
Overview of the Different Types of Air Cargo – K Jet Logistics
What goods are usually transported? In this article, you will explore the wide variety of goods transported by air, from general cargo to valuables, live animals, and perishables.
Transporting the World: Understanding the Types of Goods Shipped by Air
Different Types of Air Cargo
What is air cargo? Air cargo can be further divided into two major groups – general and special cargo. Special cargo has additional requirements such as temperature control and protective measures while transporting goods. On the other hand, general cargo includes the transport of pharmaceuticals and electronics. While air cargo costs more than transporting by ship, certain fragile goods such as electronic items require special care and attention, which is impossible to provide while transporting them via the sea.So, what is not allowed in air cargo? There are many items that are advised not to transport via air cargo. These include lithium batteries, flammable items, explosives, biochemical products, and illegal goods, along with UN-classified dangerous goods.
If you’re wondering what are the types of air cargo, then here’s a quick breakdown:
General Cargo
Hazardous Cargo
There are a distinct set of rules that need to be followed when shipping hazardous cargo by air. These rules have been put in place to ensure the smooth and safe transport of hazardous items. The regulations also aim to protect aircraft and ground-handling crews who may come in contact with hazardous cargo.The UN classification system lists nine classes of what it considers dangerous goods. These goods are indicated by specific UN-designated numbers on the packaging, labeling, and declaration form. There are also certain quantity limitations that must be followed when shipping hazardous cargo, which may vary depending on the point of origin and the destination of the hazardous air cargo.
Perishable Cargo
Perishable cargo includes flowers, vegetables, fruits, and meats. Perishable logistics is considered to be one of the most challenging, mainly because perishable goods are more susceptible to getting damaged while in transit. Their delicate nature requires special care and attention from the ground and cargo staff. While shipping perishable cargo by air is not always a cost-effective solution, they are a quick way of delivering perishable goods to their destination. When it comes to perishable goods, the time it takes to deliver can be the difference between a timely delivery or loss or spoilage.All perishable cargo that’s transported by air needs to follow IATA’s Perishable Cargo Regulations, which cover the packing, quality control, and risk management, as well as the delivery of such goods. The good news is that perishable goods are now becoming trackable with the help of technology. For example, Lufthansa Cargo recently succeeded in monitoring its fresh produce cargo. The airline has also added cargo facilitation centers along its route, such as the Lufthansa Cargo Perishable Center in Frankfurt, to prevent further damage to perishable goods.