What is Air Freight (Air Cargo)?

International air freight is one of the most popular international transportation methods today. Air freight is particularly suitable for high-value goods, urgent shipments, perishable goods and other cargo requiring fast transportation and timely delivery.

Characteristics of Air Freight Transportation

• Air freight routes are generally direct routes connecting two transportation points.
• Air transportation offers high operating speeds and short transit times.
• Air freight is generally considered a highly secure mode of transportation.
• Air transportation requires the use of advanced technologies.
• Air freight provides highly standardized transportation services.
• Air freight documentation and procedures can be simpler than those required for certain other modes of transportation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Freight Transportation

Advantages of Air Freight Transportation

• Fast transit times, allowing cargo to be delivered within a few days or even on the same day in certain cases.
• High level of cargo safety and security.
• Not restricted by surface terrain like road or water transportation, allowing connections between countries around the world.
• Fast and punctual services thanks to high transportation speeds, making air freight particularly suitable for high-value or perishable goods.
• Reduced risk of cargo loss or damage caused by excessive handling, breakage or theft.
• Transportation insurance costs may be lower due to the reduced transit time and lower exposure to certain transportation risks.
• Warehousing costs can be minimized due to shorter transit and cargo processing times.

Disadvantages of Air Freight Transportation

• Higher transportation costs compared with many other modes of freight transportation.
• Not generally suitable for low-value goods.
• Not suitable for oversized, bulky or extremely heavy cargo.
• Air freight operations can be significantly affected by weather conditions. Fog, thunderstorms and other severe weather conditions may cause flight delays or cancellations and disrupt cargo transportation schedules.
• Flight schedules are subject to strict operational and safety requirements. Even relatively minor technical issues may affect schedules or result in flight cancellations.
• Air transportation is subject to strict regulations and legal requirements to ensure aviation security and safety. Certain high-risk cargo, including flammable or explosive goods, may be restricted or prohibited by airlines.

Types of Cargo Suitable for Air Freight

• Air mail and express parcels
• Live animals, human organs and human remains
• Perishable goods such as food, fresh flowers and products preserved with dry ice
• Pharmaceutical products
• High-value goods such as gold and diamonds
• Technical equipment such as high-tech products and spare parts for aircraft, ships and automobiles
• Luxury consumer goods such as electronics and fashion products

Goldwell Logistics Air Freight Services

Goldwell Logistics provides comprehensive air freight transportation services, including:

• Air cargo transportation through major international airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Japan Airlines, China Airlines, EVA Air, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Cargolux, Vietnam Airlines and others.
• International air freight services to airports in countries and territories including China, South Korea, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, the United States, Finland, India, Iran, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and many other destinations.
• Providing customs clearance services and customs declaration completion for air import and export shipments.
• Cargo handling services including weighing, measuring and labeling export cargo at TCS and SCSC cargo terminals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
• Packing and crating services for export cargo at airports.

Why Choose Goldwell Logistics Air Freight Services?

• Transportation costs can be 30–50% more economical compared with booking directly with carriers, depending on the shipment and route.
• Professional service quality supported by an experienced and dedicated team.
• Free consultation provided by our experienced logistics specialists.
• Door-to-Door express delivery services with fast pickup and delivery directly to the required locations.
• Shipment monitoring and handling to help ensure cargo reaches its destination safely. We track shipment schedules and keep customers informed when transportation is completed.
• Official air waybills are provided upon customer request.
• Commitment to arranging shipments according to the agreed transportation schedule.
• Support for cargo handling, labeling, weighing and counting when shipments arrive at the airport.
• Support for customs declaration completion at the airport.
• Our on-site cargo handling staff are available at the airport to professionally handle and coordinate shipments.
• Competitive service rates with transparent charges.

By continuously listening to our customers, Goldwell Logistics strives to develop and expand the scope and quality of our air freight services. We provide reliable transportation solutions and continuously seek practical logistics solutions tailored to each customer’s requirements, helping improve operational efficiency and achieve optimal transportation results.

Choose Goldwell International Logistics whenever you need reliable international freight transportation services.

Common Terms Used in Air Freight Transportation

Below are some common terms and abbreviations frequently used in the air freight industry:

• A2A – Airport-to-Airport: Transportation from the airport of departure to the destination airport.
• ATA – Actual Time of Arrival: The actual time at which an aircraft or shipment arrives at its destination.
• ATD – Actual Time of Departure: The actual time at which an aircraft or shipment departs from the origin.
• AWB – Air Waybill: The transportation document used for air cargo. It can include MAWB – Master Air Waybill, issued by the airline, and HAWB – House Air Waybill, issued by the freight forwarder.
• Booking: A request to reserve cargo space on a flight that is subsequently confirmed by the airline.
• Dimensional Weight: The calculated weight of a shipment based on the amount of space it occupies rather than solely on its actual physical weight.
• FCR – Forwarder’s Certificate of Receipt: A document issued by a freight forwarder confirming receipt of the cargo.
• FCT – Forwarder’s Certificate of Transport: A transport certificate issued by the freight forwarder.
• FWR – Forwarder’s Warehouse Receipt: A warehouse receipt issued by the freight forwarder, generally to the exporter.
• GSA – General Sales Agent: An agent appointed by an airline to represent and sell its cargo capacity and related services in a particular market.
• IATA – International Air Transport Association: An international trade association representing airlines and supporting standards for the global air transport industry.
• NOTOC – Notification to Captain: A document informing the aircraft captain about specific cargo, particularly special or dangerous goods, loaded on the flight.
• TACT – The Air Cargo Tariff: A reference used for air cargo rates, rules and related transportation information.
• POD – Proof of Delivery: Documentation confirming that the carrier has delivered the shipment to the agreed recipient or destination.
• Volume Charge: Air freight charges calculated based on the shipment’s volumetric or dimensional weight.
• Weight Charge: Air freight charges calculated based on the applicable chargeable weight of the shipment.

Contact Us

Email: sales@goldwell-logistics.com; goldwell@goldwell-logistics.com
Tel/Fax: 028.38422985; 028.38449880
Address: 243 Huynh Van Banh Street, Ward 12, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: 0934-171-588