The increasingly connected nature of the world has made shipping even more important to grow the world economy and make global trade possible. Transporting cargo by air is an effective way of delivering it from A to B in a safe, timely fashion. This is the case in many major industries. Electronic goods, pharmaceutical, health care, equipment, and retail product industries all rely heavily on cargo transportation by air.

Below is a look at air cargo handling, the air cargo ground handling process and different types of air cargo, including the difference between special cargo and general cargo. We’ll look at automation and technology used by air cargo handlers, challenges the air cargo industry is encountering, and how tech is addressing some of these challenges. We’ll then discuss some of our own air cargo handling equipment and how they can support your own air freight and freight forwarding operations.

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air cargo

Air cargo’ refers to the process of transporting goods by air and is often used interchangeably with the term ‘air freight’. Although some passenger airlines also carry commercial cargo, air freight planes are the popular mode of transport designed specially for shipping goods instead of passengers. Air cargo planes meet a wide range of logistical needs, given their capacity to carry everything from mail and small parcels to large, bulky goods.

Air freight provides lots of benefits to companies. The biggest is speed because goods can cross continents in hours. It’s also reliable.

Adverse weather conditions have less impact on air freight planes than on other forms of transport. Operators can adjust routes quickly if unforeseen circumstances arise.

Air freight plays not just an important role in the global economy, since it creates jobs, bolsters global trade and is part of gross domestic product (GDP), but it connects markets that would have been otherwise unreachable. Even more importantly perhaps, it provides a lifeline in emergencies by helping to get supplies swiftly and reliably to people in need.


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the key components of the air cargo handling process

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.

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storage and consolidation

Depending on the cargo type and airport schedule, you may have to store the cargo at the airport warehouse. If there’s a delay between the arrival time and the scheduled departure time, you’ll have to store it in an airport warehouse. These are secure and designed to store a range of goods, from perishable items to oversized goods.

To optimise space on the aircraft, operators might consolidate your cargo with other goods, which could mean grouping your cargo together with other shipments. This increases efficiency and lowers costs.

Customs

Cargo needs clearance from customs, who will inspect it to confirm that the cargo complies with applicable laws and regulations. Checks on the accuracy of the information on the documents, checks for prohibited items and the payment of duty and taxes are all potential checks they’ll make.


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Loading onto the aircraft

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.

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cargo arrival at destination

When the cargo arrives at its destination, it will be unloaded from the aircraft. Careful cargo handling is necessary again to avoid any damage. This is made safer using air freight handling equipment. It then undergoes customs checks at the destination airport.

Once customs have cleared it, the cargo will go to a cargo facility, like an airport warehouse for storage, or will be loaded onto a vehicle for transportation to its destination.


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different types of cargo

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.

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special cargo

Special cargo’ refers to goods that need special handling, packaging or conditions because of their nature. They may be oversized, sensitive to changes in temperature or fragile and call for extra care during shipping. This could include perishable goods, such as seafood, which requires temperature controlled refrigeration; live animals, such as pets or livestock; or oversized items, such as machinery, vehicles or construction equipment.

Special cargo often calls for special packaging. The documentation for the cargo is also quite complex. Loading and unloading the cargo is complicated and may require special equipment.

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Dangerous Cargo

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.


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challenges for air cargo

Of course, air cargo handling isn’t without its challenges.

Lack of Automation

Some of the technology and air cargo handling systems used in the air freight sector is dated, compared to other parts of the logistics sector. A lot of work is still performed manually because the loads of air freight shipments aren’t always uniform. They range from very large to very small, which makes automation much harder.

Frequent Manual Sorting

Without cargo services, manual sorting is labour-intensive and leads to delays and supply chain errors and failures. This triggers delays and congestion at cargo terminals, which is a major problem in an industry that relies on tight schedules and time sensitivity. Planes can’t wait for goods if there’s a delay in the supply chain earlier.


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costs

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.


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Impact on the environment

Sustainability is a big challenge in shipping cargo by air because of greenhouse gases and emissions from planes. In the air freight industry, sustainable fuel initiatives have emerged as forwarder handling operators look at ways to reduce their impact on the environment.


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automation and technology in air cargo

Despite the significant challenges the air cargo industry faces when it comes to handling plane cargo, it’s finding solutions to tackle some of them. The implementation of more automation and technology is one of them.

Autonomous Robots

Robots are beginning to become more common in air cargo handling. Some travel around warehouses, identifying locations for cargo. Others move pallets to their storage locations automatically. Some even place parcels from Euro-pallets onto a conveyor belt.

Data

Artificial intelligence (AI)

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.

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supporting your air cargo handling with our solutions

At Joloda Hydraroll, a specialist in loading solutions for logistics, we understand the challenges faced by airports and cargo handling teams when it comes to efficiently transferring air freight. That’s why we offer innovative and reliable air cargo handling solutions designed to streamline the loading, unloading, and manoeuvring process. Our systems help cargo handlers improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance overall operational safety. Some of the air cargo handling solutions we provide include:

Build Station 10FT Website Block

build stations

The Build Station (10 ft or 20 ft) is a versatile, heavy-duty system for efficient assembly and handling of pallets, unit load devices (ULDs) and other large cargo items. These stations provide a stable, ergonomic platform for operators to build, maintain or load items in a controlled, secure manner.


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slave pallets

Slave Pallets (also known as Mobile Work Stations) are innovative material handling platforms that streamline the movement, storage and transport of unit load devices (ULDs) in air cargo and logistics operations. These heavy-duty pallets enable efficient handling of air cargo containers in warehouse and airport environments using forklifts, reducing the need for complex machinery while improving workflow efficiency.


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Castor Deck Render Website Block

castor decks

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.


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Powered Rollerbed Render Website Block 1

powered rollerbed

The Powered Rollerbed is an advanced material handling solution for streamlining the loading and unloading of unit load devices (ULDs), pallets and air cargo containers. Equipped with motorised rollers, the Powered Rollerbed eliminates the need for manual handling, which makes operations faster, safer and more efficient.


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4 Way Mobile Scissor Lift Render

scissor lifts

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.


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pallet mover

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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case studies

Joloda Hydraroll help air cargo operators maximise handling efficiencies

Find out Joloda Hydraroll helped an air cargo operator maximise their cargo handling efficiencies, whilst also improving safety in their new warehouse.

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Contact us today for a consultation session with a member of our Air Cargo Equipment team.

During the consultation, a Joloda Hydraroll Group Air Cargo Expert will discuss your current cargo handling operations, challenges, and goals to help you find the best solution.

We have over 60+ years of experience providing cutting-edge technological solutions to the logistics industry and have helped countless companies around the world streamline their operations.  


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