How to ship cargo by air transport
Shipping cargo by air transport is the fastest delivery method, but also the most expensive. However, often the speed of delivery is more important than the cost of moving cargo, and this type of shipping is becoming increasingly popular in our accelerating world. Let's find out how to find an air carrier for your cargo.
Geography of air cargo shipping and possible types of such shipping
Air cargo shipping is used for medium and long distances. In general, the entire world is open for such shipping. However, for a cargo aircraft to land in the area of the destination point, there must be an aerodrome capable of receiving an aircraft of the type used for air shipping. Aircraft have very different characteristics. Some of them are capable of landing and taking off at field aerodromes, others need long powerful runways. Air cargo shipping by helicopters is less common, but this type of transport is capable of landing on almost any relatively flat area.
Shipping cargo by aircraft and helicopters is divided into the following types:
- General cargo. "General cargo" is transported. Such cargo includes any packaged goods and products. Packaging can also be anything from a bag to a container. An aircraft of any volume and carrying capacity available on the market can be selected. The main feature of such air shipping is that the service customer and payer is the cargo owner. This type of air shipping is the most expensive, however it allows you to receive shipping services and deliver cargo the fastest.
- Consolidated air delivery. In such air shipping, aircraft and helicopters move along a specific route, unloading and collecting cargo along the way in the available free space in the cargo hold. These shipments are much cheaper, since you don't need to pay for the entire aircraft, however finding suitable air transport requires a lot of time. In consolidated air cargo shipping, in addition to cargo aircraft, passenger aircraft making scheduled and charter flights can be used.
- Shuttle air shipping. In such shipping, the air transport vehicle is sent back empty.
- Groupage air delivery. The cheapest, but also the longest variant of cargo delivery by air. In such shipping, cargo from different shippers is stored in a warehouse until enough quantity is accumulated to justify an air flight.
What cargo can be transported by air
By cargo aircraft, when complying with established air shipping rules, any cargo can be sent, including dangerous goods. The main thing is that the carrying capacity and volume of the aircraft's cargo hold allow you to transport your cargo. In consolidated air shipping of cargo by passenger aircraft, strict restrictions are imposed on shipping in accordance with the legislation and requirements of the airline carrier itself.
What information should be clarified when organizing air cargo shipping
To conclude a contract for air shipping, the shipper must know the countries and airports from which the cargo is sent and to which it arrives. Many air carriers are able to organize air delivery of cargo to the departure airport and from the arrival airport. If you need such air services, you should know the initial point of departure of the cargo and the final point of its arrival.
In addition, you need to clarify the actual volume and weight of the cargo being transported. Approximation in this matter can lead to the fact that the contracted cargo will not be transported. Information will also be required about the length, width and height of the cargo. The type of cargo is important, its name, different carriers transport different cargo, some take it, others refuse.
Clarify the additional services you will need. If you need air delivery of cargo to the airport and from the airport, document processing services, cargo packaging and other related services, you should have a list of them.
Finding an air carrier for shipping your cargo
The portal com-stil.com was created specifically for shippers and carriers. Here they find each other for mutually beneficial cooperation.
You can search for an air carrier in two ways:
- By going to the section Air transport - all requests you will find all requests from air transport owners for cargo shipments. Study the offers from carriers and if you find a suitable option, contact them. Contact details are provided directly in the request.
- The second way to find an air carrier is to post your own shipping request. To submit a request, go to the section Add cargo and enter all necessary information. Your request will be visible to employees of air cargo carriers and logistics companies organizing air delivery. Owners of the air transport you need will contact you themselves.
