The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Heavy Items by Air Freight

Air freight is often used to ship small, high-value cargo. But here’s the good news: it can also accommodate heavy and large shipments, allowing you to move your bulky or oversized cargo to its destination in a fast, reliable, and accessible manner. This capability is especially beneficial for industries like manufacturing, medicine, or SMEs that need to transport large equipment.

This process can be tricky. If you need to ship heavy items by air, you must thoroughly understand the processes and intricacies of air freight. This article explains how to ship big items by air, including its benefits, challenges, and tips for transporting heavy goods efficiently and securely.

Benefits of Air Freight for Heavy Cargo

The key benefits of shipping heavy cargo by air are the following:

Faster Transit Times

Since air freight is the fastest mode of international transportation, your cargo can reach its destination with unmatched speed. This will minimize downtime and maintain the efficiency of your operations.

That’s why air freight is the go-to choice for businesses that depend on just-in-time inventory management. It’s also beneficial for those with production lines that can’t afford any delays.

Higher Levels of Security

Compared to ocean freight, air freight is more secure thanks to stringent security protocols in airports. These protocols involve screening and tracking security measures to ensure that sensitive, valuable goods are handled with care and to reduce the risk of theft or damage during transit.

Flexible Scheduling

Air freight can accommodate your business’s unique shipping schedules. With frequent departures, it provides you with the flexibility to transport your cargo anytime you need it. This becomes especially useful in case of last-minute shipments or emergencies that would require immediate dispatch.

Challenges of Shipping Heavy Items by Air Freight

While air freight offers many benefits for shippers, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Before shipping, you must be aware of the challenges of shipping heavy cargo so you can prepare properly.

Cost Considerations

Air freight is the fastest international shipping mode, but it is also the most expensive option. It costs significantly more than sea or land freight, owing to the higher costs of airplane fuel and other operational expenses.

Before opting for air freight to ship large items, you must weigh the costs against the urgency of their shipment and the value of their cargo.

Weight and Size Limitations

Air freight is also the least flexible shipping option. It has strict guidelines for what you can and can’t ship and limits cargo size, weight, and volume. This mode requires additional arrangements and documentation, especially for oversized or heavy shipments, which will also increase the cost and complexity of your shipment.

Regulatory Compliance

Because air freight usually limits the size and weight of cargo, shipping large, heavy items will require additional requirements. Compliance with customs clearance, airport and airline policies, and international shipping laws can be more complicated.

And because of the added requirements and standards, shipping heavy items by air might cause more delays and extra charges.

Cost Factors for Shipping Heavy Items

Shipping bulky items by air can be an expensive endeavor. To help you optimize shipping costs, you need to be aware of the following cost factors.

Weight and Volume

Air freight charges are based on dimensional weight, which is the cargo’s actual weight and volume. Airlines impose this to ensure that the aircraft's space is used efficiently, with lightweight but bulky items not taking up disproportionate space without the proper compensation.

Distance

Due to increased fuel usage, air freight is more expensive for cargo traveling long distances. Similarly, limited routes and demand can result in additional fees for cargo bound for remote or less serviced areas.

Special Handling Requirements

If your cargo requires special handling, such as fragile, hazardous, or high-value goods, you can expect to pay additional handling charges. These charges ensure your cargo is properly stored, loaded, and unloaded, guaranteeing its safety during transit.

Insurance

It’s recommended that high-value cargo be insured to cover the cost of the goods in case of unforeseen incidents during transit. Most freight insurance policies will cover high-value cargo and provide financial protection in case of delays, loss, or damage.

Packaging Heavy Items for Air Freight

To transport heavy items by air safely, you need to pay attention to packaging, particularly the materials you use and how you label your cargo.

Wooden crates, heavy-duty pallets, and other durable materials are the best options for protecting high-value cargo. To cushion the goods and prevent damage from vibrations or shocks, it’s also worth taking the additional precaution of using protective wrapping, such as foam padding or bubble wrap. Where needed, secure your cargo with straps or shrink wrap to prevent shifting during transit.

When you’ve packed your cargo securely, it’s time to label it. Ensure your cargo is labeled with all essential details, including its origin, destination, sender, receiver, weight, dimensions, and any additional handling instructions. Proper labeling will go a long way in ensuring the carriers and handlers moving the cargo know how to manage it accordingly.

Choosing the Right Carrier for Heavy Cargo

Shipping heavy cargo by air can be a complex endeavor. To ensure a smooth shipping experience, we recommend working with a reliable carrier. When looking for a carrier to handle your shipment, consider the following:

Cost

Compare costs before making a decision. Request quotes from multiple carriers, evaluate their offerings, and choose the best option for your needs and budget.

Reliability

Another factor to consider is the reliability of your provider. Assess their delivery timelines, reputation, and ability to handle heavy cargo. Choosing a reliable carrier can ensure your cargo's safe and timely arrival.

Route Coverage

Some carriers can cater to a wide range of trade lanes, while others can handle shipments to remote or underserved areas. Find the carrier that can ship your goods from origin to destination.

Capabilities

When shipping heavy cargo by air, a carrier will need the necessary equipment, such as forklifts and loading docks. Ask your carrier about their capabilities to ensure they can handle heavy cargo. Some carriers will even customize solutions to cater to your unique needs.

Freight Forwarders

Finding a reliable carrier can be challenging. To simplify the logistics process, we recommend working with a freight forwarder.

As an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier, a freight forwarder can handle everything so you don’t have to — documentation, coordination, and everything in between. They also have the experience to handle both large-scale and complex shipments.

If you’re looking for a trusted freight forwarder, learn more about iContainers’ air forwarding services.

Regulatory Requirements for Heavy Air Freight Shipments

As previously mentioned, shipping heavy items by air will come with more stringent regulatory requirements. Here are those you have to comply with:

Customs Clearance

The customs clearance process is necessary before your shipment can be cleared for import. When your goods arrive at their destination, the destination country’s customs authorities will inspect them to determine whether the documentation aligns with the cargo’s contents.

To ensure this process is a breeze and not a cause of delay, make sure to provide accurate and complete documentation. This documentation often includes commercial invoices, packing lists, and air waybills.

Weight Restrictions

Air freight has weight restrictions, meaning not all heavy cargo types can be transported. Ensure your shipment is the right weight and size to adhere to these restrictions to avoid fines or the rejection of your cargo entirely.

If you’re unsure about the weight restrictions for your chosen carrier, ask about them or coordinate with your freight forwarder during the planning phase of your shipment.

Special Permits

Some types of cargo will have additional requirements. This statement is especially true for oversized, hazardous, or restricted cargo. Depending on the type of goods you’re shipping, make sure you obtain the necessary permits or certifications in advance.

Tips for Optimizing Heavy Item Shipping via Air Freight

Now that you know how to ship oversized items by air, here are some tips to help you achieve a successful shipment.

Consolidate Shipments

When shipping multiple items, consider grouping them into one shipment to save on costs. Reducing the number of individual shipments minimizes handling fees and allows you to stay within your budget.

Book in Advance

Some seasons see a surcharge in air freight shipping fees. It’s important to plan and, when possible, book your shipments early to take advantage of lower rates and better availability. Avoid last-minute shipments, as these usually incur premium charges.

Leverage Technology

Some freight forwarders, such as iContainers, offer tracking and monitoring tools to keep you updated on your cargo. These tools provide real-time visibility, allowing you to determine where your cargo is in the shipping process and identify potential issues early on.

Partner with Experts

Working with experienced logistics experts can help you guarantee a successful shipment. These professionals understand the shipping process and know it like the backs of their hands. This level of expertise can help you start your shipment, navigate challenges, and optimize your shipping experience.

Consider Using Air Freight to Ship Heavy Items

Using air freight to ship heavy items offers several benefits, from unparalleled speed to better security. It’s a viable option for businesses engaged in international trade, especially those with oversized cargo.

This guide covered the benefits, challenges, and best practices for air freight shipping, walking you through how to ship large objects by air. By now, you’re in a much better position to optimize the process and ensure a smooth shipping experience.

Simplify your air freight shipment with iContainers. Check out our air freight solutions and learn how we can help you transport your heavy goods with confidence.