Air Cargo, All Aboard! 5 Things to Know About Shipping By Air
Did you know air cargo transportation saves lives?
More than $6 trillion dollars and 35% of world trade by value is shipped per year. More importantly, air cargo transports temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals where they’re needed most, saving an estimated 2.5 million lives.
While your air cargo might not save a life, it does represent your life in sentimental value and monetary assets. If delicate vaccines can be transported safely, so can your belongings.
The questions you should ask are, “how” and “how much?” To find out, keep reading five tips for moving by air cargo.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Packing for a move is never to be left for the last minute in any scenario. This is so much more true in the case of a cross-country or intercontinental move.
Give yourself time to pack, sort, make decisions about what you’ll bring and leave, and more. All the rest of the points on this list depend on you following this first and most important point.
2. Use Respected Experts in the Air Cargo
There are many air cargo companies, but not all are created equal. For example, vrr.aero is an industry leader in unit load devices (ULD) and have been innovating the air cargo industry for generations. They even win awards in the industry for sustainability, even 70 years after their founding years.
Make sure you work with industry leaders like this. They’ve seen — and done — it all.
3. Shorten Your Tail and Sell Things
Sometimes called a “tail” your things are whatever is following behind you. Make sure your tail is short, and sell a few things. Not only can you make a bit of money in the meantime and get a chance to sift through sentimental items, but it helps you face the brutal consequences of things damaged in transit ahead of time.
Often, that’s gym equipment (which is usually heavy and oddly shaped anyway) and clothing. A good rule of thumb is the 6-month rule. If you haven’t used it in six months, sell it.
4. Air Cargo and Tariff Requirements
Generally, your air cargo shipment needs to hold true to all kinds of packaging requirements from various organizations, not the least of which the carrier you choose to fly with.
Make sure you read the requirements closely and maybe even consult an air cargo representative about what you’re bringing and any recommendations they have for packing it.
A short list of requirements is still quite long, but perhaps some of the most important items are:
- Make sure cartons have edge protection
- Cartons on a palette are shrink-wrapped
- Maximum palette height of 160 cm isn’t topped
- Safe against manipulation (smuggling)
- Weight is uniformly distributed
- Able to withstand rough handling
It’s hard enough to just make sure your items follow these six points, let alone dozens of other regulatory requirements. Make sure in advance and don’t leave it for the last minute!
5. Don’t Stop at Only One Quote
Getting only one quote for your air cargo service is like not asking for a second opinion from a doctor about major surgery. Get two, three, or more quotes than you think you need to really get to know the industry and what’s involved.
You’ll learn more about the requirements in point four as well as making sure you have the best price available.
Air Cargo: Packed up and Ready to Fly
Are you convinced air cargo is the best way to get your things to your new home? Whether by sea or by air, there are unique challenges and constraints to consider. We hope we’ve helped clear the air a bit so you can make the right decision for you.
After all, at Kagamasumut we’re always just trying to keep you ahead of things. Whether on tech, politics, or tips like this, you know we’ve got your back.
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