Like all transportation types, air freight has both pros and cons for businesses and individuals looking to ship their cargo. Read our blog post to learn the benefits and challenges of air freight transportation and decide if it’s right for you!
What is Air Freight Transportation?
Air freight transportation is the movement of cargo via aircraft. It is frequently utilized by all kinds of businesses, most notably, those that need to move freight on a minute’s notice (think of the times you’ve paid extra to get an item delivered sooner). Air freight is also quite popular amongst clients who need to move cargo overseas, as their other options can add a significant amount of time onto the delivery. Any time you take a commercial flight somewhere, odds are there is cargo either on your flight or one next to you to ensure individuals and businesses get the cargo they need in a quick and efficient manner.
What are the Benefits of Air Freight Transportation?
Moving your cargo via aircraft is almost always going to have your cargo reach its destination the fastest, as compared to the other types of shipping. Putting together the details and steps required for an air freight transportation is usually simpler than land or ship, as most air transports have fewer, if any, stops along the way. Air also is arguably the most efficient way to get your cargo where it needs to be, adding to its appeal for many customers.
Contrary to popular belief, air freight transportation can actually be cheaper than land transports for smaller items. Because these items can be tightly packaged and don’t take up too much room, air freight is usually the way to go when shipping smaller items.
Air can be the most reliable form of shipping, too, thanks to the typical flight schedules as compared to other forms of transportation. Flights are much more often than other forms of transport, meaning there are far more opportunities for cargo to be shipped on a daily, and even an hourly basis. If there is any urgency behind a shipment, air is the best bet to get your cargo on the move quickly.
What are the Challenges of Air Freight Transportation?
Of all the forms of transportation, air is typically the most expensive for larger cargo and high-volume shipments because of how quickly you can move cargo by air. Many cargo shipments are completed via commercial airline, too, and in that case, there is a limit to how much space there is available. Because of space limitations, some cargo shipments must be broken up onto multiple flights or they must be chartered through cargo aircrafts, which is more expensive for the logistics manager and therefore, for the client, too.
Compared to other types of transportation, air is the most sensitive to weather conditions, adding to the risk of getting your transport at its destination in time. Though flights don’t have to deal with wet and slippery roads or the extreme storms of the ocean, severe wind, rain and snow can all stop a flight from taking off and cause significant delays for passengers and shippers alike.
Is Air Freight Transportation Right for My Shipment?
The answer to this question is always going to be, “it depends!” The best way to figure out if this is the right form of shipping for you is to talk to a trusted logistics manger. Contact us at LogiWorld today with any questions you may have and a free quote!