Air Freight

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Air Freight Forwarder

International air freight is the best way to transport shipments quickly around the globe. Air cargo can be transported within days, far beyond the speed of ocean or ground freight. However, anything transported by international air freight can’t be too heavy or too oversized, as these types of shipments should be solely reserved for boats. Air freight forwarders are very technically savvy and are well trained in international air cargo transportation logistics, documentation, and regulations. Air cargo is heavily regulated and more expensive than most methods of transportation. Still, you can work with an air freight forwarder to help you complete the required customs forms, stay compliant with international regulations, and obtain insurance if necessary. To learn more about the cost of shipping, you can read more to discover how the pricing structure works.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Shipping

International air cargo rates only range from $1.50 to $5.00 or more per kilogram, depending upon the type of cargo you’re shipping.

Volume and Shape

The shape and volumetric weight of your cargo matters, and a larger item will likely cost more because it takes up more space. However, larger doesn’t always mean heavier. If an item is small and heavy, it may be more expensive than larger and lighter cargo. The volumetric weight is the minimum density accepted by the carrier. The length, width, and height are measured from the longest point on each side. This amount will then be divided by the dimensional factor to create the volumetric weight. This number helps calculate the cost of the cargo shipment.

Cargo Weight

This is the actual weight of the cargo, also known as the gross weight. Heavier items will likely get charged more according to industry standards. This is calculated without the packaging.

Packaging Weight

The packaging will also be weighed when it makes sense. For example, packaging may be added separately if your cargo wasn’t wrapped or prepared for shipment initially and was added by the warehouse managers afterward.

Value of Cargo

How valuable your cargo is can also increase or decrease the cost of your shipment. High-value cargo typically tends to be machinery or expensive equipment, such as small aircraft construction and advanced computation systems. This can range from hundreds to millions of dollars.

Number of Shipments

The number of goods you are shipping is also included in the total cost. If you have few shipments and only need a partial load on an airplane, you won’t be paying the total cost of the shipment but instead sharing it with another client who has a similar shipment volume. If you require a full load that takes up the entire cargo of the airplane, then you’d be paying a higher amount.

Insurance

You may or may not choose to get insurance to cover your shipment costs. Insurance is useful for protecting your items should an airplane become defective, delivery mistakes are made, or natural disasters happen. You can work with an air freight forwarder to decide what type of insurance works best for the type of air cargo you are transporting.

Palletized or Loosely Packed

In general, floor-loaded items can help to reduce the cost of air freight. You might want to place your cargo on a pallet with shrink-wrapping to keep all of the goods secure in large and easy to organize bulk packaging. It helps increase manageability, protects the cargo, and makes goods easier to load. However, it is more expensive compared to loosely packed cargo. There is a greater risk of damages with loosely packed cargo because the goods are stacked from the floor to the ceiling. Also, this method isn’t the most suitable for all types of products. They may be held in one place through stacking, but it is not as secure as palletized goods.

Frequency of Shipments

The amount you can expect to pay will also vary based on the number of shipments that need to be performed weekly or monthly. The higher the frequency of the shipments, the larger your air freight cost will be.

Other Things to Consider for Your Air Cargo

If you have dangerous goods, you will have to fill out additional documentation according to international regulations. Each type of dangerous goods has its own specific paperwork that must be completed. These forms will require identification, packing type and quantity, packing instructions, and a statement of authorization from the US government. For example, if your goods contain any explosive gases, radioactive materials, or lithium batteries, they may be potentially toxic, corrosive, infections, flammable, and oxidizing. With this risk, you have to make sure that your items are not only documented but properly prepared for international travel.

Statement of Authorization

This is a special provisions mandate that is required before air shipments can be authorized for international shipment. The US Department of Transportation must perform this as part of an agreement with foreign governments before transporting cargo internationally. Some of the special provisions that are required include aircraft type, quantity limitations, and packing requirements. You can also receive logistical support to help provide fast and accurate freight forwarding services. Other notable provisions include expedited and priority services for shipments that need same-day, overnight, next-day delivery, and more.

Learn More About Air Freight Forwarding

Your freight forwarder will be able to help you set up priority and expedited services to allow you to get your goods across the world fast. They help with purchase order and material flow management, provide online tracking, and even integrate other delivery methods such as ocean and ground freight. Air traffic is highly regulated, as well as the cargo that is shipped across borders. However, with the help of an air freight forwarder, you will get the guidance you need. You can expect highly organized shipments delivered safely and punctually.

We offer priority and expedited services to handle your shipments door-to-door, door-to-airport, airport-to-airport, and more, anywhere in the world. Our extensive air freight service contacts give you access to the same air freight service options as your largest competitors.