air cargo handling

Of course, before cargo can reach its destination, it must undergo a strict air cargo handling process and may arrive at a cargo handling hub via road transport.

Upon Arrival

Before you can unload your cargo, it must undergo a documentation check. This includes packing lists, certificate of origin, commercial invoices and other documents. They must be reviewed and approved first.

The cargo must also undergo a security check. These checks will be physical and conducted by X-ray to ensure the cargo meets safety standards. You can then unload the goods from the transportation vehicle. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the cargo.

A crucial part of the air cargo supply chain. Precision and efficiency are the aims when loading. Cargo aircraft placement is all about making the most of the space available but ensuring balance.

It requires careful planning. Dangerous items, fragile ones and oversized ones all receive special attention during this stage.

To avoid damage to the cargo, proper securing is essential. The cargo will be secured to stop it from shifting as much as possible during long distance flights. The cargo handlers will use nets, straps and other handling equipment to do this. A reputable air cargo handling service should be used to provide excellent customer service.

Monitoring In-Flight

While the cargo is in transit, it’s monitored continuously. The temperature will be monitored for perishable items. The pressure will be monitored for sensitive items. Checks will also be made to make sure the cargo is secured, and that the movement of goods is minimal.

Not all cargo is the same, and cargo is categorised into three main types:

General Cargo

‘General cargo’ refers to goods that don’t need special handling or conditions while it’s being transported. Consumer electronics, textiles, clothing, furniture, household goods and printed materials are just some types of goods that come under this broad classification. General cargo requires standard packaging to protect it, basic documentation and conventional handling.

Goods that pose a risk to health, safety or the environment are classed as ‘dangerous goods’ and are also known as ‘hazardous goods’. Chemicals and solvents, explosives, radioactive materials and compressed gases are all dangerous cargo.

These goods come under special regulation and, to prevent accidents, special precautions must be taken. The packaging must comply with international regulations. The documentation is comprehensive and must comply with legal requirements, which takes thorough preparation.

To minimise risks, dangerous cargo is subject to strict handling and transportation procedures. This could include using specialised containers, securing cargo in specific areas of the vehicle and following precise loading and unloading protocols. Air freight cargo handling equipment must be used for dangerous cargo.

Air freight is expensive compared to some other forms, such as sea shipping. There’s not just the cost of shipping, including the rising cost of fuel, but also the taxes that come with cargo in aviation. Let’s not forget the cost of the goods themselves, of course.

Lack of Control Over Schedule and Location

If you’re using a commercial airline for air cargo, you’ll have no control over the aircraft’s schedule, transit times, and the time the airline imports or exports your goods. Often, these types of flights wait until the cargo belly is full. You must also organise shipping around the location the plane is landing in. Sometimes, aircraft may only be landing in one specific location, so you must plan your shipping and hub handling accordingly, which can be complicated.

Operators are integrating AI more with their other systems, and this will improve visibility and efficiency in aviation logistics. As well as increasing efficiency, AI will simplify processes. It will make the transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals more straightforward and more efficient, for instance.

Real-Time Information

Digital systems are providing warehouses with real-time information and adjusting warehouse processes, based on flight schedules. Automated cargo systems are implementing ‘just in time’ maintenance, keeping cargo equipment in good condition.

Truck Dock Systems are advanced cargo handling solutions that streamline the transfer of goods between trucks, warehouses and vehicles. These systems optimise workflows by reducing manual handling, ensuring precise alignment and improving efficiency in high-demand logistics and air cargo environments.

A Castor Deck is a versatile cargo handling system that facilitates the easy movement and positioning of heavy loads through a manual or semi-manual cargo system. This system consists of a deck equipped with heavy-duty castors, providing efficient mobility for unit load devices (ULDs), pallets or other heavy cargo items.

It is essential for operations that require the flexible movement of goods across various environments, including warehouses, loading docks, and air cargo terminals. The freight can be rotated in tight spaces so that logistics teams can push or pull the product in any direction required.

Scissor Lifts are versatile, highly functional cargo handling systems designed to lift, align and transfer heavy loads with ease. These systems combine hydraulic scissor lift mechanisms with mobile functionality, making them ideal for operations requiring flexibility and precision.

The Pallet Mover is an efficient, robust solution for smoothly transferring and moving heavy pallets, unit load devices (ULDs), and other large cargo items around a warehouse. This equipment is engineered for precision and durability, and is a versatile, reliable way to handle and manoeuvre cargo across various environments, from warehouses to logistics hubs.

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As experts in all kinds of unloading and unloading solutions, we can help innovate, automate and streamline your end-of-production line problems, wherever you are.

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