When it comes to transporting goods, there are two main options: air shipping and air freight. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. One of the main distinctions between air shipping and air freight is that cargo can travel on passenger planes in the form of baggage, while air freight cannot. Air freight is only transported in a cargo hold on specific cargo aircraft.
The high costs associated with air freight services are mainly due to fuel costs, although they can also be impacted by specific environmental and political factors. Air freight usually arrives at its destinations the same day or the next, making it ideal for shipping products that have a limited lifespan, such as food, medicine, etc. Shipping goods by air is more expensive than other forms of transportation, so if time isn't a factor for you and you want to save money, air shipping may not be an economical option. On average, the typical transit time of an air freight shipment that follows one of the shortest main routes (for example, the DGR) also explains what rules and requirements must be followed by air freight carriers, airlines and shippers to ship sensitive cargo safely and legally, ensuring that they pass customs clearance procedures smoothly. For most business owners, the terms “air shipping” and “air freight” are used interchangeably to refer to the transportation of goods by air. As a general rule, smaller volumes and high-value goods are transported by air, while bulk goods are transported by sea.
If you still want to ship large loads by air, a specialized team of air freight agents can help you make the right decisions and limit unnecessary costs as much as possible. Although on a global scale, its volumes are much lower compared to maritime transport, air transport has its advantages. Most delays in air transport occur during the transport of goods from your warehouse to the airport or vice versa, usually on transport trucks. The terms freight or cargo refer to the transportation of goods from one place to another, but the meaning of air shipping usually refers only to goods transported by plane or ship. If you have any questions about transporting land or air cargo, need advice on which option is best for you, or simply want a free quote, contact us.
Read on to learn all the basics of land and air shipping transportation, including the pros and cons of each option. You can save even more time with the help of a qualified air freight agent, who has the necessary experience to help you streamline the most complex aspects of international transport.