Air cargo: air freight services full guide
If you want to spend less time and effort setting up your logistics operations and your business depends on quick cargo transit, air freight is the way to go.
What are air freight services?
Air freight is the act of transporting goods by air carriers. Due to its speed and efficiency, it is a popular mode of transportation in international trade.
Instead of weeks or months when using traditional transportation methods, businesses may use air freight to carry their goods to distant locations in a matter of hours or days.
Air cargo definition
Air cargo is anything that is going to be transported via airplane, and it has three different types: air freight, air express, and airmail.
Benefits of air freight
1- Speed
One of the key advantages of air freight is its speed. Airlines operate on fixed schedules, ensuring that goods are delivered on time.
This is especially beneficial for perishable or time-sensitive products such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or electronics.
By choosing air freight, businesses can reduce the risk of spoilage or obsolescence.
2- global reach
Another advantage of air freight is its. Airports are connected worldwide, allowing goods to be transported to almost any destination.
This opens up opportunities for businesses to expand their markets and reach customers in different countries.
Air freight also enables the importation of raw materials or components from overseas suppliers, facilitating global supply chains.
3- High levels of security
Air freight provides high levels of security in addition to speed and global access. Airports have stringent security systems in place to prevent unwanted entry and ensure cargo safety.
This decreases the possibility of theft, damage, or loss during travel.
Furthermore, tracking systems are frequently used in air freight, allowing firms to monitor the position and condition of their cargo in real-time.
Air freight does, however, have some restrictions. Its price is one of the biggest disadvantages.
Air freight often costs more than other forms of transportation like the sea or the road.
For companies who send out bulky or heavy shipments, this can be a crucial consideration. Additionally, there are limitations on the weight and size of cargo for air freight, which limits its usefulness for big or bulky goods.
Despite these limitations, air freight remains a popular choice for many businesses due to its speed, global reach, and security.
It plays a crucial role in international trade, connecting businesses and facilitating the movement of goods across borders.
With advancements in technology and logistics, air freight continues to evolve, offering even faster and more efficient services in the future.
How Is Air Freight Cost Calculated?
Air Freight Cost is determined by calculating the Chargeable weight, which refers to the weight used by airlines or shipping companies to calculate the cost of transportation.
It is the higher value between the actual weight of a package or cargo and its volumetric weight.
This concept is particularly relevant when dealing with lightweight items that occupy a large amount of space.
Chargeable weight calculation
To determine the chargeable weight, the transportation provider considers both the physical weight and the size of the shipment.
I the package is heavier than its volumetric weight, the actual weight is used for cost calculation.
On the other hand, if the volumetric weight is higher, it becomes the chargeable weight.
Volumetric weight
Volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package and dividing the result by a predefined volumetric factor.
This factor varies depending on the transportation provider and the units used for measurement.
Chargeable weight plays a crucial role in determining shipping costs, as transportation companies need to allocate space efficiently and ensure fair pricing.
B considering the size of the shipment, they can prevent small but bulky items from taking up excessive space that could be used for larger and heavier cargo.
Shippers need to be aware of the chargeable weight calculation as it can affect shipping expenses.
By optimizing packaging and reducing unnecessary space, businesses can potentially lower their costs and improve efficiency in the transportation process.
Chargeable weight is a concept used in the transportation industry to calculate shipping costs based on the actual weight or volumetric weight of a package.
By understanding and considering chargeable weight, both shipping companies and businesses can ensure fair pricing and efficient use of space.
Some of the Common Air Freight Accessorial Fees
- Airport Handling Fee
- Airport Screening Fee
- Airport Transfer Fee
- Dangerous Goods Fee
- Fuel Surcharges
- Handling fee
- Letter of Credit Fee
- Security Surcharge
- Terminal Handling Fee
Air freight customs clearance
Air freight customs clearance refers to the process of clearing shipments that are transported by air through customs.
When goods are transported across international borders, they need to go through customs clearance to ensure compliance with the regulations and laws of the importing country.
This process involves various documentation and procedures to verify the nature, quantity, and value of the goods being imported or exported.
During air freight customs clearance, the customs authorities examine the shipment to determine if it meets the required standards and if any duties, taxes, or other charges need to be levied.
The customs officers inspect the documents accompanying the shipment, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, to verify the accuracy of the information provided.
To facilitate the customs clearance process, many companies engage the services of customs brokers or freight forwarders who specialize in navigating the complexities of customs regulations.
These professionals assist in completing the necessary documents, coordinating with customs authorities, and ensuring that the goods are cleared efficiently.
ACS Air freight services
As the industry's top provider of air freight services, we combine the best of both worlds—a global network with unmatched local knowledge—to offer full personal services. From pricing, booking, and clearing to tracking your shipments.
We offer all the air forwarding and air freight solutions you need to achieve your business goals. You can view our air freight solutions by clicking here. Air freight services.