Air freight is the transportation of goods and cargo by aircraft, whether operated by commercial airlines or chartered specifically for shipping purposes. This method relies on a wide network of flights, allowing goods to be transported quickly and efficiently over long distances.
Air freight is a fundamental element in global logistics, providing a fast and reliable means of delivering high-value products that require urgent transit. It is the ideal choice for shipping electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, and other items that require prompt delivery.
Although international air freight accounts for a small percentage of total shipping volume by weight, its role in supporting international trade, e-commerce, and urgent supply chain requirements is significant.
Advantages of Air Freight:
Air freight offers numerous advantages that make it a preferred choice for both international and domestic transportation, especially for goods that require speed and efficiency. The key benefits of air freight include:
1.Speed: Air freight is the fastest available mode of transportation, allowing goods to reach their destination within hours or days
2. Reliability: Thanks to minimal weather-related delays and advanced tracking systems, air freight provides a high level of reliability compared to other modes of transportation..
3.Global Reach: Airports connect major cities around the world, making air freight an ideal choice for international trade and cross-border shipments.
4.High Security: Air freight facilities adhere to strict security standards, ensuring the protection of goods during transportation.
5.Reduced Inventory Costs: The speed of air freight helps lower inventory costs by shortening storage time and preventing stockouts.
6. Flexibility: Air freight offers significant flexibility in scheduling, routes, and capacity, allowing for last-minute changes and accommodating urgent requests.ة.
What are Air Freight Services?
Air freight services include a variety of logistics solutions provided by airlines and shipping companies. These services include:
- Express Shipping: Provides fast delivery for urgent parcels.
- Standard Air Freight: A reliable service for shipments that do not require immediate delivery.
- Specialized Services: Handle specific goods such as hazardous materials or oversized items.
How Are Air Freight Costs Calculated?
Calculating air freight costs is a fundamental aspect of logistics, as it directly impacts shipping budgets and profitability. Several factors influence air freight costs, including:
- Weight and Dimensions of Goods: The higher the weight or volume, the greater the cost.
- Distance to Destination: Shipping costs vary depending on the distance between the origin and the destination.
- Additional Services: Such as insurance, premium shipping, or storage services.
Therefore, understanding how air freight costs are determined helps companies optimize their shipping strategies and manage expenses effectively.
Types of Goods Shipped by Air:
- Urgent Shipments: Air freight is the best option for long distances that require fast and urgent delivery.
- Consumer Goods, such as Clothing and Footwear.
- Live Animals.
- Perishable Foods and Pharmaceuticals.
- Commercial Exhibits and Spare Parts.
- Valuable Goods: When it comes to valuable goods, air freight is always the preferred choice due to its speed and security.
- Gemstones and Jewelry.
- Precision Electronics and Artwork.
- Luxury Fashion.
- Hazardous Goods: Although some goods pose a high risk and cannot be transported by air, other hazardous items can be shipped provided a detailed permit is obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority.
1.Category 1: Explosives
2.Category 2: Gases
3.Category 3: Flammable liquids
4.Category 4: Flammable solids; self-reactive substances; substances that emit flammable gases on contact with water
5.Category 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
6.Category 6: Toxic and infectious substances
7.Category 7: Radioactive materials
8.Category 8: Corrosive substances
9.Category 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods, including environmentally hazardous items
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Note: To transport these products by air, the company must obtain authorization from the airline and ensure that the shipments comply with specific safety standards. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) serves as the global reference for classifying, preparing, and handling hazardous goods IATA
How to Calculate Air Freight Costs Based on Actual and Volumetric Weight
To calculate air freight costs, two main methods are used: actual weight and volumetric weight. The higher of the two weights is applied for billing.
We will explain how each method is calculated:
1. Actual Weight:
It is the true weight of the goods, measured using a scale.
2. Volumetric Weight:
It is calculated based on the package dimensions, using the following formula:
Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 5000
Thus, the dimensions (Length × Width × Height) are multiplied in centimeters, then the result is divided by 5000 to obtain the volumetric weight in kilograms.
Calculating Air Freight Costs:
- If the actual weight is greater than the volumetric weight, the shipping cost will be charged based on the actual weight.
- If the volumetric weight is greater than the actual weight, the shipping cost will be charged based on the volumetric weight.
Example:
Let’s assume the package dimensions are 30 × 30 × 30 cm (Length × Width × Height):
- Calculating Volumetric Weight:
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 Safe and Efficient Air Shipping
- Advance Planning:Try to prepare all necessary documents, such as the airway bill and invoices, in advance to avoid any potential delays.
- Choose a Freight Forwarder Carefully: Select a reliable freight forwarder with a good reputation and extensive experience in air shipping, such as Bader International, to ensure a smooth process and high-quality service.
- Secure Packaging: Also, make sure to use strong and safe packaging materials suitable for the type of goods, to protect them during transit and prevent damage.
- Understanding Costs: Be aware of factors such as volumetric weight and fuel surcharges, and try to compare prices among different options to choose the most suitable one.
- Maintain Effective Communication: Keep continuous and clear communication with the freight forwarder and recipients to ensure the process runs smoothly without any issues.
In Conclusion:
Air freight is one of the fastest and simplest modes of transportation, with the ability to reach distant destinations in record time. With proper planning and well-considered choices, a safe and efficient shipping process can be ensured. Despite its higher cost compared to other shipping methods, air freight remains the optimal choice for goods that require speedy delivery.
For inquiries about air freight services at Bader International, you can contact us through the unified number 920005542 or via our websit.
