Freight transport is a vital sector of the global economy. Land, river, sea, air, the possibilities of routing are multiple and the choices in terms of carrier for a shipper are numerous.
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In order to fully understand the characteristics of air freight, it is worth emphasizing its functioning , its advantages and its limits. The infrastructures and players essential to this sector benefit from being highlighted. For businesses, as for international trade, it is important to be able to assess the importance of this mode of transport. Discover the keys to air freight transport.
How does the air cargo carrier work?
Like any sector, the efficiency and growth of air cargo transport depend on several cogs. In particular, the airport infrastructures and their equipment , but also the various actors involved in the activity (airlines, freight agents, etc.).
Airport infrastructure and equipment
Among the plurality of airports present in France, many offer a freight service. Thus, the professionals of the sector evolve in conditions favorable to the exercise of their activity and ensure the smooth running of shipments of goods.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), located in Roissy, is the leading European airport for goods traffic. A real hub, it presents a real asset for European and intercontinental exchanges;
Marseille-Provence (MRS), located in the commune of Marignane, had 53,716 tons of freight in 2022. A real gateway for perishable African products, this airport is the cargo hub for Southern Europe and the
Airports, usually served by a network of rail and road connections, facilitate multimodal freight transport . Thus, goods of any weight and volume can also be transported by road or rail. In addition, on the strength of their openness to freight, airports have hangars, forklifts, warehouses and various essential infrastructures for the proper processing of air freight.
Roissy CDG has 4,600 m² of storage located near the runways. Lyon Saint-Exupéry offers an international transport service for all types of goods. However, the specialization of this terminal remains the transport of animals and the storage of products under controlled temperature. Finally, the Toulouse site is renowned for its high-performance facilities, allowing it to handle a large number of goods.
The different players in air freight transport
Many companies, companies and people undertake to carry out the shipping and transportation of goods.
Cargo airlines are to cargo what conventional airlines are to passengers. Specialized in freight transport, they ensure the air transport of goods. A contract of carriage (air waybill, LTA) binds them to the parties using their services.
Freight forwarders and freight agents
Freight forwarders and freight agents are an integral part of the air transport logistics process and for good reason, they ensure air shipments within the established deadlines. In addition, they store and prepare the goods so that they are transported and delivered properly. In addition, they very often make the reservation with the cargo airlines. In summary, freight forwarders and freight agents protect the interests of shippers and shippers.
Airport authorities
Finally, airport authorities and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in the management and regulation of air cargo transport. Their fundamental presence guarantees the safety , security and efficiency of the movement of goods through the airspace.
Airport authorities are responsible for the management and operation of airport infrastructure, in particular cargo terminals. Their primary objective: to facilitate the movement of goods by ensuring the presence of facilities adapted to the needs of airlines, freight forwarders and freight agents. They also ensure that each party scrupulously respects security protocols in order to avoid any malfunction or damage.
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Regulators set the standards and rules governing the transport of air cargo. They verify that all air transport players comply with national and international regulations in terms of customs compliance, safety and security. In addition, that everyone has the legal documents intended to facilitate shipments (LTA, product labeling, inventory of dangerous goods, important information, etc.). Finally, the agencies also work closely with national security agencies to reduce the risk of unlawful acts such as terrorism and drug trafficking.
Air freight transport logistics
The logistical process of air freight transport has several steps that are essential to the reliable and efficient movement of goods. Here’s how they break down:
Reservation and planning of shipments (making contact with the airline, planning the flight itinerary, establishing delivery times) .
Customs procedures and administrative formalities (existence and presentation of commercial invoices, certificates of origin and customs declarations).
Once the fourth stage is completed, the goods are loaded on board. On arrival at destination, unloading and customs clearance procedures are implemented.
Furthermore, the logistics process of air cargo transportation boils down to booking, loading, tracking, clearing and delivering the goods. Fast and efficient , air freight transport represents an advantageous option for shippers and businesses.
In summary, the logistics process of air freight transport involves the booking, loading, tracking, customs clearance and delivery of goods. Actors such as cargo airlines, freight forwarders and cargo agents work together to ensure the safe delivery of goods. This efficiency and speed make air freight transport an attractive option for shippers whose business depends on international trade.