Have you ever wondered why so much science and effort goes into the art of packing? When you are shipping consignments through airways, it is hard to overestimate the cruciality of well-packed cargo. Airlines are known to have a great cut capacity and the cargo prices have been known to skyrocket largely in recent times. When you pack your cargo without care, they may be subjected to great damage which can cause your business losses and lead to customer dissatisfaction.
This blog will help you understand the importance of packing your cargo right for air freight. You will also learn about different tips and tricks to pack your cargo well to avoid the consequences of inadequate packing.
Why Proper Packing Matters for Air Freight Shipments?
When you transport your shipments by air, packing holds great importance in maintaining the safety and integrity of the products. Cargo sent via airways are transported at extreme speeds and undergo tedious handling. It is of absolute importance to ensure that they are properly packed to withstand the rigorous handling during air shipping.
Here are a couple of reasons why proper packing matters for air shipping:
- Security from damage:
Proper packing of air shipments is crucial for protecting goods during transit. Cargo shipped by air can be subjected to intense turbulence, vibrations, movements, and stresses while in transit. Proper cushioning, fillers, and wrapping are necessary to help in shock absorption and prevention of damage caused by these impacts. Durable and resistant packing materials that are moisture-safe and capable of withstanding weather conditions help in the safe delivery of parcels in optimum conditions.
- Maximisation of space utilisation:
Streamlining space utilisation is a primary concern for air freight. This is all the more important when cargo space is at a premium. The right packing allows efficient use of space and minimises wasted space. This in turn reduces shipping prices. Through the use of compact and stackable packing options like standardised containers, pallets, crates, etc., you will be able to maximise the volume of cargo shipped in an aircraft. This will help with saving on air shipping.
- Compliance with airline regulations and other rules:
Every aviation authority has its own set of criteria that must be met while shipping via air. They have their rules that pertain to packing as well. These regulations ensure that the cargoes comply with the safety standards, which help minimise the probable risks during shipping. By adhering to these regulations, proper packing and labelling can be mastered. If you fail to comply with these air cargo shipping rules, it can result in delays, fines, and shipment rejections.
- Optimisation of customs procedures:
Proper packing plays a crucial role in enabling smooth costume procedures. The authorities need precise information about all the contents shipped within a consignment. Distinct labelling and packing allow you to expedite this inspection process and minimise the likelihood of delays and scrutiny measures at the customs office.
- Elevating speed and efficiency:
Efficient packing methods elevate the overall efficiency and speed of air freight operations. Well-planned and organised labels and packing procedures enable easy identification and handling that minimises the time needed for loading and unloading goods. It hastens transit times and makes sure that shipments make it to their destinations within the desired timeframe.
Essential Tips for Packing Your Cargo for Air Freight
When you ship goods via air, you will need more than simply placing them in different boxes and taping them up. There are several additional factors to consider while shipping via air route like the limitations concerning cargo size, security needs, and the type of packing needed.
Here are a couple of tips to enable smooth packing of your cargo when you’re shipping via air:
- Understanding restrictions on dimensions of cargo:
Several restrictions are placed on the size of cargo that can be shipped by airways. The height, width, and length are key factors that are constrained when you ship using air transport. The cargo dimensions are restricted to 2.44x 3.15 meters. When you follow special equipment guidelines, you will be permitted to ship consignments that exceed these limits.
- Understand the regulations for shipping goods via air:
The goods shipped in aircraft are subjected to an inspection by the air security team both before loading and at the arrival destination. The inspection can happen in a consolidated manner, piece-by-piece manner, or using the approved consignor method. Thus, by ensuring that your cargo is fit inside and complies with all the regulations, you can hasten this process. By understanding your security regulations well, you will encounter fewer roadblocks.
- Choosing the right packing material:
To ensure the security of your shipments, you must keenly evaluate the type of material chosen while shipping by air. Reused boxes will not provide the sturdiness and security needed for air shipment. Using double-walled boxes can help you keep your shipments secure. It is well suited for fragile shipments.
- Cushioning and space between items:
Enough room must be provided while packing different items into a single container. They must have adequate cushioning between them to ensure that they are not damaged when the parcel is subjected to shocks and stresses. Corrugated inserts and bubble wrap are simple packing elements that can do the trick in most cases.
- Packing tape for security and sealing:
After securely placing your shipment contents within the box, you can fasten it using tape. Your shipment must be properly sealed to avoid opening and loss of items. No mildew or other contaminants will enter when you seal your parcels properly. Using thick and durable packing tape will help you seal your shipment boxes well.
- Proper distinct labelling:
The boxes and individual contents within a consignment must be properly labelled as per the regulations to make sure that the crew knows the owner of the products. If your shipment contains fragile items and is only intended for top-loading, then you must indicate it in the packing of your cargo. Dangerous and harmful commodities must also be labelled.
- The inclusion of a commercial invoice:
An invoice must be placed within your shipment for the customs staff to identify the shipment’s origin and contents. Customs can delay your shipment if the invoice is missing. It can also result in fines and the consignments will only be released once the right paperwork is submitted. Ensure that the invoice is an appropriate one from the right business and that the items along with their value are included. In this manner, customs will be able to verify products and swiftly ship your shipments.
Expert Advice for Efficient and Secure Packing
Efficient packing is necessary for successful international shipping via airways. Here are some tips to ensure secure packing for air shipping:
- Choosing quality packing materials:
The right tools are needed for quality packing. Using sturdy boxes, heavy dirty packing tape, proper cushioning material, foam, bubble wrap, and strapping materials will ensure that shifting is minimal during transit.
- The right documentation and adequate labelling:
Proper labelling and extensive documentation are needed for air shipping. Ensure that you distinctly label your packages along with the necessary handling instructions, destination details, and customs forms to expedite your customs processes.
- Integrity of inner packing:
Wrapping every individual component of your shipment is necessary for security. They must be protected to endure moisture, vibration, and impact. You can also employ partitioning within boxes for better reinforcement to eliminate any type of friction between items.
- Being mindful of the environmental factors:
The climatic conditions must also be accounted for while choosing packing material. Moisture-resistant materials may be required when shipping to areas with wet climates. Temperature and humidity-controlled packages should be used when required.
- Testing and quality assurance:
It is always a good practice to conduct quality checks regularly and with great precision. You can also try different testing methods to stimulate the conditions that the shipment could undergo during transit. It ensures that your packaging can withstand the rigours of international shipping and protect your goods properly.
Consequences of Improperly Packed Cargo in Air Freight
You might be wondering why packing for air freight is so crucial. What could go wrong if you slack off on your packing? Here are some of the consequences of improper packing of cargo for air freight:
- Shipments can get damaged: When your cargo is improperly packed, it might be susceptible to damage during cargo handling or shipping. This is more likely when you are shipping dangerous goods and harmful chemicals.
- Cargo may be rejected and deemed unfit for air shipping: Ultimately any shipment can be rejected by an aircraft carrier if it is not packed properly. It leads to fines, added expenses, and delays in shipments. This will further halt the remaining tasks in the supply chain and disrupt your entire business.
Leverage the Expertise of CargoX
If the necessary shipping guidelines are not followed when shipping parcels through the air route, many things can go wrong. To reduce the chances of mistakes and thereby delays that can largely affect your supply chain processes, you should seek the expertise of a professional freight forwarder like Shiprocket’s CargoX.
CargoX is an efficient international shipping solution that simplifies the logistics complexities for eCommerce businesses. It facilitates quick, secure, and reliable international air cargo shipments. It also promises transparent logistics operations with complete visibility. You don’t even have to worry about any hidden charges or weight restrictions. With digitised workflows and an extensive global network of couriers, CargoX caters to a wide range of destinations. You also get access to customised solutions within your budget. CargoX ensures SLA compliance and seamless customs experience across over 100 countries.
Conclusion
Packaging is of paramount importance when it comes to shipping consignments through air. It requires proper research and demands meticulous attention to detail. Packing is not simply about placing items into boxes and sealing them. When you ship consignments in aircraft, the goods will be subjected to shock, stress, and vibrations that can damage the products and hinder their quality. By adhering to the shipping guidelines and the comprehensive tips and tricks that are mentioned above, you can ensure safe, secure, and timely deliveries of your shipments. Improper packing can result in loss, damage, and rejection of parcels. Avoid all of these by packing your products using the finest and most appropriate packaging materials.
