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What is Air Freight

 

 

Air freight refers to the transportation of goods via an aircraft, typically for commercial or business purposes. It is considered one of the fastest and most efficient methods of transportation, especially for long-distance shipments or urgent deliveries. The process involves the goods being loaded onto a cargo plane, transported to the destination airport, and then unloaded and distributed to the final destination. The pricing of air freight depends on several factors, such as the weight and size of the goods, the distance of the shipment, and the type of service required. There are also additional fees associated with customs clearance and security measures.

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Benefits of Air Freight

Speed

One of the biggest advantages of air freight is speed. Aircraft can transport goods to almost any location in the world within a short period of time, often within a few days or even hours. This is especially useful for time-sensitive goods such as perishable items, medical supplies, and electronics.

Reliability

Another benefit of air freight is reliability. Airlines operate on strict schedules and adhere to high safety standards. This means that cargo is less likely to be delayed or damaged compared to other shipping methods.

 

Global reach

Air freight makes it possible to transport goods to almost any destination in the world. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to reach international markets or import products from overseas.

 

 

Reduced transport costs

While air freight is generally more expensive than other forms of transportation, it can actually be more cost-effective over long distances. This is because air freight is much faster than sea or land transportation, which means that businesses can save money on storage costs and reduce the risk of theft or damage.

 

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Professional team

We have a professional team of experienced logistics experts who are committed to providing customers with personalized and reliable logistics services.

 
 

Innovation

Utilizes advanced technology and systems to optimize the logistics process, providing clients with real-time visibility and control over their shipments.

 
 

One stop solution

Company provides customized logistics solutions tailored to each client's unique requirements, ensuring efficient and cost-effective deliveries.

 
 

24h online service

We try and respond to all concerns within 24 hours and our teams are always at your disposal in case of any emergencies.

 

 

How Are Air Freight Shipments Packaged

 

 

Air freight shipments are packaged in a variety of ways depending on the type of goods being shipped, the weight and size of the shipment, and the mode of transportation used. There are certain guidelines and standards that must be followed when packaging air freight shipments in order to ensure the safety and integrity of the goods being shipped. air freight shipments are packaged in sturdy boxes or crates made of wood, plastic, or metal. The packaging material used must be able to withstand the rigors of air transportation, as goods are often moved between different modes of transportation and may be subject to mechanical shock, vibration, or extreme temperature changes.

In addition to the outer packaging, air freight shipments are often placed in inner packaging materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts to provide additional protection against damage during transport. Fragile or sensitive items, such as electronic equipment or glassware, may require specialized packaging materials such as shock-absorbing foam or custom-designed crates.Air freight shipments must also be labeled and marked in accordance with international air transportation regulations. This includes labeling the package with information such as the weight, dimensions, and contents of the shipment, as well as any special handling instructions or hazardous material warnings.

 

 
How to Choose Air Freight
 
01/

Consider your shipment's size and weight
Air freight is typically faster and more efficient than sea freight. However, the cost of air freight is based on weight so if your shipment is particularly heavy or bulky it may be more cost effective to choose sea freight.

02/

Compare prices
Different air freight companies have different pricing structures, so it's important to get quotes and compare prices before making a final decision. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best.

03/

Consider the urgency of your shipment
Air freight is generally faster than sea freight, but there may be different options for delivery times and speeds depending on the carrier. If your shipment is urgent, it may be worth paying a premium for express or priority shipping.

04/

Check for any restrictions or regulations
Different countries may have different regulations regarding what can be shipped by air. Make sure your shipment complies with all relevant rules and regulations to avoid any delays or problems.

05/

Check for any additional fees
Unlike sea freight, air freight carriers may charge additional fees for handling, documentation, and customs clearance. Make sure you understand all the fees involved and factor them into your budget.

06/

Choose air freight company
When choosing an air freight company, look for one with a good reputation for customer service and on-time delivery. Research online reviews and ask for references from previous clients.

 

Fast Sea Freight Freight Forwarder Ship From China To USA

 

How Air Freight Works

Air freight operates through a network of airports, freight forwarders, and airlines. The process begins with the shipper, who contacts a freight forwarder for a quote, arranges pick-up of the goods, and completes the necessary documentation. The freight forwarder consolidates the goods from different shippers and arranges for transportation to the airport. At the airport, the freight is weighed, measured, and inspected before being loaded onto the aircraft. Airways bill of lading (AWB) is issued, which acts as a contract between the shipper and the airline, indicating the terms and conditions of carriage. Air cargo is transported in containers, either palletized or loose, based on the nature of the goods and airline requirements. Once the cargo reaches the destination airport, it is unloaded and cleared through customs. The freight forwarder then arranges for delivery to the consignee. Tracking and tracing systems are available throughout the process to monitor the shipment's progress and stay informed about any delays or problems that may arise. Air freight is preferred for high-value, lightweight, and time-sensitive goods.

 

What Documents Are Needed for Air Shipment
1

Airway bill
This document is the most important requirement for an air shipment. It serves as a contract between the shipper and the airline and includes information such as the shipment's destination, weight, and value. A commercial invoice is a document that details the contents of the shipment and the transaction between the buyer and seller.

2

Packing list
A packing list lists all the items included in the shipment and specifies the quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item.

3

Bill of lading
A bill of lading is a document that acts as a receipt of goods shipped and a contract between the shipper and the carrier.

4

Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin indicates the country/market where the goods were manufactured or produced. It is important for customs clearance and may be required for specific trade agreements.

5

Export license
An export license is a government permission to export certain goods. It may be required for shipments of certain goods and/or to certain countries.

6

Insurance certificate
An insurance certificate is optional but highly recommended to protect the shipment in case of damage, loss, or theft.

7

Customs declaration
A customs declaration provides information about the contents of the shipment and is required by customs for clearance.

8

Proforma invoice
A proforma invoice is a preliminary invoice that is issued before the commercial invoice and includes an estimated cost for the shipment. It may be required by customs in some countries.

9

Dangerous goods declaration
A dangerous goods declaration is required for shipments containing hazardous materials or substances. It lists the type of hazard, the amount of materials, and the methods for handling and storing the shipment.

 

Requirements for Goods When Transported by Air
 

Packaging

Goods must be properly packaged in order to withstand the rigors of air transport. Packages must be durable, tamper-evident, and able to protect the contents from damage.

Labeling

Packages must be labeled with the necessary information such as the name and address of the sender and receiver, the weight and dimensions of the package, and any hazardous material warnings.

Weight and size

There are limitations on the weight and size of packages that can be transported by air. Airlines may have their own restrictions on cargo weight and size, so it is important to check with the carrier before shipping.

Documentation

Proper documentation is required for air transport, including air waybills, invoices, and customs declarations.

Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials may not be transported by air without proper safety permits and documentation. Examples of hazardous materials include flammable liquids, gases, and explosives.

Temperature control

Some goods may require temperature-controlled transport, which requires special equipment and packaging to maintain the necessary temperature range.

 

Safety Regulations for Air Cargo

Documentation
Proper documentation is critical to ensure the identification and tracking of air cargo. Shippers are required to provide complete and accurate documentation that includes information on the goods, the consignee, and the shipper.

 

Hazardous materials regulations
Shippers must comply with the regulations regarding the shipment of hazardous materials. Separate guidelines are in place for the packaging, labeling, and handling of these materials to ensure safety.

 

Staff training
All personnel involved in the handling, transport, and storage of air cargo are required to undergo specialized training to ensure that they are aware of the safety regulations, procedures, and best practices.

Identification and labeling

Every air cargo shipment should be properly identified and labeled. The label should have the name and address of the shipper and consignee, the weight of the shipment, and other relevant information.

Packaging

Air cargo should be properly packaged to ensure protection from damage during transportation. The packaging must also be able to withstand the rigors of handling as well as the pressure and temperature changes during the flight.

Screening

All air cargo shipments must go through security screening before being loaded onto the aircraft. Screening is done to ensure that no dangerous goods or prohibited items are being transported.

 

Air Freight Forwarder Shipping Agent From China To US

 

How Air Freight Facilitates Global Trade

Air freight is an essential component of global trade as it plays a crucial role in transporting goods quickly and efficiently around the world. Air freight has revolutionized the way goods are transported across the world, providing traders and manufacturers with faster and more reliable delivery times for their products. One of the most significant benefits of air freight is speed. Compared to other modes of transportation, air freight is the fastest way to transport goods across long distances. This speed is essential for the timely delivery of goods, especially when it comes to perishable and time-sensitive goods such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

Air freight also contributes to global trade by increasing the accessibility of goods. It enables companies to reach a more extensive customer base in other parts of the world, regardless of how remote the location is. This means that businesses can expand their market reach and increase their product portfolio, resulting in more opportunities for growth and trade.

Another advantage of air freight is its safety and security. Air freight has a low risk of damage, theft, and loss compared to other modes of transportation, making it ideal for high-value and sensitive goods. Additionally, air freight allows for stringent security checks and inspections, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access or interference with the cargo. Air freight has progressively become an integral component of global trade. It has contributed to the growth and development of various industries, such as technology, medicine, and manufacturing. With its speed, accessibility, and safety, air freight has opened up new markets for businesses, facilitating economic growth and enhancing international trade.

 

Development Trends of Air Freight
 

Growth of e-commerce
E-commerce has profoundly impacted air cargo operations, driving the demand for speed and efficiency. The convenience of online shopping has resulted in increased demand for fast delivery times, which has seen air cargo companies developing innovative solutions to provide customers with same-day and next-day delivery options.

 

Technological advancements
Advancements in technology have provided air cargo companies with better tracking, monitoring, and data analytics capabilities that have revolutionized the industry. From e-AWB electronic documentation to remote monitoring of cargo and drones used for last-mile delivery, technology has improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced turnaround times.

 

Sustainable practices
An increasing global focus on sustainability has sparked the development of sustainable practices in air cargo operations. These include the use of environmentally friendly packaging and alternative fuels, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and the development of biofuels for aircraft engines.

 

Capacity and infrastructure expansion
With more and more air cargo operations being integrated into the global supply chain, the need for increased capacity and infrastructure has become critical. The development of new cargo facilities, increased automation, and expansion of airport facilities have become necessary to manage the expected increase of air cargo volumes globally.

 

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HKE LOGISTICS was founded in April 2013, which is an integrated LOGISTICS company based in Shenzhen China. With 13 years of experience in international LOGISTICS and transportation, our team brings expertise to solve a variety of complex global LOGISTICS needs. We have in-depth knowledge of global customs regulations to ensure compliance and efficient management of your cargo.

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FAQ

Q: What do you mean by air freight?

A: Air freight is another term for air cargo that is, the shipment of goods through an air carrier. Air transport services are the most valuable when it comes to moving express shipments around the globe. Just like the commercial or passenger airlines, air freight flies in the same gateways.

Q: What is the meaning of air freight mode?

A: Air Freight, also known as air cargo, is the mode of transport used to transport cargo swiftly by air. Airfreight is the most valuable form of transport when shipping or transporting goods in the fastest time around the globe. Air cargo is shipped through the same gateway as the passenger or commercial airlines.

Q: What is the difference between air shipping and air freight?

A: The terms freight or cargo refer to the transportation of goods from one place to another, but the air cargo meaning typically refers only to goods transported by plane or ship. The air freight definition has a much broader meaning and can also be applied to the transportation of goods via road, ocean, rail, and air.

Q: What is the difference between air courier and air freight?

A: Prices are typically higher per kilogram compared to bulk air freight but are more inclusive, often covering aspects like door-to-door service, customs clearance, and tracking. Courier services often offer faster, guaranteed delivery times.

Q: Is DHL an air freight?

A: We help you plan with certainty – working with carefully selected carriers, operating schedules on all the world's major routes, giving you a choice of air freight delivery speeds to suit your needs.

Q: Is Courier an air freight?

A: Air express/courier is frequently managed by a single organization (such as UPS, FedEx or DHL) that oversees the entire shipment lifecycle and can deliver packages from door to door in less than five days. Express freight shipments are often smaller than air freight (less than one cubic meter and 200 kg).

Q: When should you use air freight?

A: While road transport may be the quickest way to deliver goods short distances, air transportation is the fastest option for freight traveling long distances — especially for perishable goods, like flowers, food and pharmaceuticals. Transit time is typically between 24 and 48 hours.

Q: What is standard air freight?

A: Providing you with a broad range of secure, highly flexible air freight products and delivery speeds to move your goods efficiently and reliably. We're here to simplify global trade, moving your goods to and from every country globally, in the most efficient way.

Q: Is air freight better than cargo?

A: The speed of air freight makes it ideal for businesses that require urgent delivery or when time is of the essence. It is also less susceptible to weather delays than other methods, such as ocean cargo, making it more reliable in certain circumstances.

Q: What can be shipped by air freight?

A: Urgent materials such as radiopharmaceuticals for medical diagnosis or treatment or high-value goods such as technological products and high value commodities are typically shipped by air cargo. Air transport is also ideal for certain food products such as fresh fish, exotic fruits and cut flowers.

Q: How is air freight delivered?

A: Air freight parcel delivery is the transfer and shipment of goods via an air carrier, which may be charter or commercial. Such shipments travel out of commercial and passenger aviation gateways to anywhere planes can fly and land.

Q: Who is air freight forwarder?

A: An air freight forwarder specializes in moving freight by air on either passenger aircrafts or specially designed cargo aircrafts. This specialization enables them to better understand the intricacies of air freight, create a relationship with the TSA, and, in many cases, provide better air rates.

Q: What is air freight alternative?

A: As a transportation system, it comes with several options such as full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL), roll-on roll-off (RORO) and bulk dry shipping. It's also worth noting that duty and VAT can be less expensive when using sea freight.

Q: What are the 2 types of air cargo?

A: When looking at the various types of cargo transported by air, they fall into two main groups: General Cargo and Special Cargo. Special Cargo is then divided up into smaller specialized sub-groups.

Q: What sells for the most in air freight cargo?

A: Narcotics, Medical Supplies, and Chemical are all equally profitable and are the top.

Q: What is not allowed in air cargo?

A: Flammable liquids and solids are some of the most common prohibited items shipped by air. They are classified as such because they are quickly ignited and can pose a severe fire hazard. Some examples of flammable liquids and solids include gasoline, kerosene, propane, petrol, diesel, crude oil, and fireworks.

Q: Is bill of lading required for air freight?

A: Bill of lading should be used with port-to-port sea shipments, whereas air waybill should be used with air shipments.

Q: Can bill of lading be used for air freight?

A: A waybill or a bill of lading is required when shipping goods internationally, whether by air, sea, rail or road. The document's primary purpose is to provide information about the shipment, but in some cases can also act as a receipt for payment and be required for insurance purposes.

Q: How fast is air freight?

A: The major advantage of air freight shipping is speed. Once freight arrives at an airport, it can generally be anywhere in the world within 24 hours. Compare that to a China-to-LA ocean trip of 14 to 18 days.

Q: How long is air freight shipping?

A: In very rough estimates: express can take as little as 1-3 days, air freight is typically 5-10 days, and sea shipping can range anywhere from 20-45 days or more. The complexity of customs procedures and potential delays at border crossings can also influence freight shipping transit time.

We're professional logistics companies in China, mainly engaged in providing high quality air freight service with low price. If you're going to know more about customized air freight service, contact us now.

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