Air freight is the transportation of goods via aircraft, either through commercial airlines or dedicated cargo planes. It is one of the fastest shipping methods, making it ideal for high-value, perishable, or time-sensitive shipments.
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Booking & Documentation
- Shipper books space with us
- Essential documents include :
- Air Waybill (AWB) – A contract between the shipper and airline, detailing shipment info.
- Commercial Invoice – Declares the value of the goods for customs.
- Packing List – Details contents, weight, and dimensions.
- Customs Declaration – Required for international shipments.
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Cargo Preparation & Packaging
- Goods must be packed securely to withstand air pressure, turbulence, and handling.
- Fragile or high-value items may require specialized packaging or crates
- Some goods (e.g., batteries, hazardous materials) have specific regulations.
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Pickup & Transport to Airport
- A trucking company or freight forwarder picks up the shipment and delivers it to the airport’s cargo terminal.
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Security Screening & Customs Clearance
- Shipments undergo X-ray scanning and security checks as per aviation regulations.
- For international shipments, customs clearance is required before departure.
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Aircraft Loading & Flight
- Goods are loaded onto a commercial or cargo aircraft using pallets, containers (Unit Load Devices - ULDs), or loose cargo.
- The aircraft departs to the destination airport.
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Arrival, Customs, & Unloading
- Upon arrival, the cargo undergoes another customs clearance at the destination.
- Duties and taxes may apply before goods are released.
- Cargo is unloaded and moved to a warehouse or distribution center.
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Final Delivery
- A local trucking or courier service transports the shipment to the final recipient.
Key Benefits of Air Freight :
Speed - Fastest global shipping method.
Reliability - Fewer delays than ocean freight.
Security - High monitoring and handling standards.