In this guide, we outline the main types of air cargo and provide practical insights into shipping air cargo from China to global markets. Whether you are moving standard goods or specialized shipments, this article will help you choose the right air freight solution with confidence.
What is air cargo?
Air cargo refers to goods transported by aircraft, either on dedicated freighter planes or in the belly holds of passenger aircraft. Compared with sea freight, air freight cargo offers faster transit times, higher security, and more reliable schedules. However, it also involves stricter regulatory compliance, more detailed planning, and higher transportation costs.
Major types of air cargo
Different cargo types require different handling, documentation, and transport solutions. Below are the most common types of air cargo used in international logistics.
1. General cargo
General cargo refers to standard goods that do not require special handling, temperature control, or additional safety measures. It is the most commonly transported category in air freight cargo.
Common examples:
- Apparel and fashion products for retail and e-commerce
- Machinery parts, tools, and industrial components
- Household items and daily consumer goods
- Office equipment and commercial supplies
Key features:
- Standard packaging
- No special regulatory restrictions
- Cost-effective air cargo services
2. Express and time-critical cargo
When speed matters most, express air cargo is the preferred solution. These shipments are prioritized throughout the entire transport process.
Typical use cases include:
- E-commerce orders requiring fast delivery, especially for cross-border online sales
- Urgent spare parts are needed to prevent factory downtime or equipment failure
- Medical supplies such as diagnostic equipment, medicines, or emergency healthcare products
- Time-sensitive documents or samples required for testing, certification, or regulatory approval
Express shipments often use direct flights, premium airline services, or dedicated handling channels to minimize transit time.
However, this service also comes at a higher cost. Therefore, it is most effective when delays would result in significant financial or operational losses.
3. Dangerous goods (hazardous cargo)
Dangerous goods are items that pose safety risks during air transport and must comply with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Common hazmat items include:
- Lithium batteries
- Chemicals
- Paints and aerosols
- Flammable liquids
Shipping hazardous cargo by air requires:
- Certified packaging
- Accurate labeling
- Specialized documentation
- Trained handling teams
Additionally, not all airlines accept all classes of dangerous goods, making experienced freight forwarders essential.
Airsupply provides professional air cargo services for dangerous goods, offering compliant packaging solutions, document preparation, and reliable air cargo shipping from China.
4. Perishable cargo
Perishable cargo includes goods with a limited shelf life that require transportation by reefer container quickly and under controlled conditions.
Common perishable goods:
- Fresh food and dairy products
- Seafood and frozen items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Pharmaceuticals and medical products
Temperature-controlled air cargo services protect cargo quality from origin to destination. But shippers must plan schedules carefully and monitor temperatures to prevent delays, temperature deviations, or spoilage during air cargo shipping.
5. Valuable cargo
Valuable cargo refers to high-value goods that require enhanced security throughout the air cargo shipping process.
Examples:
- Precious metals
- Luxury watches and jewelry
- High-end electronics
- Artwork and collectibles
These shipments often involve additional insurance, sealed containers, and restricted access handling. For this reason, only selected airports and airlines are utilized.
6. Oversized and heavy cargo
Oversized or heavy cargo includes items that exceed standard aircraft dimensions or weight limits.
Typical cargo types:
- Industrial equipment and production machinery
- Construction and engineering machinery
- Automotive parts and large vehicle components
- Project cargo for infrastructure or energy industries
In many cases, shippers should rely on charter flights or special aircraft configurations to accommodate these shipments. Planning, load calculations, and airport coordination play a key role in successful delivery.
Air cargo shipping services explained
Understanding available air cargo services helps businesses choose a suitable logistics solution with confidence.
Standard air freight
Balanced option between cost and transit time, suitable for most general cargo.
Charter air cargo
This option works well for oversized, urgent, or remote shipments. It offers maximum flexibility but involves higher costs.
Consolidated air freight
Freight forwarders consolidate multiple shipments into a single consignment, which helps reduce costs for smaller cargo volumes.
Door-to-door vs airport-to-airport
Door-to-door services simplify the logistics process, while airport-to-airport services give experienced shippers greater control over routing and customs handling.
Key factors when choosing air cargo services
When selecting air cargo shipping, consider the following:
- Cargo type and size
- Urgency and delivery deadlines
- Budget and cost sensitivity
- Customs clearance requirements
- Destination regulations
Market trends and data insights
Recent industry data shows continued growth in cross-border e-commerce and pharmaceutical air cargo. Additionally, demand for temperature-controlled and hazardous goods transportation is increasing due to stricter compliance standards.
At the same time, fuel costs and limited aircraft capacity continue to influence air freight pricing in major transatlantic and Asia–Europe lanes. So, flexible routing and strong airline partnerships are more vital than ever.
Common questions about types of air cargo
Which type of air cargo is best for my shipment?
It depends on urgency, value, size, and regulatory requirements.
Is air cargo suitable for heavy goods?
Yes, but oversized or heavy cargo requires special planning and may involve charter services.
How can I reduce air freight costs?
Consolidation, flexible schedules, and professional cargo planning can significantly lower costs.
How can I calculate air freight charges?
Air freight charges are based on the higher of the cargo’s actual weight or volumetric (chargeable) weight. For more details, you can check this article.
In addition to weight, air freight costs may also include fuel surcharges, security fees, airport handling charges, and customs-related costs.
For accurate pricing, please provide complete cargo details and consult professional air cargo services providers for a tailored quotation.
Conclusion
From general cargo to hazardous and oversized shipments, air cargo shipping offers unmatched speed and flexibility when handled correctly.
At Airsupply, we provide end-to-end air cargo services, including standard air freight, dangerous goods handling, oversized cargo solutions, and customized routing.
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