What Types Of Cargo Are Transported By Air: Did you know that air cargo plays a crucial role in global trade? Every year, it transports goods worth over US $6 trillion, making up about 35% of the total value of world trade. It’s truly remarkable! Interestingly, even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, air cargo continued to shine, contributing to one-third of airlines’ revenue. It’s a testament to the resilience and importance of this industry.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently published data for July 2022, indicating that global air cargo markets are approaching 2019 levels. However, there has been a slight decline compared to the exceptional performance seen in 2020-2021. Due to supply chain challenges and changing economic conditions, cargo markets have been relatively stable since April. It is important to monitor economic and political changes in the upcoming months.
Air transport is chosen for products based on their value and the need for quick delivery. Items like radiopharmaceuticals, fresh fish, technological products, exotic fruits, and cut flowers are often transported by air due to their urgency or high value. The increase in demand for pharmaceutical and healthcare products has led to new regulations for handling time and temperature sensitive shipments.
It’s common for passengers and cargo to share the same aircraft, but for an airline, these are two separate businesses with their own needs and obstacles. Let’s go deeper into the world of cargo transportation.
What Is Air Cargo?
The transportation of goods and products by air, whether on passenger planes or cargo-specific aircraft, is known as air cargo. This method is essential for the smooth operation of the international supply chain, facilitating the rapid and efficient movement of goods over extensive distances, ensuring prompt deliveries and market accessibility across the globe.
Air cargo is an indispensable component of contemporary logistics, exerting a crucial influence on the worldwide economy. By linking producers, suppliers, and consumers worldwide, it serves as a vital conduit. The importance of air cargo in managing the supply chain cannot be emphasized enough. In comparison to sea or ground shipping, it provides unmatched swiftness and adaptability.
Air freight service may come with a higher price tag compared to other methods, but its unmatched speed and reliability make it the top choice for urgent, large, or valuable shipments.
What Types Of Cargo Are Transported By Air?
There are two main groups of cargo transported by air: General Cargo and Special Cargo. Special Cargo is further divided into smaller specialized sub-groups. Let’s go deeper into these specialized sub-groups.
1. General Cargo
General cargo includes items that are not classified as Special Cargo and do not need any additional care or special treatment when being transported by air. This category typically consists of retail and consumer goods (excluding mobile phones, tablets, and laptops), dry goods, hardware, textiles, and other similar items. Just think of your regular, everyday belongings; many of them would be considered general cargo.
2. Special Cargo
Special cargo can be a bit more complex. These are goods that, because of their characteristics like weight, size, value, or nature, may require special packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling throughout the transportation process. There are specific regulations that need to be followed when preparing, offering, accepting, and handling these goods. Examples of special cargo include dangerous goods, live animals, perishable items, wet cargo, and products that are sensitive to time and temperature.
In order to guarantee that there are internationally aligned standards that promote the safety and efficiency of these products, IATA has three Boards: the Dangerous Goods Board (DGB), Time and Temperature Working Group (TTWG), and the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB), which oversee the standards and guidance concerning the transportation of these products. Let’s go deeper into this special cargo to learn more.
3. Dangerous Goods
Some of the examples of dangerous goods are as follows:
- Flammable Gases
- Explosives
- Flammable Soilds
- Flammable Liquids
- Corrosives
- Radioactive
- Oxidizing
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) manual serves as the worldwide guide for shipping dangerous goods by air and is the sole standard acknowledged by airlines. It encompasses all the necessary guidelines for classifying, preparing, accepting, and managing dangerous goods shipments in accordance with international air transport regulations. IATA has been releasing the DGR for more than six decades, ensuring that the industry stays well-informed with the latest information on shipping hazardous materials.
IATA collaborates closely with governments, other industry associations, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop these regulations. In doing so, IATA guarantees that the regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials by air are both effective and efficient, while also being internationally recognized. This ensures the safety of all passengers on board is prioritized throughout the transportation process.
4. Temperature Controlled Shipments
Goods such as blood supplies, pharmaceuticals, and organs require strict temperature monitoring during transport. Following the IATA Temperature Control Regulations Manual (TCR) ensures these items are transported safely and securely.
5. Perishable Goods
The increasing popularity of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year has led to a high demand for transporting perishable goods. Air transportation, with its shorter travel time and controlled temperature, has become the preferred method for shipping these goods.
6. Live Animals
The IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) establish the global benchmark for transporting live animals via air. These rules are implemented to guarantee the well-being of the animals, as well as the safety of transport personnel and travelers.
7. Valuables OR Fragile Cargo
The high-value or fragile cargo category includes items that have a high monetary value or are easily damaged during transportation. This category includes goods like fine art, luxury items, high-end electronics, precious gems, delicate musical instruments or metals.
To guarantee the safe and secure transportation of these items, specialized handling and strong security measures are essential. Air cargo services offer enhanced security measures, including surveillance, secure storage facilities, and sometimes even a dedicated cargo escort. Moreover, they utilize specialized packaging materials and handling techniques to safeguard delicate items from any potential damage during transit.
Valuable or delicate cargo represents a smaller percentage of overall air cargo shipments compared to general cargo. This is why it continues to be a crucial service for many industries and customers in need of safe and dependable transportation for their precious goods.
8. Mail Cargo
The mail cargo sector is crucial in the global postal and package delivery system. It ensures that letters, papers, and parcels reach their destinations quickly. Each year, air freight transports around 328 billion letters and 7.4 billion packages, making mail cargo the largest portion of air cargo shipments.
Personal correspondence, e-commerce purchases, essential business paperwork, and small parcels fall under this air cargo category. Efficient transportation is required to connect people and businesses across the globe.
Mail cargo air freight services are mainly used by postal authorities, online retailers, and courier firms. They work closely with customs agencies to make sure they follow international shipping rules, which include restrictions on certain items, weight limits, and proper documentation.
Air Cargo Transportation Rules and Regulations
Curious about the rules and regulations governing air cargo? A multitude of entities, from ICAO to government agencies to airlines, have contributed to their creation. Each type of cargo has its own specific set of guidelines. To simplify things, IATA has developed manuals that break down these regulations in an easy-to-understand manner.
IATA Regulations
IATA regulations are meticulously developed with input from ICAO, airline delegates, and industry associations. They not only comply with ICAO standards but also exceed them to ensure greater safety in air cargo transport.
IATA regulations are constantly evolving to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate information is easily accessible. They also make sure that the data is presented in a clear and understandable manner, available in various languages.
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