Air freight is when goods are transported by aircraft. The entire global economy depends on the ability to deliver high-quality products at competitive prices to consumers worldwide.
Cargo delivered by air is fast and accounts for approximately 35% of world trade. Whether or not air freight is suitable for your goods will depend on certain things, like what you’re transporting and your budget for freight.
This blog will outline the advantages and disadvantages so you can decide if air freight is right for your business.
Benefits Of Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest international shipping option compared to sea, road and rail. Because transport by air is much quicker than other options, it suits perishable and time-sensitive items in particular. Air freight is also highly reliable – you tend to have dependable departure and arrival times and a significantly lower risk of delay.
The five main benefits of air freight are:
- Speed and Reliability – this mode of transportation offers the fastest possible shipping times, as well as reliable arrival and departure times. Air freight can even provide same-day delivery if needed. Unlike sea and road, all journeys are unbroken, so there is less chance of complications and loss of goods.
- Security – Security is very tight at airports. Goods must follow strict regulations and screenings. Air terminals are highly monitored and secure, limiting the risk of theft or damage. Additionally, there is minimal handling, and much less time is spent in transit.
- Locations Served – Even the remotest of locations can be serviced by air. Airlines have a large operating footprint, providing services to nearly any location on the planet.
- Tracking – Air freight services usually provide web-based tracking that allows you to check the progress of your goods at every stage.
- Cost Of Packaging – The cargo is usually shipped in very lightweight packaging, so there is a reduced need for packing materials and containers
Disadvantages Of Air Freight
Although there are many benefits to air freight, there are inevitably some downsides too.
- Higher Costs – This is the most expensive way of exporting and importing goods
- Limited Carrying Capacity – The weight of items will determine if they can be sent by air. The number you send will also be limited due to weight restrictions.
- Dependable On Weather Conditions – Bad weather can delay take-off and landing, causing delays
- Legal Restrictions Every country will have different legal requirements.
- Higher Carbon Footprint – Environmentally, air freight leaves the most significant carbon footprint.
- Unsuitable For Certain Products – This is the biggest disadvantage. There are a lot of items that you can not send via air freight.
The full list of prohibited products is very long and includes:
- Fireworks, ammunition, sporting ammunition, firearms or explosives
- Cylinders of compressed air, oxygen or liquid petroleum gas (LPG), any type of aerosol can (eg deodorant, shaving cream, hair spray, paint etc)
- Cigarette/pipe lighters or cigarette lighter refills
- Cosmetics (e.g. nail polish, colognes, perfumes, nail polish remover)
- Paint, fuel or paint thinners
- Matches
- Dry Ice, specimens or samples
- Detergents, bleaches, drain or oven cleaners
- Fibreglass repair kits, adhesives and puncture repair kits
- Medicines of any type
- Any type of chemical, pesticides, herbicides etc
- Camping equipment (eg gas stoves, gas cylinders)
- Diving equipment (eg air tanks)
- Batteries of any type
- Machinery with internal combustion engines, such as chainsaws, lawnmowers or
- Garden trimmers
- Printer ink cartridges of any type
- Food of any type
Is Air Freight Right For You?
Choosing air freight is a big investment for your business. There are cheaper alternatives available, however, you won’t get the same speed. Air freight allows your products to be available in a huge number of countries worldwide.
How you ship will depend on the goods you sell – if you ship cheaper or bulky items, then this mode of transport won’t be right for you.
However, it could be a wise investment if air freight can enhance your business and increase your sales and range.
If you think air freight is the right mode of transport for importing and exporting your goods, then the next step is to find a reliable shipping distributer.
Millennium Cargo can help you advise you on all methods of transport. Speak to one of our team who’d be happy to talk you through all transportation options that could benefit your business.