Air transportation is a popular delivery method for valuable materials, equipment, and perishable goods. When choosing a solution for your business, it is essential to know the advantages and disadvantages of air freight. DiFFreight will help organize air logistics to make the most of its strengths.
Advantages of Air Transport
The main advantages of air freight:
- Speed. An airplane covers thousands of kilometers in just a few hours. Even with transits, loading, and unloading, this is the fastest delivery method. Air cargo delivery from China takes 18–21 days, while sea freight takes at least 70 days.
- Reliability. The cargo is kept in stable conditions (except for pressure). Therefore, air transport is used for a wide range of goods and products that might spoil or lose their marketable appearance with other types of transport.
- Safety. Airplanes are less prone to accidents. Statistically, it is the safest mode of transport.
- Accessibility. Airport infrastructure is highly developed. Often, goods are delivered by air to locations unreachable by ships, trains, or trucks. Most international airports offer cargo transportation services.
- Cargo Control. Much better because fewer shipments are loaded on board compared to a ship. Therefore, cargo tracking is almost hourly. Airplanes are loaded and unloaded quickly, reducing delivery times.
- Direct Routes. In air transport, the plane covers the maximum distance without landing at intermediate airports. This means that cargo gets from point A to point B much faster than by sea.
The advantages of air cargo transportation have made this method very popular and in demand. Today, many more companies offer air transport for commercial purposes.
Disadvantages of Air Transport for Cargo Delivery
When arranging delivery, you should also consider the disadvantages of air transport:
- High Cost. The rates are significantly higher than for sea, rail, or road transport, especially for large or bulky cargo.
- Weight, Volume, and Size Limitations. Airlines have strict restrictions on cargo size and weight. Heavy, oversized, or hazardous cargo requires special permits or may not be accepted for transport at all.
- Weather Dependency. Adverse weather conditions (fog, strong winds, thunderstorms) can delay flights and, consequently, delivery times.
- Environmental Impact. Air transport is one of the most polluting forms of transport. Airplanes emit a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases.
Despite its drawbacks, air freight remains optimal for urgent and valuable cargo that is at risk with other modes of transportation.
Potential Issues with Air Delivery
What do the pros and cons of air transport mean for export and import? Let’s take a look at possible issues that may arise during air delivery:
- The carrier refuses to provide services due to cargo size or specifications. In this case, you need to find a suitable airline.
- Profitability. Calculate in advance whether air freight is cost-effective or if sea freight is a better option. Air transport is ideal for high-margin, trendy, and seasonal goods (if you missed ordering them before the season starts).
- Multimodal transportation if the destination is far from the airport. Additional trucking will be needed to auto deliver the cargo to the client, which will add to the overall cost.
- Restrictions, packaging, and labeling of hazardous goods: flammable liquids, lithium batteries (and devices containing them), and explosives. Permits must be obtained, and the accompanying documents must be properly prepared.
Another nuance is customs. Restrictions on importing and exporting certain categories of goods by air are stricter than, for example, by sea.
Why Choose DiFFreight
Working with the DiFFreight logistics company will help your business avoid problems with air delivery.
- We will conduct a consultation to calculate the cost of air freight for your cargo and compare it with other delivery methods. You will learn whether it is cost-effective for you to choose this type of transport.
- We find airlines that will deliver your cargo safely. We search for the best price offers so that you receive your order quickly and affordably.
- We provide a tracking number to monitor your shipment in a bot. You can also check the status with your personal manager at any time.
DiFFreight is a logistics company with many years of experience. We work with air deliveries in various directions: from China, Europe, and the USA. Schedule a consultation with our experts to learn more about conditions and rates.
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