Air freight is a highly preferred means of cargo transport, especially for longer transits. But, it is also expensive. And that is exactly why we have to ensure that no extra money is wasted due to delays, damages, or customs rejections.
But, how does one prepare goods to ensure that no mishaps happen?
If you were struggling with that question, this blog is for you. You will find this especially useful if you regularly ship with air cargo services from the UK to UAE or anywhere else.
Preparing Your Cargo For Air Freight
Shipping by air is not as straightforward as it seems. Even the smallest error can disrupt and delay your cargo. So it is important to prep your cargo the right way. Just packing it into boxes and dropping it off is not enough. You have to pay special attention to things like documentation, packaging, labeling, etc.
One easy way to make your experience hassle-free is to book with an air cargo UK service provider. This way, they will take care of everything. However, if you choose to do it yourself, you have to know how to prep your air cargo.
How To Prep Your Air Cargo?
- Step 1 – Check if your item is safe, legal, and permitted to be shipped by air.
- Step 2 – Prepare an air cargo checklist of necessary documents and gather them.
- Step 3 – Weigh and measure everything.
- Step 4 – Pack your goods securely.
- Step 5 – Label your shipment properly.
- Step 6 – Check the customs regulations of both your country and the destination country
- Step 7 – Book with a trusted cargo partner like ABC Cargo UK.
Why Does It Matter?
Proper cargo preparation is important because it:
- Avoids Delays
- Prevents Damage
- Saves Money
- Speeds Up Clearance
- Ensures Compliance
- Reduces Stress
7 Air Freight Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Your Cargo
1.Incomplete/Incorrect Documentation
Incorrect or incomplete documentation causes your cargo to get held at customs. This in turn causes delays and extra costs.
How to Avoid this Mistake –
- Make sure all information is consistent across forms.
- Prepare all documents, including commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill (AWB), export licenses (if needed), certificate of origin, and insurance documents (if applicable).
2.Poor Packaging
Improper packaging can lead to damage as air freight shipments are loaded, unloaded, passed through security, stacked, and sorted multiple times.
How to Avoid this Mistake –
- Use good-quality cartons.
- Wrap fragile items well and cushion everything inside the box.
- Seal and label your cargo properly.
- Heavy or oddly shaped cargo can be palletized for better stability.
3.Ignoring Weight/Size Restrictions
Airlines are strict about weight/size limits, and they charge based on volumetric weight. So if you ignore weight/size limits, you will end up spending more than necessary.
How to Avoid this Mistake –
- Weigh and measure everything.
- Use the volumetric formula (L x W x H / 6000 in cm).
- Check the airline’s cargo limits.
- Avoid extra-large boxes if your product doesn’t need them.
4.Shipping Prohibited or Restricted Items
Every country has rules about what can and cannot be shipped. So, if you ship a restricted item, your shipment runs the risk of getting seized.
How to Avoid this Mistake –
- Avoid common restricted items like batteries, perfumes & aerosols, liquids & gels, medicines, and food items.
- Obtain special permits beforehand when shipping restricted items.
5.Improper Labeling
Improper labeling can lead to misrouted cargo or damaged cargo. So, you have to properly label your cargo.
How to Avoid this Mistake –
- The label should contain AWB number and handling instructions (like ‘Fragile’ or ‘This Side Up’)
- Every box must have the full address of the sender and receiver, and contact numbers.
6. Ignoring Customs Requirements
Different countries have different customs requirements, and if you ignore them, your goods could be held or rejected.
How to Avoid this Mistake –
- Declare your goods clearly and honestly.
- Include correct descriptions, values, and HS codes.
- Pay any duties or taxes required.
- If you’re shipping to the UAE, make sure your provider understands local regulations.
- Choose shipping partners that handle customs as part of their air cargo shipping UK service.
7.Choosing the Wrong Cargo Partner
Your cargo partner is in charge of collection, documentation, customs, tracking, and delivery. So, choosing the wrong one will be the worst mistake you can make.
How to Avoid this Mistake –
- Pick a company experienced in UK international air freight.
- Check if they offer customs support, tracking, door-to-door air cargo UK, and any other customized service you might need.
- Read customer reviews.
- Book with trusted providers like ABC Cargo UK, known for safe and on-time delivery.
FAQ
- Why choose ABC air freight team?
ABC’s air freight team is armed with decades of experience in handling personal cargo. Moreover, we specialize in safe air shipping, customs clearance, and packaging support.
- What additional services can ABC Cargo UK provide along with air freight shipments?
Along with air freight shipments, ABC offers packaging support, documentation assistance, customs clearance assistance, and door to door air cargo UK.
- What are the benefits of using air cargo services from the UK?
Benefits of using air cargo services from the UK include better security, safety, fewer handling points, and faster deliveries. For instance, if you’re using air cargo services from UK to UAE, you can expect much faster delivery compared to sea or road freight.
- What types of goods can be sent via air cargo?
Items like electronics, cosmetics, documents, samples, medicines, spare parts, and even perishable goods can be sent via air cargo. However, the items you ship must not be on the prohibited or restricted list.
- How long does air cargo delivery take from the UK?
Delivery times depend on the destination and service type. For nearby countries, delivery will take less than two days. For destinations like UAE, air freight usually takes three to five days. However, ABC Cargo also provides same day air cargo UK for urgent deliveries.
- How is air freight cost calculated?
Air freight charges are often calculated based on the volumetric weight.
- Can I track my air cargo shipment?
Not all shipping companies provide tracking support, but ABC Cargo UK provides real-time tracking. So with ABC’s air cargo tracking UK, you always know where your cargo is and when it will arrive.
Conclusion
Air freight is a fast and reliable solution for international shipments. All it needs is proper planning and preparation. Just make sure to follow our step-by-step prep plan, avoid common air freight mistakes, and choose a trusted provider. This will let you have the best air freight experience possible without having to worry about delays, damages, and extra charges.