Air cargo services play a crucial role in the global economy. They allow businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently across long distances, enabling them to reach new markets and meet customer demands. But how exactly do air cargo services work? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the logistics of air cargo services, from the types of planes used to the process of loading and unloading cargo.
Types of Planes Used in Air Cargo Services
The first thing to understand about air cargo services is that not all planes are created equal. While passenger planes can carry some cargo in their belly holds, they are not designed to transport large quantities of goods. Instead, dedicated cargo planes are used for air cargo services.
There are several types of cargo planes used in air cargo services, including:
- Wide-Body Freighters: These planes are designed to carry large and heavy cargo, such as machinery and vehicles. They have a wide body to accommodate oversized shipments and can carry up to 100 tons of cargo.
- Narrow-Body Freighters: These planes are smaller than wide-body freighters and are typically used for shorter hauls. They can carry up to 20 tons of cargo and are commonly used to transport mail and express shipments.
- Regional Freighters: These planes are designed to transport cargo on shorter routes, such as within a country or region. They can carry up to 10 tons of cargo and are used for smaller shipments, such as perishable goods and pharmaceuticals.
The Process of Loading and Unloading Cargo
Once the cargo plane has been selected, the process of loading and unloading cargo begins. This is typically done at a cargo terminal, which is separate from the passenger terminal at an airport.
- Acceptance and Documentation: Before the cargo can be loaded onto the plane, it must be accepted by the airline. This involves checking the cargo for compliance with safety regulations and verifying that the necessary documentation is in order.
- Sorting and Labeling: Once the cargo has been accepted, it is sorted and labeled according to its destination. This helps ensure that the cargo is loaded onto the correct plane and reaches its destination on time.
- Loading: The cargo is then loaded onto the plane, either by hand or using specialized equipment such as cargo loaders and forklifts. The cargo is secured in place to prevent shifting during the flight.
- Flight: During the flight, the cargo is monitored closely to ensure that it remains at the correct temperature and is not damaged in transit.
- Unloading: Once the plane lands, the cargo is unloaded from the plane and transported to the cargo terminal at the destination airport. It is then sorted and prepared for delivery to its final destination.
Conclusion
Air cargo services are a vital component of the global economy. They allow businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently across long distances, enabling them to reach new markets and meet customer demands. By understanding how air cargo services work, businesses can make informed decisions about how to transport their goods and ensure that they arrive at their destination safely and on time. For any query contact us or email at [email protected]