There are different modes of freight available and one such option is air freight which is a good way to efficiently and quickly transport goods over large distances. Here, airlines and air cargo carriers are used for transportation of goods.
Usually,
Air freight is chosen to transport goods that need to be delivered quickly to a destination. Because airlines are able to transport goods from one location to another even when this is two countries apart, it can contribute to a faster delivery. Comparatively, ocean freight will take weeks or months to travel the same distance. But because of this significant difference in time, air freight tends to be the most expensive option. Therefore, it is used for high value shipments where you need extra protection for the goods during transport. There are tight security protocols when it comes to air freight carriers compared to other modes of transport which give you assurance that your goods will arrive at the destination without any damage. Because time-sensitive shipments are chosen for air freight, some examples of goods transported this way are fresh food such as fruits and vegetables and flowers. They will not be spoiled during the transport because the humidity and temperature levels are controlled properly ensuring that the goods reach the destination in optimal conditions.
You can learn more about how to choose modes of freight by contacting different freight companies in your area. You can do a preliminary search for freight companies in your area and check their official websites to get an idea of the services they provide. For example, if you need to carry out long distance shipments, air-freight can be cost-effective. However, the rates tend to be higher compared to land and sea freight because of the speed of delivery. But you need to consider all factors when choosing a transport. If speed of delivery is your priority, this can offset the additional charges you need to bear with air freight. Also, when it comes to urgent shipments such as emergency relief and medical supplies, air freight is preferred as time of delivery is critical.
In addition to cost, there are other drawbacks to air freight as well.
Because there are strict limitations for air carriers, there is a limit for what you can safely transport. For example, you will not be able to transport bulky or oversized cargo with air freight as there is limited capacity available. If you are transporting heavy or bulky items, it is best to go with land or sea freight. While air freight generally tends to be quick, there can be weather related delays that can affect it. Also, unforeseen events and flight cancellations can lead to delays so you should have a contingency plan in place to minimise disruptions in your business operations. You should also consider the safety of the air carrier and their security record when making a choice. You will also need to obtain certain certifications and permits to transport regulated items.
