Shipping Air Cargo
Nearly anything can be shipped as air cargo, but the term generally refers to manufactured goods for sale -- not livestock or human passengers. Services are based on how quickly a customer wants the cargo delivered, with differing rates quoted for overnight, second day, or three to five day economy shipping. Some companies also offer services specifically aimed at services tradeshows, with one-way, roundtrip, or show-to-show transfer services available. Shipping rates for sending cargo by air are higher than the same cargo sent by ground, train, or ship.
Air Cargo Carriers
Although it is not their primary focus, passenger airlines do carry air cargo. These commercial carriers load cargo in the bottom of their plane holds, along with passenger baggage, in order to increase revenue. If a commercial passenger plane is overweight, some of its cargo is simply removed prior to departure.
There are also airlines dedicated solely to the transport of air cargo. Many larger airlines use recently- or newly-built aircraft, but older aircraft, like the Boeing 707, are employed as well. Other successful air cargo carriers include Airborne Express, FedEx, and UPS. In 2004 FedEx transported nearly 15 million tons of air cargo. Smaller companies exist that run a single airplane carrying mail or cargo. These may operate domestically or internationally to service more remote locations. Larger cargo airlines may operate hundreds or even thousands of airplanes of various types.
Air cargo shipments are dependent upon business needs and may be highly seasonal. Those in the industry determine the best route to get cargo to its destination on time. Agents take orders for shipping and record the weight, contents, and size of the cargo; they also track cargo shipments as they leave from and arrive to their destinations.
Benefits of Shipping By Air
Sending cargo by air is one way for manufacturers to expand their markets, especially into international zones. Perishable goods are one example where shipping by air is necessary to ensure that products, such as fresh fish, reach their market in a timely manner.
The shipment of fresh fruits and vegetables has been one of the forces driving growth in the air cargo industry. In the past 20 years, there has been a huge demand by people seeking to eat healthier, and who purchase foods flown in from other areas of the globe because they are not in season or do not grow locally. To accommodate this, some airports have refrigerated warehouses.
Secure Air Cargo
Security measures are currently of great concern to those in the air cargo industry. It is important to develop security processes that assure safety while also remaining workable and affordable, and also done in such a way that it does not jeopardize the performance of an industry based on speed. Shipping agencies are working with regulatory agencies, especially customs services, to ensure that improvements in safety continue to be made.
