Air freight
Air freight
Need to ship high-value goods or meet tight deadlines? Air freight might well be your best solution. But how does it work? What can you ship via air? And is it the right choice for your business? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is air freight?
Air freight refers to transporting goods via aircraft, offering the fastest way to move cargo across long distances. Businesses rely on air freight for its speed, reliability, and global reach, making it essential for industries with time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable goods.Unlike other shipping methods, air freight operates on strict schedules, ensuring faster transit times and reducing supply chain delays. While it is more expensive than ocean or land freight, the benefits of quick delivery and enhanced security often outweigh the cost for urgent shipments.
How air freight works: Step-by-step process
Though air freight transportation seems simple, every shipment goes through multiple stages:- Booking and planning: Confirm your shipment details, choose a carrier, and secure a shipping slot.
- Preparing and packing: Package goods securely, prepare required documents, and ensure compliance with shipping regulations.
- Collection and consolidation: Your cargo is picked up and combined with other shipments to optimise space and costs.
- Customs clearance: Both import and export customs requirements must be met, including inspections and potential duties.
- Air transport: The shipment is flown via a cargo plane or commercial aircraft, depending on size, weight, and urgency.
- Arrival and final delivery: After customs clearance at the destination airport, the cargo is delivered to its final location.