Air freight is the shipment or transfer of goods by a carrier that transports the items using aircraft. It is a time-efficient method allowing quicker shipping times than other choices.
When companies need goods arriving at their destination rapidly, air freight is the best choice. It provides extra flexibility to ensure seasonal updates or changes in consumer demand are quickly addressed.
Air Freight vs. Air Cargo: What’s the Difference?
“Air freight” and “air cargo” are often used interchangeably. Although these methods of long-distance shipping have numerous similarities, there are also distinct differences between the two.
The primary difference involves the entity responsible for moving goods. Freight companies move cargo using their equipment, while air cargo is typically transported on planes owned by third-party providers.
Freight is strictly associated with the logistics of transporting commercial goods following import and export rules. Cargo is a general term that applies to virtually any shipment, including mail.
Both services are more costly than sea-based transport, but they are well-suited to shipping high-value items because of the extra protections offered. Pharmaceuticals, electronics, and jewelry are often transported with these methods because of their fragility and high margin potential.
Types of Air Freight
When selecting air freight, four primary options are available to consider. Each choice provides specific benefits to consider.
1. Expedited Charters
This service requires hiring a broker to locate a crew and plane near your freight’s location – or can be repositioned there quickly. It is a dedicated flight that takes items from their origin to the eventual destination when there’s enough range.
An expedited charter allows items to arrive quickly, but at the highest price.
2. Freightliners
Numerous forwarders lease or own aircraft to operate dedicated cargo flights. This option works well for those with a steady flow of shipments going in the same direction.
3. Commercial Airlines
Commercial flights can ship cargo to domestic locations or international destinations. Many freight forwarding companies reserve space with specific airlines to have the necessary capacity to serve clients.
This option has stability and flexibility, but the schedule can be unpredictable. Passenger flights are often overbooked, arrive late, and issue strict delivery policies.
4. On-Board Couriers
This service checks freight as luggage. The courier must have a passport from a country that allows entry at the destination. It’s typically reserved for items that fit into carry-on bags, such as important documents.
Advantages of Air Freight
Each air freight option provides three primary benefits to consider when comparing this service to other shipping options.
- Delivery Speed. Air freight services are up to 30 times faster than shipping by sea. Something that might take 90 days to arrive on an ocean liner can be at its destination in three days by using a plane.
- Protection. Items are less likely to be damaged when they’re prepared and packed for air shipping. This benefit is the reason why fragile items often use this method.
- Reliability. It is easier to track air shipments than other choices. There is also more certainty that the items will arrive at the correct destination at the expected time.
Air freight lets a company of any size send its cargo to almost any destination in the world today. It’s a practical way to explore new markets or create efficient logistics.
How Much Does Air Freight Cost?
Air freight costs are highly variable. The general price is calculated per kilogram and is quite volatile.
The intended destination, the type of air freight selected, and other variables play direct roles in what to expect for pricing. Additional factors include cargo insurance, fuel surcharges, airport transfers, and customs brokerage.
Although the size and weight can scale quickly, this service is typically reserved for high-value or time-sensitive items.
Air Freight Solution: Arch International
Arch International provides supply chain management, landside services, and international logistics from its Cape Town headquarters. By providing air freight opportunities, local companies can scale upward with the volume agreements they have with their partners.
A global network creates efficiencies that small businesses in South Africa can’t always tap into when working with consumers. When it’s time to go global, the customs clearance offered through Arch International’s air freight services ensures compliance and speed.
Businesses meet their customer’s expectations because on-time deliveries become the expectation instead of an exception to the rule.
Managing order and fulfilment is already challenging. Throw in warehousing and international supply chain issues, and there’s a recipe for delayed deliveries and miscommunication.
Arch International lets you focus on what you do best, and they take care of the rest of the logistics so that companies of any size can develop a competitive advantage.