Air freight transport service is a vital component of the global economy. It is responsible for transporting goods and cargo across the world, facilitating international trade, and supporting business operations. In this article, we will explore the top fifteen facts about air freight transport service, including its history, benefits, challenges, and future trends.

1. Air Freight Transport Service Has Rich History

Air freight forwarding service has been around for over a century. The first commercial air freight flight took place in November 1910, when a Wright Model B airplane carried a shipment of silk from Dayton, Ohio, to Columbus, Ohio. Since then, air freight transport has evolved to become an essential component of the global logistics industry.

2. Faster Than Other Modes of Transport

One of the primary benefits of air freight service is speed. Airplanes can travel at much faster speeds than ships or trucks, allowing goods to reach their destination much faster. This speed is particularly useful for time-sensitive shipments, such as perishable goods or medical supplies.

3. More Expensive Than Other Modes of Transport

While air freight transport service is faster than other modes of transport, it is also more expensive. This is because the cost of operating an airplane is higher than the cost of operating a ship or truck. As a result, air freight service is typically reserved for high-value or time-sensitive shipments that cannot be transported by other means.

4. Ideal for Almost Any Destination in The World

Airplanes can travel to almost any destination in the world, making air freight transport service an ideal choice for businesses that need to ship goods to remote or hard-to-reach locations. This is particularly useful for businesses operating in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and construction, where goods need to be transported to remote locations.

5. Undergoes Strict Security Measures

Due to the nature of air travel, air freight service is subject to strict security measures. This includes screening all cargo for explosives, weapons, and other dangerous materials. These security measures are necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and crew on board commercial airplanes.

6. Prone to Weather-Related Disruptions

Like all modes of transport, air freight forwarding service is subject to weather-related disruptions. This can include delays, cancellations, or diversions due to inclement weather conditions such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, or snowstorms. As a result, businesses that rely on air freight transport service need to have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of these disruptions.

7. Suffer from Capacity Constraints

Airplanes have limited cargo capacity, which means that air freight service is subject to capacity constraints. This can be particularly challenging during peak shipping seasons, such as the holiday season, when demand for air freight transport service is high. Businesses that rely on air freight service need to plan ahead to ensure that they can secure the capacity they need to transport their goods.

8. Involves Regulatory Restrictions

Air freight service is subject to a range of regulatory restrictions, including restrictions on the types of goods that can be transported and the countries that can be served. For example, certain types of dangerous goods cannot be transported by air, and some countries may have restrictions on the types of goods that can be imported or exported.

9. Allows Customisation

Air freight transport service can be customised to meet the needs of individual businesses. This includes providing dedicated aircraft or charter services for businesses that need to transport large volumes of goods or have specific requirements for their shipments. Customisation can also include specialized handling or packaging of goods to ensure that they arrive at their destination in optimal condition.

10. Air Freight Carriers Use Air Cargo Containers

Air freight carriers use specialised air cargo containers to transport goods. These containers come in different sizes and shapes and are designed to protect goods during transportation. Air cargo containers are also used to maximize the use of space in aircraft and to ensure that goods are loaded and unloaded efficiently.

11. Air Freight Carriers Use Air Cargo Pallets

Air freight forwarding carriers also use air cargo pallets to transport goods. Air cargo pallets are large platforms that can hold multiple air cargo containers. They are designed to fit precisely into the cargo hold of an aircraft and to maximize the use of available space.

12. Air Freight Carriers Use Specialised Loading and Unloading Equipment

Air freight carriers use specialised equipment to load and unload goods from aircraft. This equipment includes forklifts, pallet jacks, and cargo loaders. Air freight carriers also use specialized handling equipment for oversized or heavy items.

13. Follows Strict Security Protocols

Air freight carriers follow strict security protocols to ensure that goods are transported safely and securely. These protocols include screening cargo for explosives, weapons, and other prohibited items, and securing cargo with tamper-evident seals.

14. Offers Tracking and Tracing Services

Air freight carriers offer tracking and tracing services that allow customers to track their shipments in real-time. Customers can also receive notifications about the status of their shipments, including when they are loaded onto an aircraft, when they depart, and when they arrive at their destination.

15. Air Freight Transport Is an Important Industry

Air freight is an important industry that plays a vital role in the global economy. It is estimated that air freight accounts for around 35% of global trade by value. The air freight industry also provides employment for millions of people worldwide.

Summary

Air freight transport service plays a critical role in the global economy, connecting people and businesses across the world. The top fifteen facts about air freight service highlight the importance of this industry, including its rapid growth, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.

Air freight forwarding has become an essential component of international trade, providing faster and more reliable transportation of goods than traditional shipping methods. This service has revolutionized the logistics industry, offering businesses the ability to move their products quickly and efficiently, regardless of distance.

Moreover, air freight service is a safe and secure method of shipping goods, with advanced technology and procedures in place to ensure the protection of valuable cargo. Additionally, air freight service has a minimal environmental impact compared to other modes of transportation, making it a more sustainable choice for businesses.

Despite its advantages, air freight transport service does face challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, capacity constraints, and the need for advanced infrastructure. Nevertheless, the industry continues to grow and innovate, offering businesses faster, more efficient, and cost-effective transportation of goods.

Overall, air freight service is a crucial component of the global supply chain, providing businesses with the ability to move their products across the world quickly and efficiently. With the continued growth and innovation in this industry, air freight transport service is likely to remain a vital element of the global economy for years to come.