NAVIGATING THE SKIES: UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AIR CARGO SHIPPING
Dave Loggie
started a topic
about 1 year ago
Booking air cargo with commercial airlines and dedicated cargo airlines (all-cargo carriers) presents different considerations, and the involvement of freight forwarders further adds complexity to the logistics process. Here are key differences and considerations:
Commercial Airlines:
1. Types of Cargo:
Passenger Flights: Commercial airlines on passenger flights allocate space for both luggage and cargo. Priority is often given to passenger baggage, mail, and high-value, time-sensitive items. There is a very real risk of cargo shipments getting ‘bumped’: General cargo and even priority cargo often do not make the originally intended flight, and will sit in a cargo warehouse until space becomes available.
Cargo-Only Flights: Some commercial airlines operate cargo-only flights, providing more flexibility for cargo transport.
2. Priority Categories:
Commercial airlines typically prioritize cargo based on factors such as urgency, perishability, and special handling requirements.
3. Freight Forwarders:
Freight forwarders may be involved in coordinating and consolidating shipments. They work with commercial airlines to optimize cargo space and handle documentation, and often rely on local P&D (Pickup and Delivery) carriers to transport shipments to & from airports. A Freight Forwarder will also prepare Air Waybills for these shipments.
4. Price and Service:
Pricing and service levels can vary. While commercial airlines may offer competitive rates, transit times may be influenced by the availability of cargo space on passenger flights.
Dedicated Cargo Airlines:
1. Specialization:
All-cargo carriers focus solely on transporting goods. This specialization often allows for more flexibility in handling various types of cargo.
2. Priority Categories:
Cargo airlines may have specific priority cargo categories, but the overall focus is on efficient cargo transport.
3. Freight Forwarders:
Freight forwarders play a crucial role in optimizing cargo space, handling documentation, and coordinating shipments with cargo airlines.
4. Price and Service:
Rates and service offerings may be more tailored to cargo needs. Cargo airlines may offer dedicated cargo flights with more predictable transit times.
Freight Forwarders:
1. Intermediaries:
Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, including commercial airlines and dedicated cargo airlines.
2. Consolidation:
Freight forwarders often consolidate shipments from multiple shippers to optimize cargo space and reduce costs.
3. Documentation:
They handle documentation, customs clearance, and other logistics processes, simplifying the shipping process for businesses.
4. Multimodal Solutions:
Freight forwarders may offer multimodal solutions, combining air, ocean, and ground transport to meet specific shipping needs.
DHL Express, UPS, FedEx:
1. Integrated Carriers:
Purolator, DHL Express, UPS, and FedEx are integrated carriers offering comprehensive logistics solutions, including air cargo globally.
2. Global Networks:
They have extensive global networks and integrated services that cater to various shipment sizes and urgency levels.
3. Service Levels:
These carriers often provide express services with defined transit times, making them suitable for time-sensitive shipments.
4. Door-to-Door Solutions:
Integrated carriers often offer door-to-door solutions, handling the entire shipping process from pickup to delivery.
5. Pricing:
Pricing may be higher compared to traditional airfreight, but it often includes added value in terms of speed and convenience.
6. Online Tools:
These carriers provide online tools for tracking, booking, and managing shipments.
Considerations for Choosing:
Urgency and Priority: Choose based on the urgency of your shipment and whether it falls into specific priority categories. Note that there is a higher possibility of your shipment getting ‘bumped’ from a commercial airline, but it’s also possible for shipments to get left behind on cargo flight during times of peak volume.
Cost Sensitivity: Consider the cost implications and the level of service required for your cargo.
Special Handling Requirements: Assess if your cargo has special handling requirements, such as temperature control.
Global Reach: Evaluate the carrier's global network and whether they can meet your shipping needs across various destinations.
Documentation and Customs Clearance: Consider the complexity of documentation and customs clearance processes and whether you require assistance from a freight forwarder.
In summary, the choice between commercial airlines, dedicated cargo airlines, and integrated carriers depends on the nature of the cargo, urgency, cost considerations, and the level of service required. Freight forwarders play a vital role in streamlining the logistics process and optimizing cargo shipments.
Why Choose Integrated Carriers:
Experience the unparalleled speed, reliability, and efficiency of air freight and express shipping with Integrated Carriers. With our extensive network of trusted partners and years of expertise in the logistics industry, we offer seamless solutions for urgent shipments that demand swift delivery. Whether you're shipping high-value goods, time-sensitive materials, or critical components, we prioritize your needs and ensure your cargo reaches its destination safely and on time. Partner with Integrated Carriers today to unlock the full potential of air freight and express shipping for your business through SoluShip. Contact us now to learn more and schedule your next shipment:
Dave Loggie
Booking air cargo with commercial airlines and dedicated cargo airlines (all-cargo carriers) presents different considerations, and the involvement of freight forwarders further adds complexity to the logistics process. Here are key differences and considerations:
Commercial Airlines:
1. Types of Cargo:
Passenger Flights: Commercial airlines on passenger flights allocate space for both luggage and cargo. Priority is often given to passenger baggage, mail, and high-value, time-sensitive items. There is a very real risk of cargo shipments getting ‘bumped’: General cargo and even priority cargo often do not make the originally intended flight, and will sit in a cargo warehouse until space becomes available.
Cargo-Only Flights: Some commercial airlines operate cargo-only flights, providing more flexibility for cargo transport.
2. Priority Categories:
Commercial airlines typically prioritize cargo based on factors such as urgency, perishability, and special handling requirements.
3. Freight Forwarders:
Freight forwarders may be involved in coordinating and consolidating shipments. They work with commercial airlines to optimize cargo space and handle documentation, and often rely on local P&D (Pickup and Delivery) carriers to transport shipments to & from airports. A Freight Forwarder will also prepare Air Waybills for these shipments.
4. Price and Service:
Pricing and service levels can vary. While commercial airlines may offer competitive rates, transit times may be influenced by the availability of cargo space on passenger flights.
Dedicated Cargo Airlines:
1. Specialization:
All-cargo carriers focus solely on transporting goods. This specialization often allows for more flexibility in handling various types of cargo.
2. Priority Categories:
Cargo airlines may have specific priority cargo categories, but the overall focus is on efficient cargo transport.
3. Freight Forwarders:
Freight forwarders play a crucial role in optimizing cargo space, handling documentation, and coordinating shipments with cargo airlines.
4. Price and Service:
Rates and service offerings may be more tailored to cargo needs. Cargo airlines may offer dedicated cargo flights with more predictable transit times.
Freight Forwarders:
1. Intermediaries:
Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, including commercial airlines and dedicated cargo airlines.
2. Consolidation:
Freight forwarders often consolidate shipments from multiple shippers to optimize cargo space and reduce costs.
3. Documentation:
They handle documentation, customs clearance, and other logistics processes, simplifying the shipping process for businesses.
4. Multimodal Solutions:
Freight forwarders may offer multimodal solutions, combining air, ocean, and ground transport to meet specific shipping needs.
DHL Express, UPS, FedEx:
1. Integrated Carriers:
Purolator, DHL Express, UPS, and FedEx are integrated carriers offering comprehensive logistics solutions, including air cargo globally.
2. Global Networks:
They have extensive global networks and integrated services that cater to various shipment sizes and urgency levels.
3. Service Levels:
These carriers often provide express services with defined transit times, making them suitable for time-sensitive shipments.
4. Door-to-Door Solutions:
Integrated carriers often offer door-to-door solutions, handling the entire shipping process from pickup to delivery.
5. Pricing:
Pricing may be higher compared to traditional airfreight, but it often includes added value in terms of speed and convenience.
6. Online Tools:
These carriers provide online tools for tracking, booking, and managing shipments.
Considerations for Choosing:
Urgency and Priority: Choose based on the urgency of your shipment and whether it falls into specific priority categories. Note that there is a higher possibility of your shipment getting ‘bumped’ from a commercial airline, but it’s also possible for shipments to get left behind on cargo flight during times of peak volume.
Cost Sensitivity: Consider the cost implications and the level of service required for your cargo.
Special Handling Requirements: Assess if your cargo has special handling requirements, such as temperature control.
Global Reach: Evaluate the carrier's global network and whether they can meet your shipping needs across various destinations.
Documentation and Customs Clearance: Consider the complexity of documentation and customs clearance processes and whether you require assistance from a freight forwarder.
In summary, the choice between commercial airlines, dedicated cargo airlines, and integrated carriers depends on the nature of the cargo, urgency, cost considerations, and the level of service required. Freight forwarders play a vital role in streamlining the logistics process and optimizing cargo shipments.
Why Choose Integrated Carriers:
Experience the unparalleled speed, reliability, and efficiency of air freight and express shipping with Integrated Carriers. With our extensive network of trusted partners and years of expertise in the logistics industry, we offer seamless solutions for urgent shipments that demand swift delivery. Whether you're shipping high-value goods, time-sensitive materials, or critical components, we prioritize your needs and ensure your cargo reaches its destination safely and on time. Partner with Integrated Carriers today to unlock the full potential of air freight and express shipping for your business through SoluShip. Contact us now to learn more and schedule your next shipment:
Tel: 877-603-0103 or Email: Support@integratedcarriers.com