✈️ WHAT IS AIR CARGO? 5-STEP PROCESS OF SHIPPING GOODS BY AIR
- kalinhnd
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
In the context of global supply chains requiring speed and flexibility, air cargo has become an increasingly prioritized method for many businesses. This article helps you understand what air cargo is, what types of goods are suitable for this mode of transport, and the 5-step process of air freight shipping.
1. What is Air Cargo?
Air Cargo refers to the transportation of goods by air. This includes using either dedicated cargo aircraft or the cargo hold of passenger flights to move goods from the point of origin to the destination.
This method is highly valued for its fast delivery speed and relatively high security during transportation. However, due to its high operational cost, air cargo is most suitable for urgent deliveries or high-value items such as urgent documents, perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, electronic devices, or luxury fashion products.
2. What types of cargo are best suited for air transport?
a. Time-sensitive goods:
Air Cargo transit time is calculated in hours or 1–2 working days. Direct or transit flights can be arranged flexibly depending on the required schedule.
b. Electronics, lithium batteries, and high-tech goods:
- Examples include laptops, smartphones, battery-powered medical equipment, printers, projectors, and precision components.
- Lithium batteries are often restricted from sea freight or regular luggage. Air cargo follows proper IATA declaration, packaging, and handling procedures, ensuring safety and legality.
c. Low-class hazardous materials (DG Class 3, 6, 9...)
- Includes detergents, solvents, industrial glue, testing reagents.- Special requirements: MSDS, proper UN code packaging, ICAO/IATA compliance. These goods can be shipped by air if documentation and handling meet required standards.
d. Medical samples, vaccines, frozen foods:
- Includes serum, pathology samples, fresh seafood, and cold-packed food.- Chosen for air cargo due to temperature-controlled environments, making it suitable for goods with short shelf lives or strict storage conditions.
e. High-value goods such as watches, jewelry, medical devices, and precision parts:
Air freight shortens warehouse time and reduces loss risks, combined with full journey tracking and high insurance options.
3. Advantages of Air Freight
- Speed: Air transport significantly shortens transit times, boosting productivity.
- Suitable for perishables: Such as fresh fruits, frozen food, medical goods—provided proper packaging is used.
- High safety and security: With strict regulations and inspections, only approved and properly packaged goods are allowed.
- Capacity for valuable, urgent cargo: Aircraft can carry a specific quantity in a short time—ideal for urgent, high-value goods. However, air cargo is not suitable for oversized or extremely heavy shipments.
4. The 5-Step Air Cargo Shipping Process
Step 1: Agreement and contract signing
The shipper signs a service contract with the freight forwarder, specifying cargo type, freight charges, estimated schedule, and responsibilities of each party.
Step 2: Preparation of export/import documentation
The shipper prepares all required documents: commercial invoice, air waybill, certificate of origin, and inspection/quarantine certificates (if applicable).This is usually handled by the logistics company's customs declaration team or freight agent.
Step 3: Air transportation
Once documentation is complete, cargo is handed over to the airline for transportation. The airline handles the shipment from the origin to the destination airport as scheduled.
Step 4: Import procedures at the destination airport
For international shipments, the consignee must complete customs declaration at the arrival airport. Customs authorities will inspect and approve the cargo for clearance.
Step 5: Cargo delivery to warehouse
After customs clearance, the cargo is delivered to the consignee’s designated warehouse. Once delivered, the air cargo process is considered complete.
5. Why Choose KVN Logistics for Air Freight Services?
- Extensive Air Cargo Partner Network:
KVN has dedicated offices in Hanoi (North), Ho Chi Minh City (South), and a branch in Da Nang (Central region). We partner with major airlines such as Emirates, China Southern, ANA Cargo, Vietnam Airlines, Korean Air, Vietjet Air, and Qatar Airways—ensuring fast clearance and reduced waiting times, especially for urgent shipments.
- Flexible flight options: Offering a wide range of direct and indirect flights, optimizing both delivery time and shipping costs—ideal for businesses balancing speed and budget.
- Transparent pricing: Freight charges are quoted clearly by route and actual weight, ensuring customers understand costs from the start.
- Proper packaging & special handling: Our trained team supports inspection, packaging, and handling of all cargo types—from regular goods to fragile and hazardous items—according to international air safety standards.
- Real-time tracking & updates: Each shipment is closely monitored throughout its journey. We proactively keep customers informed of location and shipment status.
Whether you need urgent sample delivery, time-sensitive commercial cargo, or special items requiring professional packing—KVN Logistics has the right and reliable air cargo solution for every customer’s need.
-----------------------------------------------------
🌐 𝐊𝐕𝐍 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 - 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
📍 Head Office: No. 41 Nguyen Trai Street, Nam Dinh Ward, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
🏢 Hanoi Office: 36th Floor, Discovery Complex, No. 302 Cau Giay Street, Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi
🏢 Hai Phong Office: Room 740, Thanh Dat 3 Building, No. 4 Le Thanh Tong Street, Ngo Quyen Ward, Hai Phong City
🏢 Ho Chi Minh City Office: 8th Floor, Serepok Building, No. 84 Huynh Van Banh Street, Cau Kieu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
📞 Tel: +(84) 028 7101 3998
✉️ Email:info@kvnlogistics.vn
🧾 Tax ID: 0601231322
🌐 Website:www.kvnlogistics.vn
Comments