Air freight plays a vital role in ensuring a fast delivery of goods, although this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many benefits, which we will explore today.
In today’s blog, we will be explaining the role of air freight in getting your e-commerce orders fast.
Radius Warehouse and Logistics is here to provide you with all the information you need when it comes to the multiple areas of logistics that we provide, from sea, to air, to road freight solutions. Operating from the South West of England for over 20 years, or experience, and service is here for anyone who requires it.
Which kind of planes transport air freight?
There are two main categories of aeroplanes used to transport air freight: dedicated cargo planes and passenger planes converted for cargo use.
Dedicated Cargo Planes
- Designed and built specifically for hauling large quantities of freight.
- Offer superior cargo capacity and features compared to converted passenger planes.
Examples of dedicated cargo planes include:
- Boeing 747-8F: A large, long-range freighter with a high payload capacity.
- Boeing 777F: Another popular freighter known for its efficiency and capacity.
- Airbus A330-200F: Offers a good balance of range, capacity, and fuel efficiency.
- Antonov An-124 Ruslan: A massive, super heavy-lift cargo plane used for oversized or extremely heavy cargo.
Converted Passenger Planes
- Passenger aeroplanes that have been modified to remove passenger seats and amenities to create cargo space.
- Offer a more cost-effective option for airlines, but typically have less cargo capacity than dedicated freighters.
Examples of converted passenger planes include:
- Boeing 737-800BCF: A popular converted freighter based on the Boeing 737 passenger plane.
- Airbus A321-200P2F: Another common conversion from a medium-range passenger Airbus.
The specific type of aeroplane used for air freight depends on several factors, including:
- Distance: Long-haul flights typically use dedicated cargo planes for their extended range and capacity.
- Cargo weight and volume: Oversized or extremely heavy cargo might require a super transporter like the Antonov An-124.
- Cost: Airlines may opt for converted passenger planes for shorter routes or less time-sensitive cargo to balance cost and efficiency.
The role of air freight in getting your e-commerce orders fast
In the world of e-commerce, where speed is king, air freight emerges as the ultimate champion. It propels your online orders, from that new gadget to the latest fashion trend, to your doorstep at record pace.
This unmatched speed stems from the simple fact that aeroplanes leave all other transportation options in the dust. This translates to significantly reduced delivery times, especially for those long-distance purchases. No matter how far your desired item has travelled, air freight can bridge the gap and get it to you quickly.
But air freight’s magic doesn’t stop there. It boasts a vast, interconnected network that stretches across the globe, connecting countless airports. This extensive reach empowers e-commerce businesses to effortlessly deliver products across continents.
It doesn’t matter where you are or where the product originated from, air freight can seamlessly connect you with your purchase.
For products with a limited shelf life, such as perishables or medications, or those with short release windows, like cutting-edge electronics, air freight becomes the only viable option. It ensures these time-sensitive items reach customers fresh, functional, and delivered right on time.
Benefits of air freight
The benefits of air freight extend beyond just speed and reach. It also opens up a world of possibilities for online shoppers. Faster delivery options through air freight mean a wider selection of products from a broader range of international sellers.
This expanded selection translates to happier customers. E-commerce businesses that leverage air freight can offer faster shipping options, a major factor that influences online shoppers’ decisions. By getting your purchases to you quickly, air freight can significantly improve customer satisfaction.
There’s also the added bonus of reduced damage risk. Generally, air freight carries a lower risk of damage compared to some ground shipping methods. The faster delivery times also mean products spend less time in transit, minimizing the chance of mishandling or spoilage. Your new appliance or that fragile birthday gift are more likely to arrive in perfect condition.
Air freight limitations
However, air freight does come with a couple of limitations. It’s typically the most expensive transportation mode for e-commerce businesses, and this can translate to higher shipping charges for customers.
While you get your items quickly, it might come at a steeper price tag. Additionally, air travel contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. E-commerce businesses that prioritise sustainability might look for alternative shipping methods for certain products, or explore carbon offsetting air freight emissions to minimize their environmental footprint.
In conclusion, air freight remains a powerful tool for e-commerce businesses to offer fast and reliable delivery to their customers. While cost and environmental impact are important considerations, the unparalleled speed and global reach of air freight make it a crucial factor in today’s fast-paced online shopping world.
Can air freight deliveries be delayed?
Yes, even though air freight is known for its speed, air freight deliveries can be delayed for various reasons. Here’s a breakdown of some potential causes:
Weather
Unfavourable weather conditions like storms, fog, or high winds can disrupt air traffic and lead to delays. Airports may ground planes or reroute flights to avoid dangerous conditions, causing backups and delays in deliveries.
Mechanical Issues
Just like any vehicle, aeroplanes can experience mechanical problems that require maintenance or repair. This can delay flights and the cargo they carry.
Customs Clearance
When goods cross international borders, they need to be cleared by customs officials. This process can sometimes be time-consuming, especially if there are issues with paperwork or inspections are required. Delays in customs can hold up air freight deliveries.
Air Traffic Congestion
Airports and airspace can become congested, especially around major hubs. This can lead to delays in takeoffs and landings, impacting the overall schedule of air freight shipments.
Security Concerns
Security incidents or threats can disrupt air traffic and cause delays. Heightened security measures at airports can also slow down the processing of cargo.
Operational Issues
Airlines or ground handling companies may experience operational issues like staff shortages or equipment problems. These issues can lead to delays in loading, unloading, and sorting cargo, which can ripple through the entire air freight network.
Missed Connections
For long-haul shipments that involve multiple flights, missed connections at transfer points can cause delays. This can happen due to any of the reasons mentioned above, impacting the overall delivery time.
Perishable Goods and Special Handling
For time-sensitive or perishable goods, even minor delays can have a significant impact. Special handling requirements for certain types of cargo can also add complexity and potentially lead to delays if proper procedures are not followed.
Understandably, any delivery delay can cause a host of issues, especially if the product being delivered is perishable. In regard to customers or clients, shipment delays can result in them losing confidence in you and may even request a refund, especially if their delivery is needed for a specific time.
Find air freight services today
We at Radius Warehouse and Logistics Services encourage you to get in contact with us to see how our services can benefit you. Alternatively, you can get a quote from us directly, or visit our help and advice page for anything further you may need help with.
We hope that our blog has shown you the role of air freight in getting your e-commerce orders fast.
With over 20 years of experience as an independent freight forwarder, you can expect quality service from us. In addition to being a member of BIFA, and trading under the standard trading terms of BIFA, We are also staffed by a dedicated core of enthusiastic and efficient professionals.
Our staff’s many years of experience in this industry welcomes your enquiries and hope you can join our loyal and superb client base.
