Types of Air Cargo

 

Air cargo refers to goods and products that are transported through air transportation services. Air freight carriers transport these loads from one place to another, safely, securely, and speedily. Air cargo has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation for both individuals and businesses due to its convenience and efficiency. This article will provide an overview of air cargo, focusing on the two kinds of goods that are transported, namely general and special cargo.

General Cargo

General cargo refers to all items that do not require special transportation conditions. It covers regular day-to-day items that are of no specific importance, as well as high-value items that require extra security during transit. General cargo is the most common type of cargo transported by air, and it includes dry goods that do not contain any liquid, such as textiles, consumer goods, and hardware.

Shipping general cargo via air freight is undoubtedly expensive, but it is also the fastest and most secure form of transportation of goods. This makes it the most appropriate shipping option for certain kinds of goods. Merchants who avail this service have a high margin and given that their goods are mostly fragile and valuable, air transport serves as the most appropriate choice for them.

Special Cargo

Special cargo refers to goods that require special transportation conditions. It includes perishable food items that require refrigeration, livestock, artworks, antiques, and other items that commonly require temperature control. Goods that require special packaging also come under this category, for which protected casings are used for extra protection.

Hazardous goods are also transported as special cargoes. These include items that pose a potential threat to the safety of people or the environment, such as chemicals, flammable materials, and radioactive substances. Medical samples, heavyweight freight, extra fragile items, and such are also classified as special air cargo.

How Are Cargoes Shipped by Air?

Both general and special cargoes are shipped in pretty much the same way by air freight forwarders. They are often consolidated into consoles; a step forwarder often takes to save cost when shipping goods over long distances like air freight from UAE to Kerala. Consolidating freight cuts costs and makes transportation more effective. However, it does take some extra time to group shipments, but it also reduces the cost of shipment in the long run.

All air freight shipping requires an airway bill, which is normally issued by the airline. In some cases, it is released by the agent who is authorized with the shipping. The note is like evidence of the carriage contract. This bill needs to be shown at the gate before the items are loaded in the cargo and the flight takes off.

Conclusion

In conclusion, air cargo has become an essential mode of transportation for both individuals and businesses. General cargo refers to all items that do not require special transportation conditions, while special cargo refers to goods that require special transportation conditions. Shipping general cargo via air freight is the most appropriate shipping option for certain kinds of goods due to its speed and security, while special cargo is suitable for items that require special handling, such as perishable food items, hazardous goods, and fragile items.

If you are looking to ship your cargo by air freight, examine your options when picking a shipping package. Shipping by air is fast, and unless it’s an urgent shipment, a standard one works for most. Moreover, it is essential to choose a reliable air freight forwarder who can provide you with the best shipping services at an affordable cost.