Air freight gets your shipment where it needs to go quickly and efficiently. However, how does air freight work? Are there limitations to what can be sent? Fortunately, there are few restrictions on what can be sent via this ultra fast way of shipping.
Here we will look at what you need to know about air freight for your business including the advantages of air freight, and the limitations.
What Kind of Plane Carries Cargo?
While there are many dedicated cargo planes that fly throughout the U.S.,Canada, and around the world, there are many more that operate as passenger planes that also carry cargo. Depending on where your items need to go and when they need to ship, your cargo could fly on a dedicated cargo plane or a passenger plane with cargo space.
In fact, nearly all passenger planes carry at least some kind of cargo with them. While on smaller planes the cargo area is relatively limited, large planes are capable of carrying an incredible amount of cargo. For example, the Boeing 747, when used exclusively for cargo, can hold roughly the same volume of items as 5 semi trucks. Moreover, it can deliver those items in a fraction of the time that a semi truck can.
Are there Limitations on What Can be Sent by Air Freight?
Air freight is a surprisingly versatile mode of transport that is suitable for most items. In fact, there are cargo planes large enough to transport other planes, military tanks, and even a space shuttle. This last example refers to the Antonov AN-225 which was expressly designed to transport a Russian space shuttle.
However, there are certain smaller but more dangerous items that are restricted. These include:
- Both liquid and solid flammable items
- Fireworks and other explosives
- Aerosol cans
- Toxic substances including pesticides
- Potentially dangerous gases including gas lighters, compressed gas, and even fire extinguishers.
- Medical waste, specifically anything poses the risk of spreading dangerous pathogens
Other Considerations for Air Freight
Air freight has many advantages but it also has greater restrictions than other modes of transport. In particular, security concerns and packaging will have additional rules. If you are sending certain restricted items or are concerned that your items may not fit the restrictions of air freight, another mode of transport may be preferable. Consider the following when choosing air freight over other modes of transport:
Security Requirements for Air Freight
While most items are able to be shipped via air freight, there are more security concerns compared to shipping via truck or boat. There are several reasons for this including the fact that plane cargo is the most likely to be traveling internationally. Air freight shipments, unlike other modes of transport, have contact with an airport where there will be significantly more people which makes safety an even greater concern.
Moreover, security requirements can change for air freight depending on national and global conditions. This is why it is important to work with a dedicated air freight shipping company that is experienced in tracking and adhering to these restrictions. At OCT, our shipping logistics experts work with you to not only find the fastest mode of transport for your goods, but also work to ensure your shipments meet security requirements.
Packaging Requirements for Air Freight
With any mode of transport, items must be secure but this is especially true with air freight. Items must be wrapped and packaged in such a way that they will not roll, become unbalanced, or pose a risk to the rest of the cargo, plane, or passengers.
The following are some packaging requirements your shipment may need to adhere to. Note that these are broad examples and that you may need to meet additional requirements depending on the types of items you are shipping.
- Packages must be completely sealed to ensure no items can be smuggled in.
- Fiberboard boxes cannot be reused for additional shipments
- Items must be stackable
- Fiberboard packages must be filled and packed in such a way that they are structurally sound and will not collapse when tossed around.
- Palettes must either be plastic or of current wood design. Older palettes are not allowed and do not meet the standards set forth by International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Can Air Freight be Combined with Other Modes of Travel?
Known as intermodal transportation, shipments can utilize two or more modes of transportation to get where they need to go. This means your shipment can start on a plane but also travel by train, truck, or ocean to get to its final destination.
With Ontario Container Transport, we use the strongest and most secure intermodal shipping containers to ensure your items are safe no matter how they travel. With our intermodal shipping containers your items are protected from heat, moisture, and other damaging elements.
By utilizing one container for all modes of transport, intermodal containers not only protect your shipment, they save time and reduce room for error. Items are packed in their secure container and do not need to be reloaded which reduces the chances that they will be damaged or misplaced while transitioning to another container.
When to Choose Air Freight Shipping
Air freight shipping is a good choice in many situations. It’s primary benefit, however, is that it is exceptionally fast. Whenever you need to get shipments where they need to be fast, air freight will almost always be your best option.
Other advantages include:
Tracking: Air freight offers some of the most reliable and up to date tracking for packages. This gives you and your clients or customers peace of mind knowing that you can easily track arrival and departure times.
Range: Air freight is often the only option when delivering to certain parts of the world. While shipping by boat may also be possible, it is much slower.
Reduction in Packing Materials: While air freight is usually more expensive than other modes of transport, you can often save on packing materials. Packing is generally light on air freight since weight is such a big factor in this form of shipping.
Safety: When shipping by plane, your items will be protected by a greater level of security than with other modes of transport. Though all modes of shipping offer some protection, airport security is on a higher level.
Some exceptions to this are if you need to ship certain restricted items such as the ones mentioned above. These include anything flammable, aerosol cans, and anything else that would pose an increased risk on a flight. Air freight may also be prohibitively expensive in some scenarios.
Send Your Air Freight Shipment Today
Ready to get started with your air freight shipping? Ontario Container Transport is here to help. Over our years of operation we have established an extensive network of trusted carriers to ensure we can get your items where they need to be quickly.
Choose from our airport to airport pickup options, door to door delivery, and warehousing solutions to meet all your needs. Contact the OCT team to request a free quote.
