Author: Tham NTP

The Development of E-commerce has Increased the Demand for Air Cargo Transportation

E-commerce has rapidly developed in recent years, leading to a significant increase in the demand for air cargo transportation. With the growing popularity of online shopping, consumers worldwide can easily access and purchase products from anywhere. This has presented both challenges and opportunities for the air cargo transportation industry.

Significantly Reduced Transit Times

One of the important benefits that e-commerce brings to the air cargo transportation industry is the increased demand for fast delivery of goods. Consumers increasingly expect to receive their orders as quickly as possible after placing them online. This puts significant pressure on the air transportation system to meet this demand. Goods must be transported from warehouses or stores to customers’ addresses in the shortest possible time.

Diversification of Transported Goods

Furthermore, the development of e-commerce has also led to diversification in the types of goods transported by air. Previously, the focus was primarily on lightweight and high-value products such as electronics, jewellery, or high-end fashion. However, with the growth of e-commerce, consumers can now shop and ship a variety of items, including fresh food, cosmetics, household goods, and more. This creates a more diverse and extensive demand for cargo transportation.

Upgraded Transportation Infrastructure

To meet the transportation demands of e-commerce, airlines have had to enhance and improve their transportation infrastructure. They have invested in expanding flight networks, improving the efficiency and technology of their fleets, as well as enhancing cargo handling processes and providing faster delivery services. Airlines have also built partnerships and collaborations with logistics companies to offer comprehensive and efficient transportation services.

Development of Flexible Transportation Options for Users

Additionally, e-commerce has also driven the development of advanced and flexible cargo transportation services. Freight companies are meeting the diverse transportation needs of e-commerce by providing services such as express delivery, online cargo tracking, and intelligent warehouse management. This helps meet consumers’ requirements for fast and reliable delivery times.

Current E-commerce Challenges

E-commerce has become an essential part of modern life while significantly impacting the air cargo transportation industry. The rapid development of e-commerce has increased the demand for air cargo transportation, creating new challenges as well as opportunities for the industry.

Increasing Demand for Faster Delivery Times

One of the current challenges in post-commerce is the increasing demand for faster delivery times. Consumers expect to receive their goods quickly, sometimes within hours. This puts significant pressure on the air cargo transportation system to provide fast and reliable delivery services.

Growing Concerns about User Information Security

Another concern related to e-commerce is the issue of user information security. With the increasing popularity of online transactions, users transmit a significant amount of personal and financial information over the internet. This poses a significant challenge for businesses and air cargo service providers, requiring them to ensure the safety and security of customer information.

Challenges of Cross-border Transportation

Cross-border transportation of goods presents challenges for the air cargo transportation industry. With e-commerce, consumers can purchase goods from any country worldwide. However, transporting goods across borders requires cooperation between airlines, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. Complex legal regulations and customs procedures can create barriers and slow down the transportation process. Freight companies must ensure compliance with customs regulations and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient cross-border transportation. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of e-commerce has had a strong impact on the air cargo transportation industry. The demand for cargo transportation has increased due to the popularity of online shopping and electronic transactions. To meet the demands of transporting goods from e-commerce, airlines and logistics companies have had to upgrade their infrastructure, provide flexible and reliable transportation services, and address

Air cargo transportation plays a crucial role in global goods delivery. To meet this demand, the aviation industry has developed and utilised various types of cargo aircraft. In this article, Vietjet Air Cargo will help you explore popular types of cargo aircraft used in air cargo transportation today.

Passenger Aircraft/Passenger Flight (PAX)

Passenger aircraft, also known as PAX aircraft, are versatile planes capable of transporting both passengers and cargo. They provide a flexible solution for airlines, catering to the transportation of goods alongside passenger flights.

PAX aircraft are designed to accommodate passengers in passenger cabins equipped with seats, baggage space, and passenger amenities. However, besides carrying passengers, they also have the capability to transport cargo in the cargo compartments or additional cargo compartments.

Advantages and disadvantages of PAX aircraft

Airlines often utilise empty space on passenger flights to transport commercial cargo, optimising resource utilisation and generating additional income from flights. Cargo is packaged and loaded into dedicated containers, pallets, or nylon bags, which are then arranged in the cargo compartments or additional cargo compartments.

PAX aircraft are commonly used for flights that require swift cargo delivery or medium-haul flights with moderate cargo needs. However, due to limited cargo space compared to dedicated cargo aircraft, they may not meet the requirements for large-scale cargo transportation.

Freighter (F)/Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO)

Freighter or Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO) refers to aircraft specifically designed for cargo transportation. They lack passenger facilities such as passenger cabins and focus on optimising cargo storage space.

Cargo aircraft have different designs compared to passenger aircraft. Instead of passenger cabins, they are equipped with spacious cargo holds and specialised systems for cargo transport. The cargo holds are designed with pallet and container systems, along with cargo loading and unloading equipment to enhance cargo capacity and transportation efficiency.

Advantages and disadvantages of cargo aircraft

Cargo aircraft have the ability to transport large and diverse cargo. They can handle various types of goods, including parcels, mail, electronics, consumer goods, and even valuable and sensitive cargo.

Cargo aircraft are primarily operated by cargo airlines or logistics companies. They ensure the transportation of goods on cargo routes, provide express delivery services, support global supply chains, and facilitate international trade.

Popular types of cargo aircraft include the Boeing 747 Freighter, Boeing 777F, Airbus A330F, and Airbus A380F. These aircraft are designed with cargo-carrying capabilities throughout the entire aircraft, providing spacious cargo areas and high transport efficiency.

Air Cargo Charter (Charter)

Air cargo charter, also known as air cargo charter, is a service that organises cargo transportation based on specific customer requirements. In a charter flight, an entire aircraft or a portion of an aircraft is hired or booked according to individual needs, allowing for cargo transportation without adhering to regular flight schedules.

Charter flights offer absolute flexibility for customers in cargo transportation. Customers can adjust the itinerary, choose departure and destination points, as well as select the appropriate aircraft and cargo capacity according to their requirements.

Charter flight services are commonly used in the following cases:

Oversized cargo

When cargo is too large or heavy to be transported by conventional means, charter flights provide an optimal solution to meet transportation needs.

Valuable and sensitive cargo

When cargo has high value or requires special conditions for transportation, such as medical supplies, electronics, or temperature-sensitive goods, charter flights ensure safety and quality throughout the transportation process.

Urgency and shortage

In urgent situations or when there is a need for expedited cargo transportation, charter flights offer speed and flexibility to meet time-sensitive transportation demands.

In charter flights, customers can choose the appropriate aircraft type based on their requirements, including passenger aircraft capable of carrying cargo and dedicated cargo aircraft. This ensures efficient and safe transportation of goods.

Some aircraft provide charter flight services

Airbus A330

The Airbus A330 is a passenger transport aircraft with the capability to carry cargo. With its versatile design, it offers ample cargo storage space and can be used to transport various types of goods.

Airbus A350

The Airbus A350 is a modern and fuel-efficient aircraft primarily used in passenger services. However, some versions of the A350 also have the ability to transport cargo. With flexible cargo arrangement options, it can meet special cargo transportation needs.

Boeing 777

The Boeing 777 is one of the most popular aircraft in the passenger transport industry, but it can also be used for cargo transportation. With a flexible cargo hold design and spacious interior, the Boeing 777 can accommodate a large volume of cargo and meet medium to long-haul cargo transportation requirements.

Boeing 787

The Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner, is a versatile wide-body aircraft. In addition to passenger transport, versions of the Boeing 787 can be configured for cargo transportation. With flexible cargo holds and fuel efficiency, it provides efficiency and performance in cargo transport.

Contact Vietjet Air Cargo for the appropriate cargo transportation option.

Contact Vietjet Air Cargo today to learn more about their cargo transportation services and choose the suitable option for your needs. With a professional team and experience in the aviation cargo industry, Vietjet Air Cargo will meet your specific requirements and ensure safe, fast, and efficient cargo transportation.

To contact Vietjet Air Cargo, you can visit their official website or use the following contact information:

Phone: 1900 633 666

Email: cs@vietjetaircargo.com

Pick up the phone or send an email today to learn more and start your cargo transportation process with Vietjet Air Cargo.

What are dangerous goods for air transportation?

Dangerous goods for air transportation refer to goods that contain hazardous substances, explosives, flammable materials, toxic substances, or substances that pose a risk to human health, animals, or the environment when transported by air. These goods can be hazardous to the flight crew, passengers, and individuals involved in the transportation process.

The types of dangerous goods include explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances, toxic substances, infectious substances, radioactive materials, and corrosive substances. These goods must be properly packaged, labeled, and transported according to the strict regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IATA’s Dangerous Goods Categories for Air Transportation

Category 1: Explosives

This category is further divided into six smaller groups based on the level of danger or explosive force: Division 1.1, Division 1.2, Division 1.3, Division 1.4, Division 1.5, and Division 1.6. These divisions define the specific hazards and restrictions for each explosive material.

Category 2: Gases

This category is divided into three groups:

• Flammable gases, including gas lighters and gas cylinders, referred to as Division 2.1.
• Compressed gases used for breathing, such as oxygen cylinders, referred to as Division 2.2.
• Toxic gases, referred to as Division 2.

Category 3: Flammable Liquids

This category includes substances such as paint, oil, gasoline, alcohol, and high-alcohol content beverages.

Category 4: Flammable Solids

This category includes substances that are spontaneously combustible or that emit flammable gases when in contact with water. It is further divided into three smaller groups:

• Division 4.1: Flammable solids, such as metal powders or substances that ignite upon temperature changes. Most of these substances are prohibited from being transported by aircraft.
• Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion, such as white phosphorus.
• Division 4.3: Substances that emit flammable gases upon contact with water.

Category 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

This category is divided into two groups:

• Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances.
• Division 5.2: Organic substances containing oxygen. Strict temperature control is required for this category.

Category 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

This category is divided into two groups:

• Division 6.1: Toxic substances, such as pesticides.
• Division 6.2: Infectious substances, including viruses that can cause diseases in humans or animals. These substances require laboratory testing and handling.

Category 7: Radioactive Materials

This category includes medical devices such as X-ray machines, scanners, and some equipment used in the petroleum industry.

Category 8: Corrosive Substances

This category includes items such as batteries, accumulators, and acids.

Category 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

This category includes dangerous goods that do not fall into the previous eight categories, such as dry ice, vehicles, motorcycles, engines, and lithium batteries.

Maximum Weight Allowances for Dangerous Goods Transported by Air

1. Explosives: The net mass must not exceed 250 kg in total.
2. Magnetic Materials: The transport weight should be below 2,000 kg, ensuring proper packing of opposing magnetic poles and appropriate shielding to minimize magnetic field effects.
3. Vehicles: Apart from IATA regulations, certain requirements must be met:

• No fuel in the tank.
• Wet batteries must be removed from the vehicle and packed separately

• Electrical power must be disconnected from the engine, and the tires must have reduced pressure.

4. Radioactive Materials: Only transport is allowed for empty packaging and type A packaging. The maximum index per package should not exceed 3, and the total index per flight should not exceed 10.
5. Dry Ice: The quantity of dry ice must be limited in each cargo hold. It should not be placed on live animals or near live animals.

With such strict classification, IATA aims to ensure the highest level of safety and security for humans and the environment during air cargo transportation. However, consumers also need to be aware of these regulations and pay attention to the labels identifying dangerous goods to avoid difficult or dangerous situations when using these products.

If you need to transport dangerous goods by air, please contact Vietjetair Cargo, one of the reputable and professional cargo transportation companies in Vietnam. We are committed to providing safe and compliant transportation services for dangerous goods according to IATA regulations, ensuring fast and efficient delivery. Contact us now for advice and support regarding the transportation of dangerous goods.

If you need to transport goods from point A to point Z by air freight, calculating transportation charges is very important. In this article, Vietjet Air Cargo will share with you a simple and understandable method for calculating air freight charges. They will also provide information on popular air freight charges and how to calculate the volumetric weight of the courier company.

What are air freight charges?

Air freight charges are the costs you must pay for transporting goods by air from the point of origin to the destination. This cost will include fees from the airline and other additional fees.

The price of air freight charges is usually not fixed but changes constantly depending on the type of goods sent, the route, the transport time, the distance, and the policies of each unit.

Basis for calculating air freight charges

Goods can be calculated by volume, light weight, and large weight calculated by volume. For high-value shipments, the transportation fee will be based on the value of the unit weight or the weight of the shipment. However, the transportation charge cannot be lower than the minimum charge.

Air freight charges are regulated by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has regulations on pricing and publishing airfare, known as the Air Cargo Tariff (TACT).

Referencing some types of air freight charges

Airlines use different air freight charges to calculate the cost of transporting goods. Each type of charge has a different calculation method and applies to different types of goods. These charges include:

General Cargo Rate (GCR)

This is the rate for transporting ordinary goods between two airports without any special fees. This fee varies depending on the weight of the cargo. This fee will decrease if the weight of the cargo increases. There are two types of loose shipments:

For general cargo from 45kg and below, the General Cargo Rate (GCR-N) will be applied.

For shipments from 45 kg and above, the GCR-Q: Premium General Cargo rate will be applied.

Minimum rate (M)

The lowest price that an airline can charge for goods. It takes into account fixed costs that the airline must bear during transportation. In reality, transportation fees are usually equal to or higher than the minimum rate.

Class Rate

This is the rate for special goods such as dangerous goods, cold goods, precious goods, etc. The unit price is calculated based on the classification of the goods and the weight of the shipment.

Class Rate

This is a type of fee for special types of goods such as hazardous materials, perishable goods, precious items, etc. The rate is calculated based on the classification of the goods and their weight. Some commonly used items and their rates include: live animals (150% GCR), high-value items, gold, silver, and gemstones (200% GCR), books, newspapers, magazines, and books for the blind (50% GCR), and antiques.

Priority Rate

This rate is applied to shipments that require expedited or priority delivery. The rate depends on the delivery time and the priority of the cargo.

Container Rate

This rate is applied to shipments that are packed in containers. The rate is calculated based on the size and weight of the container.

How to Calculate Air Freight Charges

The formula for calculating air freight charges is simple:

Air Freight Charges = Rate x Chargeable Weight

In there:

Rate: This is the rate calculated based on the type of fee and the distance between the origin and destination points. The rate is usually published on the websites of airlines or through air transport companies.

Chargeable Weight: This is the weight of the goods calculated based on their actual weight or volumetric weight. In cases where the goods have a larger size compared to their actual weight, the chargeable weight is calculated based on the volumetric weight.

How to Calculate Volumetric Weight for Express Delivery Companies

The formula for calculating volumetric weight for express delivery companies is as follows:

Volumetric Weight (V) = Length (L) x Width (W) x Height (H) / 5000

In there:

Length (L): The longest dimension of the shipment.

Width (W): The shortest dimension of the shipment.

Height (H): The height of the shipment.

5000: The constant used to convert volumetric weight to kg.

These are the ways to calculate air freight charges for customers who want to learn about air freight services. If you need to transport goods by air and want to learn more about Vietjet Air Cargo’s air transport services, please contact us today for advice and support. You can visit our website at https://www.vietjetaircargo.com or contact us via phone at (+84) 19001886 or email cargo@vietjetair.com for assistance.