity: Compared to ocean going cargo ships, cargo planes are substantially smaller and are only able to carry a small portion of the overall cargo. This restricts the amount of cargo that can be transported by air and frequently raises the cost of air freight shipping relative to ocean shipping.
Particular Items Unfit: Some products are not appropriate for this mode of transportation. Perishable items frequently fall into this category since they can spoil while being transported or be harmed by excessive cold or heat. Magnets, explosives, volatile liquids, corrosive compounds, pressurised containers, and other objects are frequently regarded as being unsuitable for shipping as air freight.
Dependent on Weather: The weather has an impact on air cargo shipment. The shipping procedure may be delayed by inclement weather, and it may even result in cancellations. If you are delivering something that is time-sensitive or needs to be delivered by a certain date, this could be a serious issue.
Air Cargo Shipping Costs and Prices
Important factors in shipping air freight include weight and volume. Airlines will either charge by volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight) or actual weight, depending on which is more expensive.
To determine the volumetric weight, multiply the item’s cubic metre volume by 167 using an air freight calculator. For illustration, your box has the following measurements: W 50 cm, H 50 cm, and L 50 cm. Hence, the volume is 0.125. (the multiplication of all sides divided by one million). The volumetric weight is 20.875 kg when you multiply this by 167.
If the volumetric weight is larger than the actual weight of the products, it becomes the charged weight. Using a chargeable weight calculator, which freight forwarders typically offer on their website, you can establish if your shipment will be charged by actual weight or dimensional weight for air shipments.
Air Cargo Shipping Additional Charges
In addition to the cost of air cargo, which is determined using the price calculation method above, the total cost of shipping by air is likely to include:
Fuel Surcharges
Security Surcharges
Container Shipping Station/Terminal Handling Fees
Airport Transfers
Air cargo services, such as the following, will also be included in the pricing for door-to-door costs:
Customs Brokerage
Cargo Insurance
Pickup and Delivery
Accessorial charges
How to Choose the Right Air Cargo Shipping Company
When selecting an air cargo shipping firm, there are a few aspects to take into account. The first step is to confirm the business is legitimate and has a successful track record. To learn what different shipping firms offer, you can examine internet reviews and compare pricing.
It’s also crucial to confirm that the business you choose has expertise shipping to the destination. It’s important to make sure your shipping company is knowledgeable on the customs laws and procedures of your destination since some businesses specialise in shipping to particular nations or regions.
Finally, you should think about shipping costs. Obtaining quotations from various businesses will allow you to evaluate costs since air cargo can be pricey. To receive an exact cost estimate, be sure to enquire about any additional fees or surcharges.
Final Words
You may evaluate your logistical requirements and decide whether or not air freight is the appropriate mode of transportation for your goods by being aware of the main advantages and disadvantages of air freight. A seasoned freight forwarding business can also help you at every stage of the process.
Elite Shipping in Dubai offers you all the air freight services required to ship your cargo anywhere in the world as a leading digital freight forwarding company in the United Arab Emirates. We export a large range of goods to the UAE from numerous nations in Asia, Africa, Europe, North & South America, and Oceania. With our Air Freight Services in Dubai, you can search for any specific nation you want to send to or from.
The main value propositions that Elite Shipping Air Freight Service provides its business clients with include competitive pricing, quick delivery, convenient booking, online tracking, and customs brokerage. We can assist you in smoothly clearing your products at any airport in the UAE as an experienced customs broker.
FAQ
What is shipping of air cargo?
Transporting freight by air is referred to as air cargo shipping. High-value or time-sensitive shipments typically use this mode of transportation. Shipments that are too big or heavy to be delivered by other methods sometimes use air freight shipping.
How can I airfreight my cargo?
Choose a carrier that can move your stuff from point A to point B first. Then, make arrangements for your shipment with a freight forwarder who will cooperate with the airline to deliver it to its location. The freight forwarder will provide you with a shipment number after your shipment is booked so you can track it.
What are the benefits of shipping freight by air?
The three main benefits of air freight are speed, dependability, and safety. Faster than other forms of transportation is air cargo shipment. Your things will arrive at their destination on time with improved tracking and increased certainty. Also, it is less likely that your items would be lost or damaged during transit.
What are the drawbacks of shipping freight by air?
Compared to other transportation methods, air freight shipping is typically more expensive. Compared to oceangoing vessels, it offers less cargo space and is very weather-dependent. Also, some goods, including perishables or flammable liquids, are unsuitable for air freight.
Why should I choose Elite Shipping Dubai for air cargo shipping?
The main value propositions that Elite Shipping Air Freight Service provides its business clients with include competitive pricing, quick delivery, convenient booking, online live tracking, and customs brokerage.