Air freight is the transportation of goods via airplane.

The Air Waybill is a document issued by an air carrier that (1) acknowledges receipt of the goods and (2) serves as a formal contract of transportation. It is legally binding & non-negotiable.

Air is the fastest method of transportation, makes remote locations more accessible, reduces lead time, inventory and storage costs and makes it easier to track your shipment. While it is typically used for smaller quantities of goods due to the high cost, chartering planes is always an option for larger shipments that need to get to their destination quickly. 

Air shipping is by far the most expensive option and can cost over 12 times the amount it would cost via ocean. Capacity is also a common issue when it comes to air freight as there is limited space available when compared to other shipping modes, which makes it particularly difficult when shipping irregular or oversized goods. Limitations not just on size or weight but commodity is also a concern for some shippers as air regulations can be stricter regarding certain items (such as batteries).

Quick transit times and heavy security at airports means your goods are typically more protected from intruders or theft when shipping via air; however, you do have to consider items such as inclement weather and the resulting impacts on flight schedules or inflight turbulence.

Certain DG is altogether banned from shipping via air, but in some cases it’s a simple matter of size. Even if the DG itself is approved for air, packaging type and quantity restrictions can, and often do, differ from other modes you’ve used prior. While you may have had smooth sailing with the same commodity via ocean, be sure to always check regulations between different modes of transportation to ensure your goods meet the required criteria set forth by the respective governing agency.

For standard air freight, maximum dimensions are 96” x 125”, with heights varying based on the type of plane. Larger shipments typically can still be transported however they may require being loaded on special equipment or possibly even the use of a chartered plane.

When it comes to cargo handling, equipment and infrastructure at airports are crucial elements in determining the shipment route, including origin, destination and intermediate airports. In the loading process, standard components include aspects such as the loading and unloading of the aircraft in the loading and unloading area (airside), the transportation of the cargo between the aircraft and the cargo terminal, as well as the transit, storage, preparation and inspection of merchandise. In these places, airlines, freight forwarders and other actors intervene to prepare the merchandise for air transport for export purposes or for subsequent delivery and ground transportation in cases of import.

There are a wide variety of documents required for airfreight. Below are some of the most important documents:

• Air Waybill (AWB): This is the document of title to the goods travelling by air and is therefore non-negotiable. It travels with the cargo and acts as evidence of delivery of the goods travelling on board the plane.
• Commercial invoice: Document establishing the conditions of sale for the goods and their specifications. Serves as proof of sale.
• Packing list: A list of the contents in a package, completing the information of the invoice, which must be issued by the sender.
• Customs clearance or shippers' authorization: Documents with which an importer or exporter authorizes a customs agent to submit one or several customs declarations on their behalf.
• Export / Import Permit (where applicable)

Packing of goods for Air freight is the responsibility of the exporter/shipper/manufacturer. When packing items for Air Freight, some critical points to remember are:

• Know restrictions based on your cargo dimensions and cargo type.
• Be aware of air security regulations (inspections, cargo screening, etc.).
• Use sturdy packaging capable of multiple handling processes.
• Use high-quality packing tape and materials.
• Label cargo clearly and as required for your type of cargo.