There is a whole range of reasons businesses choose air freight for international cargo. Speed, security, perishability, or flexibility. Whether you’re shipping high-value products or specialist equipment, air freight can be a good option. But it’s not suited to everything. Different types of cargo require different handling processes, documentation, and transport arrangements. And understanding the various cargo categories can help you to choose the most appropriate service, so you can avoid unnecessary delays or costs.
Getting to Know the Different Types of Air Cargo
General cargo
General cargo is the most common type of air freight. It includes goods that do not require special handling, temperature control, or additional safety measures.
Examples of general cargo include:
- Consumer goods
- Electronics
- Clothing and textiles
- Automotive parts
- Manufacturing components
A lot of products fit into the general cargo category, so this will be the most relevant type of cargo for many businesses. And while air freight won’t always be necessary – sea freight and road freight can be viable alternatives – if a customer requires a quick delivery time, air freight will almost always be the best solution.
Perishable cargo
Perishable cargo refers to products that have a limited shelf life and must reach their destination quickly.
This category includes:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Seafood
- Meat products
- Flowers and plants
- Pharmaceutical products
Special handling procedures and temperature-controlled environments are usually required throughout the journey. Depending on the destination, air freight is often the best option because it is significantly faster.
Express cargo
If speed is the most important factor, express cargo services are the clear answer.
These shipments may include:
- Critical spare parts
- Medical supplies
- Legal documents
- Emergency manufacturing components
A fast air freight service can help businesses minimise downtime, meet tight deadlines, and maintain customer satisfaction when every hour counts.
Dangerous goods
Various items are classified as “dangerous goods”, and not all of them are obvious. But the reason they are classified as such is that they can pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation.
Examples include:
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Flammable liquids
- Aerosols
- Certain industrial products
For the most part, dangerous goods are not shipped by air. And when they are, you are required to follow strict international compliance regulations. This may involve specialist packaging, labelling, and documentation.
Valuable cargo
High-end goods are often transported via air freight because it is the transport mode with the best security record.
Examples include:
- Jewellery
- Precious metals
- Luxury goods
- High-value electronics
- Confidential documents
Airlines have to implement additional security standards for safety reasons, regardless of the value of the cargo. But if you are shipping valuable goods, your freight forwarder may implement additional security procedures for moving your goods to and from the airport. These may include monitored storage areas and enhanced tracking systems.
Live animal cargo
It’s uncommon for freighters to transport live animals by air, and when it does happen, careful planning and specialist handling are needed. Because, of course, animal welfare is always the top priority.
This category can include:
- Domestic pets
- Livestock
- Zoo animals
- Horses
Strict regulations govern how animals are transported, including requirements for ventilation, feeding, hydration, and crate specifications.
Oversized cargo
Oversized cargo (typically over 160cm tall and 300cm long) can’t just be added to standard commercial passenger flights, like other types of air freight. However, specialised freight carriers and air cargo charters are available if you need to ship outsized goods quickly.
Examples include:
- Industrial machinery
- Construction equipment
- Aircraft components
- Large engineering parts
These shipments often require bespoke logistics planning and specialist loading equipment, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and work with an experienced freight forwarder.
Choosing the right air freight solution
The type of cargo you’re shipping will influence everything from packaging requirements to transit times and overall air freight costs. Choosing the right logistics partner can make a significant difference, helping you balance speed, compliance, and budget.
At Plexus Freight, we provide tailored air freight to and from the UK designed around your business needs. From export shipments to urgent deliveries, our experienced team can help you find the most efficient and cost-effective route for your cargo.
Get in touch with Plexus Freight to find out how we can support your air freight requirements.
