GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Air Cargo

Airlines and freight forwarders use air cargo to transport goods where speed or value density justifies a higher freight rate per kilogram than surface or ocean modes.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

125

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Airlines and freight forwarders use air cargo to transport goods where speed or value density justifies a higher freight rate per kilogram than surface or ocean modes. The logistics chain covers pickup at the shipper's premises, IATA-compliant packaging and labelling, booking through a cargo agent or directly with the airline, customs clearance at origin and destination airports, and final delivery to the consignee. Typical commodities include pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, high-value apparel, and time-critical spare parts. Intercontinental transit times generally range from one to three days—far shorter than ocean freight, though at a significantly higher cost. Hazardous goods in air cargo are governed by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), which set stricter classification and packaging requirements than those applying to road or rail transport.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Check sea freight costEstimate FCL/LCL costOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

All-Cargo Aircraft Operations

When a shipment is too heavy, too large, or too time-sensitive for a passenger aircraft's belly hold, all-cargo aircraft operation…

Learn more

Air Cargo Community Systems

Freight forwarders, airlines, airport operators, and customs authorities rely on Air Cargo Community Systems to exchange shipment …

Learn more

Cargo Aircraft

A freight forwarder books air cargo capacity – but whether that space sits in the belly of a passenger jet or aboard a dedicated c…

Learn more

Lashing Calculators for Heavy Cargo

A lashing calculator for heavy cargo is software or a web-based tool that determines, based on cargo weight, dimensions, friction …

Learn more

Liquid Bulk Cargo Tanker Operations

When a tanker moors at a loading terminal, a tightly regulated sequence begins: stability checks, tank configuration, cargo pumpin…

Learn more

Multi-Cargo Terminal Operations Management

Multi-cargo terminal operators manage the simultaneous handling of containers, break-bulk cargo, bulk commodities, and RoRo vehicl…

Learn more

Related News

Transport

Gulf Airlines Expand Air Freight Operations, Rates Remain High

Qatar Airways and Emirates report significantly higher cargo volumes. Nevertheless, global air freight rates remain high at $3.23/kg.

Jun 24, 20262251 min

Transport

Trade in Transition: Networks for Freight Are Rapidly Changing

Global crises, customs policies, and transit risks are pushing logistics companies towards new routes. India, Latin America, and rail cargo are coming sharply into focus.

May 19, 202664241 min

Transport

Trade in Transition: South America and India Come into Sharp Focus

Global trade policy is set to significantly alter transport flows in 2026. South America, India, and rail transit via Asia are coming into sharp focus for logistics companies.

May 18, 202663531 min

Digitalization

Passar and Digital EUR.1 Transform Customs Operations

Switzerland is digitalizing customs. Passar is mandatory and EUR.1 will be digital.

May 3, 202691241 min

Customs Processes

EU Mercosur Brings Momentum to Atlantic Trade

The EU-Mercosur agreement has been provisionally in effect since May 2026. Tariffs are significantly reduced. New opportunities and increased volumes in Atlantic trade for freight forwarders and shippers.

May 3, 202688101 min

Companies

UPS Parts Ways with Amazon and Focuses on Profit Over Volume

UPS halves Amazon volume by mid-2026 and cuts 30,000 jobs. FedEx surpasses UPS in market capitalization for the first time. The US express market is facing a structural upheaval.

Mar 30, 2026118272 min

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Air Cargo

Next steps

Related Terms

All-Cargo Aircraft Operations

Air Cargo Community Systems

Cargo Aircraft

Lashing Calculators for Heavy Cargo

Liquid Bulk Cargo Tanker Operations

Multi-Cargo Terminal Operations Management

Related News

Gulf Airlines Expand Air Freight Operations, Rates Remain High

Trade in Transition: Networks for Freight Are Rapidly Changing

Trade in Transition: South America and India Come into Sharp Focus

Passar and Digital EUR.1 Transform Customs Operations

EU Mercosur Brings Momentum to Atlantic Trade

UPS Parts Ways with Amazon and Focuses on Profit Over Volume

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers