How does air freight operate?

1, Goods preparation
The operation process of air freight begins with the cargo preparation stage. At this stage, the shipper needs to carry out appropriate packaging and labeling based on the nature, quantity, and transportation requirements of the goods. Packaging should not only protect the goods from damage, but also meet the safety requirements of air transportation. At the same time, clear labels should be affixed to the goods, including information such as the name, quantity, weight, and destination of the goods. In addition, the shipper also needs to prepare necessary documents such as waybills, invoices, packing lists, etc.
2, Booking
After completing the preparation of the goods, the shipper needs to apply for booking with the airline or freight forwarding company. Booking refers to the process in which the cargo owner reserves cargo transportation space with the airline. The shipper needs to provide detailed information about the goods, such as weight, volume, destination, etc. Airlines or freight forwarding companies will allocate appropriate storage space for cargo owners based on the actual situation of the goods and flight arrangements. After successful booking, the shipper will receive a waybill, which is an important proof of air freight for the goods.
3, Customs declaration and inspection
For goods that require import and export, customs declaration and inspection are essential steps. The shipper needs to declare the value, quantity, type, and other information of the goods to the customs, and pay the corresponding customs duties. Meanwhile, depending on the nature of the goods, inspection, quarantine and other procedures may be required. The smooth completion of customs declaration and inspection is a prerequisite for the smooth import and export of goods.
4, Warehouse management
During the waiting process for the flight, goods usually need to be temporarily stored in the warehouse. The warehousing management stage involves the safe storage, classified storage, and tracking of goods. Freight forwarding companies or airlines will provide professional warehousing services to ensure the safety and order of goods in the warehouse. Meanwhile, through advanced logistics management systems, shippers can keep track of the storage status and transportation progress of their goods at any time.
5, Ground transportation
When the flight is ready, the goods will be transported from the warehouse to the airport. This stage involves the loading, transportation, and unloading of goods. Freight forwarding companies or airlines will provide ground transportation services to ensure that goods arrive at the airport on time and safely. During ground transportation, goods are usually transported by professional transport vehicles to ensure their safety and integrity.
6, Air transportation
After the goods arrive at the airport and complete the relevant procedures, they will officially enter the air transportation phase. At this stage, the goods will be loaded onto the aircraft and transported along the scheduled route. Air transportation is the core link of air freight, with advantages such as fast speed and short time. The airline will provide professional flight services and cargo support to ensure the safe and timely arrival of goods at the destination.
7, Destination processing
After the goods arrive at the destination airport, they will enter the destination processing stage. This stage includes stages such as unloading, sorting, and delivery of goods. Freight forwarding companies or destination airlines will provide relevant handling services to ensure that the goods can be delivered to the consignee in a timely and accurate manner. At the same time, the consignee needs to complete the relevant customs clearance procedures in order to receive the goods smoothly.