7 Types of Air Cargo You Need to Know for Efficient Shipping

Consumer goods that don't need specific handling or transportation conditions are referred to as general cargo. These goods usually consist of non-perishables, apparel, electronics, and consumer goods.

Key Features:

Typical Packaging: Items are transported in crates, pallets, or cartons.
Cost-effective: General cargo is the most affordable option because it is typically transported using standard freight carriers.
Regulatory Simplicity: In contrast to specialised cargo categories, these items are subject to fewer regulations.
Since general cargo makes up a sizable amount of international air freight, most firms find it to be a dependable choice.

For perishable items to keep their quality while in transit, certain humidity and temperature precautions are necessary. Fresh produce, seafood, medications, and flowers are typical examples.

Particular Requirements for Handling

Temperature-Controlled Packaging: Refrigerators or insulated containers are frequently utilised.
Time Sensitivity: To prevent spoiling, quick transit, and short stops are essential.
Compliance Standards: Strict regulatory requirements must be met for some products, such as medications.
Perishable commodities are guaranteed to arrive at their destination in the best possible condition by air freight companies that specialise in them.

Materials that, if improperly handled, could endanger human health, safety, or the environment are classified as dangerous goods (DG). Examples include corrosive chemicals, lithium batteries, flammable liquids, and explosives.

Safety Procedures

Strict Packaging: DG needs to be packaged in containers that have been approved by the UN and properly labelled.
Extensive Documentation: To adhere to international regulations, shippers must submit comprehensive declarations.
Specialised Handling: To guarantee safety, personnel handling DG go through extensive training.
Managing hazardous materials effectively is essential to minimising risks while in transit.

Shipping live animals, whether for pet relocation or trade purposes, requires meticulous planning and adherence to strict animal welfare guidelines.

Customised Crates: To guarantee the comfort and protection of the animals, they must be kept in containers that have been certified by the airline.
Veterinary Clearance: Immunisation records and health certifications are required.
Stress Reduction Strategies: To reduce animal stress during flight, airlines frequently employ specialised personnel.
Live animals are transported safely and humanely thanks to specialised carriers.

Precious metals, luxury products, beautiful art, and expensive electronics are examples of high-value cargo. Maximum security and cautious handling are required for these goods.

Safety Procedures

Secure Packaging: Items are kept in containers that cannot be tampered with.
Tracking Systems: Real-time freight position updates are provided using GPS tracking.
Specialised Routes: The risk of theft or damage is decreased by direct flights and little handling.
Security is given first priority at every stage of the supply chain by air cargo providers that provide high-value cargo solutions.

Oversized or heavy cargo includes industrial machinery, vehicles, construction equipment, and other bulky items that exceed standard size and weight limits.

Handling Equipment

Specialised Aircraft: Large cargo is the focus of freighters like the Antonov An-124 and Boeing 747-8F.
Dollies and cranes: Ground machinery makes loading and unloading go smoothly.
Custom Routing: Because of their size and weight, these goods frequently need particular flight routes.
Shipping companies, transporters, and logistics providers must carefully coordinate while handling heavy cargo.

Express and courier shipments are deliveries of urgent commodities, documents, or small packages that must be made on time.

Key Features

Rapid Transit: Priority handling ensures same-day or next-day delivery.
Simplified Processes: Minimal paperwork and pre-arranged customs clearance expedite shipments.
End-to-end Tracking: Real-time updates provide transparency and assurance to the shipper.
Express air cargo is ideal for businesses needing quick and reliable delivery.
Air Cargo in Sri Lanka

For businesses and individuals seeking reliable shipping solutions, air cargo services in Sri Lanka offer access to a global network of carriers and specialised logistics providers. Companies like Mack Air Sri Lanka are renowned for their expertise in handling diverse types of air cargo, from general goods to high-value items, ensuring efficient and secure transport.