What is air cargo

Air cargo encompasses all types of goods, freight and property transported by commercial or specialised aircraft for remuneration. This type of freight is a critical component of global trade, as it represents the fastest and most secure way to connect producers and buyers across vast distances.

What characterises these types of goods and their transport?

• Transport by different types of flights. Air cargo is carried both in specialised all-cargo aircraft and in the cargo holds of regular passenger flights.

• Global geographical coverage. This method allows goods to overcome continental borders in hours, providing access to markets worldwide.

• The ideal solution for specific products. Perishable goods, valuable shipments, high-tech electronics, and pharmaceutical products are primarily transported by air.

• Maximum security for goods. Air cargo undergoes strict and uncompromising control at airport terminals, which minimises the risk of theft or damage.

• Specific documentary support. The movement of these cargoes is accompanied by special air waybills and undergoes accelerated customs clearance procedures at airports.

When we choose air transport

Air transport is the most intelligent logistical choice when the main priority is to reduce delivery times or ensure maximum cargo security. This method becomes indispensable for covering vast geographical distances in a matter of hours and is ideal for critical situations where delays lead to huge financial or operational losses for businesses.

First and foremost, air transport is vital for valuable cargo that requires extremely low levels of risk of damage or theft.. This category includes luxury goods, haute couture, works of art, precious metals and banking documents. Due to the strict access and customs control at airport cargo terminals, the probability of unauthorised access to the goods is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Next, this model is indispensable for time-critical goods such as medical supplies, vaccines and pharmaceuticals, which require strict temperature control and immediate delivery. This also includes perishable goods such as fresh flowers, exotic fruits and fresh seafood., whose commercial life would end with slow land or sea transport.

Last but not least, air cargo is preferred for high-tech electronics, microchips and spare parts for industrial equipment. For them, the high market value per unit of weight fully justifies the higher cost of air freight compared to other logistical alternatives.

Types of air cargo

Air cargo is classified into two main categories depending on its physical-chemical characteristics, market value, and specific safety requirements for flight. This division not only determines the cost of the freight charge but also imposes specific rules for documentation, packaging, and ground handling at airport terminals.

General cargo

This category covers standard, durable goods that do not require special temperature control or extraordinary security measures during flight. This group includes textiles, finished factory products, office equipment, sporting goods, and souvenirs. The requirements for general cargo are aimed at standard palletisation or placement in sturdy boxes that can withstand pressure during stacking and vibrations during flight. The primary document here is the standard air waybill, accompanied by a commercial invoice and packing list, with the handling and customs clearance process being as streamlined and quick as possible.

Special cargo 

Special cargo includes goods which, by their nature, require specialised equipment, specific containers and strict adherence to the international IATA regulations. They are divided into the following main types:

• Dangerous goods or perfumes, lithium batteries, chemicals and aerosols. They require certified UN packaging, special labelling and a mandatory Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods.

• Temperature-sensitive goods: medicines, vaccines, fresh food and flowers. Transported in active or passive refrigerated containers with dry ice or gel packs, accompanied by temperature loggers for monitoring the degrees.

• Valuable shipments: precious metals, jewellery, and currency. They are transported in sealed metal safes under armed guard and stored in special airport vaults.

• Live animals: pets, animals for zoos and reserves, and livestock. Containers with precise ventilation in accordance with IATA LAR, veterinary certificates, and international passports are required.

Air cargo pricing

Air cargo pricing is based on specific aviation standards that balance the weight of the cargo and the space it occupies on an aircraft. Since aircraft capacity is limited in both volume and maximum weight, logistics companies apply a special formula to determine the chargeable weight. 

The process requires calculating so-called volumetric (dimensional) weight, which is obtained when the volume of the shipment in cubic meters is multiplied by a coefficient (usually 1 m3 = 167 kg). This fixed coefficient is a global standard of the International Air Transport Association and exists to financially level out light but bulky shipments with heavy and compact cargo.

The airline then compares the actual physical weight on the scales with the calculated volumetric weight and charges the customer the higher of the two values. To this basic rate per kilogram, mandatory surcharges are applied, such as a fuel surcharge, security fee, and airport handling fees at the cargo terminal.

Here are a few tips for cheaper air cargo: * **Choose the right airline and route:** Different airlines and routes will have different pricing. Be flexible with your departure and arrival times and airports if possible. * **Book in advance:** The earlier you book your air cargo, the more likely you are to get a better rate. * **Consolidate shipments:** If you have multiple small shipments, consider consolidating them into one larger shipment. This can often lead to lower per-kilogram costs. * **Understand weight and dimension restrictions:** Airlines charge based on the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight (which is calculated based on the dimensions of the cargo). Maximise the use of space without exceeding limits. * **Consider off-peak seasons:** Shipping during less busy periods can sometimes result in lower prices. * **Negotiate:** If you are shipping a significant volume of cargo, don't be afraid to negotiate with the shipping companies for better rates. * **Explore different freight forwarders:** Compare quotes from several freight forwarders, as they may have different agreements with airlines and can secure better deals. * **Check for special offers or discounts:** Keep an eye out for any promotions or discounts that airlines or freight forwarders might be offering. * **Be mindful of additional charges:** Understand all potential additional charges, such as fuel surcharges, security fees, handling fees, and customs duties, to get a true total cost. * **Opt for slower delivery if time permits:** Express services are more expensive. If your delivery is not time-critical, choosing a standard or slower service can significantly reduce costs. 

Air transport is the fastest but also the most expensive logistics method, making cost optimisation a key priority for any business. By implementing a few strategic steps in cargo preparation, companies can drastically reduce their bills without affecting delivery speed.

• Design the cartons to fit the product dimensions as snugly as possible and eliminate any unnecessary empty space. Airlines charge by volumetric weight, and avoiding „inflated“ volume will save you from paying for air freight.

• Instead of sending several small shipments on different days, consolidate all shipments into one overall, larger air pallet. Logistics companies offer much lower rates per kilogram when the total weight of a shipment crosses certain thresholds (e.g., over 45, 100, or 300 kg).

• Plan your deliveries in advance and book your flight seat at least a week beforehand. Last-minute bookings are always subject to a surcharge due to urgency and limited capacity.

• Avoid sending shipments at the end of the week (Thursday and Friday) when traffic is most intense due to online commerce. Flights at the beginning of the week (Monday and Tuesday) often have more favourable base rates.

Trust proven professionals

Choosing the right logistics partner is crucial for the security and profitability of your international shipments. Honest Logistics offers professional air freight and express delivery services to and from anywhere in the world. 

With a team that handles the entire process from pickup to final delivery, the company guarantees short transit times, full customs clearance, and real-time tracking. Whether you're shipping valuable goods or urgent samples, you receive security, control, and competitive prices.