Air cargo transportation is the logistics service that enables goods to be carried by air. Offered by airlines and freight forwarders, this service provides a fast and secure transport option. It allows commercial materials, samples, documents and valuable cargo to be moved quickly on international or domestic routes. Shipments can be carried as individual packages, in containers or on pallets.
Air cargo transportation requires less storage space and minimizes the risk of goods being held up in traffic. It also offers an effective solution in regions where there are no ports or where access to ports is difficult. For this reason it is the primary choice for cargo requiring short transit times. As in all international transport, customs procedures must be planned in advance and the documents prepared completely. Within our air transportation service, the entire process is managed from shipment planning through customs clearance to final delivery.
Which Goods Are Shipped by Air Cargo?
In air cargo transportation, shipments are classified according to factors such as size, weight, sensitivity and handling requirements. Standard consignments such as clothing, electronics and household goods fall under the general cargo category, while goods requiring special conditions are subject to separate procedures. The cargo types most frequently carried by air are listed below.
Light Cargo
Air cargo is the most suitable option for light shipments. Light cargo is generally small in size and weighs less than 300 kg. Electronic devices, books, textile products, jewellery and cosmetics fall into this group. Airlines use special containers or cargo pallets for light shipments; this equipment ensures the goods are carried safely and quickly.
Valuable Cargo
Air cargo stands out for the carriage of valuable goods thanks to its high security standards. Jewellery, currency, important documents and other high-value items fall within this scope. Airlines use special containers equipped with advanced security measures for valuable goods, minimizing the risk of theft and damage. The high speed of air transport also shortens the time the valuable cargo spends in transit.
Urgent Cargo
Urgent shipments are where air cargo is at its strongest. A spare part halting a production line, a time-sensitive sample or an order approaching its deadline can reach its destination within hours by air. AOG shipments, carried out to prevent aircraft being grounded, and time critical transport operations are the specialized solutions in this category.
Dangerous Goods
Whether dangerous goods can be carried by air depends on the class of the cargo. Transporting explosive, flammable, toxic or radioactive materials requires strict regulations and safety protocols. In dangerous goods transportation, special containers are used and packaging and labelling rules apply. Before the shipment, the dangerous goods class and the UN number of the cargo must be clarified.
Bulky Cargo
Although carrying high-volume cargo by air is technically possible, it requires attention in terms of cost. Since charges are based on volumetric weight, light but space-consuming shipments can end up costing more than expected. For this reason, the price for bulky cargo should be calculated before the shipment, and sea transport or multimodal transportation alternatives should be considered where appropriate.
Sensitive Cargo
Sensitive cargo includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, optical instruments, works of art and antiques. These products are often high in value and require special conditions to be preserved. Airlines use containers or cargo pallets that maintain suitable temperature, humidity and light conditions for sensitive shipments.
Live Animals
Live animals are also among the goods that can be carried by air cargo. Shipments for zoos, laboratories, research institutions and the animal trade fall into this group. The special containers used provide the appropriate temperature, humidity and oxygen levels to protect the health and welfare of the animals. Airlines assign specially trained personnel to these operations and the process is carried out with veterinary documentation. For details, see our article on what you need to know about live animal transportation.
Retail Products
Retail products are another area where air cargo is frequently preferred. Fashion, cosmetics and electronic goods are generally small in size and require fast delivery. Air transport becomes the most suitable option when seasonal collections must reach the shelves on time or e-commerce orders must be delivered within a short period. Amazon FBA shipments can also be considered within this scope.
Medical Products
Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, blood products and organ transplant shipments are areas where air cargo is of vital importance. Timely delivery of these products is critical and most of them must be carried within a specific temperature range. Airlines use special containers with controlled temperature, humidity and oxygen levels. The requirements of cold chain drug transportation and the GDP guidelines are decisive for these shipments.
How Is the Air Cargo Price Calculated?
Air cargo charges are calculated on whichever is greater: the actual weight of the shipment or its volumetric weight. This figure is known as the chargeable weight. Under the IATA standard, volumetric weight is found by multiplying the length, width and height of the shipment in centimetres and dividing the result by 6,000. For example, a 40 kg package measuring 100 × 80 × 60 cm corresponds to a volumetric weight of 80 kg, and the charge is applied over 80 kg.
In addition to the chargeable weight, fuel and security surcharges, terminal handling fees, customs clearance and any special cargo surcharges are added to the total cost. For details of the calculation, you can read our articles on what freight means and how it is calculated, how cargo volume is calculated and desi calculation.
What to Consider When Choosing an Air Cargo Company
The first point to look at when choosing among air cargo companies is whether the company is an IATA agent. IATA accreditation shows that the company can work directly with airlines and issue air waybills. The second criterion is the route and capacity network: companies with regular services to your destination country and agreements with more than one airline have an advantage in securing space during peak periods.
The third criterion is competence suited to your type of cargo. If you will be shipping dangerous goods, cold chain products or live animals, the company must have certified personnel and equipment in that field. Companies that provide customs clearance in-house also reduce delays caused by documentation. Finally, the scope of the quotation should be clarified: ask from the outset whether the offer covers only the freight or also terminal and customs costs. At Tetalog, with our IATA membership and global agency network, we offer economic, premium, charter and project-based air cargo solutions.
Documents Used in Air Cargo Transportation
The air waybill (AWB) sits at the centre of air cargo shipments, accompanied by documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and cargo manifest. Preparing these documents in line with international and national standards keeps the operation running without disruption. We cover what each document does in detail in our article on what an air waybill (AWB) is.
Advantages of Air Cargo Transportation
Air cargo transportation has become an indispensable part of global trade. Speed is its most evident strength: an intercontinental shipment can be completed within days. High security standards reduce the rate of damage and loss, while close tracking systems allow the shipment to be monitored at every stage. The reduced need to hold stock also lowers warehousing costs for businesses. To see the strengths and weaknesses of this transport mode compared side by side, you can read our article on the advantages and disadvantages of air cargo transportation.
