Air freight service with A3 Logistic
What is air freight service?
Air freight service is a logistics solution that involves transporting goods by aircraft, either domestically or internationally. This method is mainly used when speed, efficiency, and security are top priorities. Unlike ground or ocean transport, air freight significantly reduces transit time, making it the preferred option for urgent shipments, high-value or high-risk goods, and perishable products.
At A3 Logistic, we offer an air freight service tailored to your company’s specific needs, ensuring fast, secure, and on-time delivery of your products worldwide, thanks to our international network of strategic partners and agents at key airports.
Types of air freight service
In general terms, air freight services can be classified into two main categories: commercial cargo transport (which uses passenger aircraft to transport goods) and dedicated cargo transport (using aircraft dedicated exclusively to transporting goods). Within these categories, there are several modalities depending on the type of cargo and the required delivery times.
In general terms, air freight services can be classified into two main categories: commercial cargo transport (which uses passenger aircraft to transport goods) and dedicated cargo transport (using aircraft dedicated exclusively to the transport of goods). Within these categories, there are several modalities depending on the type of cargo and the required delivery times.
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Standard air transport: For regular shipments of goods with fixed delivery times.
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Express air transport: For products that need to arrive as quickly as possible.
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Heavy cargo air transport: Solutions tailored for large-volume or heavy goods.
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Specialized air transport: For dangerous or high-value products, with special protocols.
Another way to classify types of air freight services is according to the freight service offered by the company in charge. In this case, there are two classifications:
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Full truckload shipping: Type of air freight where a complete unit is used to transport goods to the destination specified by the customer.
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Less than truckload (LTL) shipping: This allows the transport of products belonging to different customers or companies within the same aircraft, which means sharing space and reducing shipping costs.
Types of aircraft used in air freight services
Among the types of aircraft used for air freight transport, we find:
- Combination aircraft: These serve a dual purpose, transporting passengers in the cabin and cargo in the hold.
- Cargo aircraft: These are a type of air transport exclusively for goods, as they have been manufactured solely for their transport, allowing for a greater volume of cargo, with capacities of up to 112 tons.
- Super transporters: There are aircraft that can carry large loads, and these are known as super transporters, as they are designed to carry large goods. These types of air transport for goods have aircraft with large doors for loading and unloading, with the capacity to carry up to 250 tons of weight.
At A3 Logistic, we offer various air freight service options, tailored to the specific needs of each customer.
Types of cargo in air freight transport services
Air freight services cover a wide variety of cargo types. Some of these are:
- Regular cargo: This is the most common type of air freight. It refers to the shipment of general products that do not require special conditions. These can include consumer goods, textiles, electronic products, etc.
- Specialized cargo: This is used for goods that require specific conditions during transport, such as temperature control for perishable products like fresh food, pharmaceuticals, etc.
- Fragile cargo: These are products that can be easily damaged, so they must be handled with great care during transport. Examples include glass or ceramic products.
- High-value cargo: Used for high-value goods such as jewelry, works of art, advanced technology products, among others. This type of cargo requires additional security measures and often special insurance due to the value of the cargo.
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Dangerous goods (DG): These are considered dangerous because direct contact with them poses a risk to the health or safety of people, property, or the environment, such as explosives, gases, flammable liquids or solids, or toxic substances. Due to the risks involved in transporting them, they must have special packaging that makes them easy to identify.
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Dangerous goods (DG): These are considered dangerous because direct contact with them poses a risk to the health or safety of people, property, or the environment, such as explosives, gases, flammable liquids or solids, or toxic substances. Due to the risks involved in their transport, they must be specially packaged to facilitate their identification.
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Industrial cargo: Including machinery components, electronic equipment, chemicals, and manufactured goods that must be delivered urgently to ensure the continuous operation of production lines.
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Urgent cargo: Urgent shipments of legal documents, medical samples, emergency spare parts, and other products that require fast delivery to meet critical deadlines.
- Live animals: Air transport is one of the fastest and most efficient options for transporting live animals, especially for international or long-distance journeys. Animals must be transported in containers approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that comply with strict safety standards, have the necessary health documentation (certificates, vaccination records, etc.), and provide ventilation and comfort for the animal.
A3 Logistic air freight transport service
At A3 Logistic, we offer an air freight service that covers all your logistics needs. Whether for import or export, our team manages your shipments to any airport worldwide, ensuring that your products arrive at their destination quickly and safely.
In addition, we offer deliveries to the final destination under DAP (Delivered at Place) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms, which means that we manage the entire transport process, including customs procedures, so that you only have to worry about receiving your goods.
We specialize in offering fully customized air transport solutions for your company, adapting to the characteristics of each shipment and ensuring maximum efficiency and security throughout the process.
- International shipments: Thanks to our extensive network of airports and strategic alliances with airlines, we can manage shipments anywhere in the world, guaranteeing speed and reliability.
- Door-to-door transport: We take care of everything, from collection at origin to final delivery at destination, without you having to worry about a single detail. We ensure that goods arrive on time and in perfect condition.
- Customized services: We adapt each shipment to the specific characteristics of your products, offering solutions for special loads, fragile goods, or large-volume products, with the necessary level of security in each case.
- To ensure that your products arrive in the best condition, we also recondition goods at origin, adapting the packaging and conditioning the products according to the specifications required for air transport.
What is the reconditioning of goods at source?
The reconditioning of goods at source is the process by which products are prepared and packaged at their place of origin before being shipped.
This process includes a series of actions that ensure that goods are transported safely, efficiently, and in compliance with the specific requirements for each type of cargo, such as: proper packaging, labeling, thermal conditioning and protection, and regulatory compliance.
How does our air freight service work?
At A3 Logistic, our air freight service is designed to be simple, efficient, and fully tailored to your company’s needs. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how we manage each shipment:
- Request and packaging: We analyze your logistics needs, the type of goods you want to ship, the destination, and the delivery times. Based on this information, our team of experts creates a customized air transport plan that optimizes time, costs, and security.
- Pickup and packaging: Once the plan has been defined, we coordinate the pickup of your products at the location you specify, whether at your warehouse or your company’s facilities. We also take care of properly packaging the goods to ensure their protection during air transport.
- Transport and tracking: We manage all the logistical details of air transport, from booking the flight to handling customs procedures at origin and destination. Throughout the process, we keep you informed through real-time tracking.
- Delivery: Once your goods have arrived at their destination, we take care of the final delivery, whether to a nearby airport or directly to your customer’s door.
A3 Logistic offers door-to-door delivery under DAP (Delivered at Place) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms, which means that we manage the entire delivery process, including all customs formalities and any associated costs, so that your product reaches its destination without complications.
Delivery time and factors influencing air freight service
Delivery times for air freight services can vary considerably depending on several key factors that influence the logistics process. However, in general terms, air shipments usually take between 2 and 7 days depending on the destination and the specific characteristics of each shipment. Below, we detail the factors that can affect the delivery times of your goods.
- Distance and routes: Delivery times are shorter when the destination is closer or when there are direct routes between the departure and arrival airports. Longer routes are those that require stopovers and can increase transit times.
- Type of goods: The type of goods being transported also has a significant impact on delivery times for air freight services. Some products require special handling due to their characteristics, such as dangerous, perishable, or high-value cargo.
- Weather conditions: Weather is an unpredictable but crucial factor in air transport. Storms, heavy snowfall, or strong winds can affect both the ability of aircraft to take off and the routes available, which could lead to flight delays. Extreme weather conditions at departure or arrival airports, as well as along flight routes, can alter transit times and, in some cases, cause unexpected delays.
- Customs procedures: Shipments must undergo customs verification at points of entry, and any delays in these procedures can affect the total delivery time. High-value goods or specific cargo may require more detailed inspection, which can prolong the process.
At A3 Logistic, we ensure optimal delivery times and keep you informed throughout the process with real-time tracking, so you always have control over your shipments.
Air freight service costs
The cost of air freight services varies depending on several factors, each of which influences the final price.
- Weight and volume of goods: The cost of air freight services is mainly calculated based on volumetric weight (physical weight compared to volume) or actual weight, which is determined using the standard formula. For example, a 2 kg package with a volume of 0.1 m³ could cost more than a 3 kg package if its volume is greater. Prices can range from €2 to €8 per kg depending on the distance and type of cargo.
- Destination and urgency of the shipment: Shipments to distant destinations or with indirect routes (with stopovers) are usually more expensive. For example, a shipment between Madrid and Paris could cost $200-$300, while one to New York could cost $1,500-$2,500 depending on the volume. Urgent shipments can increase the cost by an additional 20-40% due to the priority of the service.
- Type of cargo: The type of goods significantly impacts the cost of air freight services. Dangerous or perishable goods (such as refrigerated food) require special conditions that increase the price.
- Other factors: Specialized packaging (which can add between €50 and €200 to the cost), customs clearance (generally between €50 and €150 depending on the cargo), and additional security fees (in the case of high-value goods) can also have an impact.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for shipping goods by air?
Requirements vary depending on the type of cargo, but generally include customs documentation, specific permits for dangerous cargo, and proper packaging.
Can I ship perishable goods by air?
Yes, we offer air freight services for perishable goods with special temperature-controlled conditions.
How long will it take for my goods to arrive?
Delivery times depend on the destination and type of shipment, but generally range from 2 to 7 days.
What should I do if my goods do not arrive on time?
In the event of a delay, A3 Logistic will handle the problem and offer you a quick and efficient solution.
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