What is the difference between air express delivery and air cargo?

1, Differences in Service Scope and Operation Methods
Air express is a door-to-door service that collects parcels from the recipient and delivers them to the designated location or recipient according to the promised time to the sender. Throughout the entire transportation process, the air express company has access to all information about the delivery situation and can provide real-time information to relevant personnel for inquiry. This service method greatly facilitates customers and reduces their tedious operations in the logistics process.
In contrast, air cargo mainly provides airport to airport services. It requires customers to transport the goods to the cargo area of the airport themselves and pick them up after the goods arrive at the destination. This service method is relatively simple, but customers need to bear more logistics responsibilities and risks.
In terms of operation, air express delivery is relatively simple, customers only need to fill out the waybill and attach the commercial invoice. The operation of air cargo is relatively complicated, requiring customers to provide more documents such as customs declaration authorization letters, verification forms, packing lists, etc. The preparation and submission of these documents have increased the operational difficulty and time cost for customers.
2, Limitations on the type and volume of goods
Air express delivery is mainly suitable for the transportation of small items such as documents, packages, etc. These goods usually have the characteristics of small size, light weight, high value, and strong timeliness. In order to meet these needs, air express companies usually provide more flexible and personalized services, such as limited time delivery, next morning delivery, etc.
Air cargo is mainly used for the transportation of large cargo, such as mechanical equipment, electronic products, etc. These goods usually have the characteristics of large volume, heavy weight, and relatively low value. Due to the special nature of these goods, air cargo requires more attention and safety measures during transportation to ensure the safety and integrity of the goods.
In terms of cargo volume, air express usually has certain restrictions on the size of packages, such as individual weight not exceeding 32 kilograms (including 32 kilograms), outer packaging not exceeding 102 centimeters on one side, and the sum of three sides not exceeding 175 centimeters. Air cargo, on the other hand, has stricter requirements for the volume and weight of the cargo, usually requiring each piece of cargo to have a volume not less than a certain size (such as 51020 centimeters) and a weight not exceeding the airline's limit.
3, Comparison of Cost Structure and Timeliness
In terms of cost structure, there are also certain differences between air express delivery and air cargo. Air express delivery usually determines the freight cost based on factors such as the weight, volume, transportation distance, and service type of the goods. Due to the more convenient and personalized services provided by air express, the shipping cost is usually relatively high. However, for small items, the shipping cost of air express delivery is often more economical and reasonable than that of air cargo.
The freight cost of air cargo is mainly calculated based on the weight and volume of the goods, while also considering factors such as flight type, transportation distance, and market supply and demand. Due to the fact that air cargo is mainly used for the transportation of large cargo, its freight rates are usually lower, but customers need to bear more logistics responsibilities and risks.
In terms of timeliness, both air express delivery and air cargo have certain advantages. Air express delivery is known for its fast and efficient characteristics, which can deliver goods to their destination in a short period of time. Although air cargo is relatively slow, it is still much faster than other modes of transportation such as sea freight. However, it should be noted that the timeliness of air express delivery and air cargo may fluctuate due to various factors such as weather, flight delays, etc.
4, Service characteristics and applicable scenarios
There are significant differences between air express delivery and air cargo in terms of service characteristics and applicable scenarios. Air express delivery is highly favored for its fast, safe, and accurate characteristics, especially for goods that require extremely high timeliness. For example, some urgently needed business documents, samples, parts, etc. can be transported by air express.
Air cargo is known for its low cost and large capacity, especially suitable for large cargo with relatively low timeliness requirements. For example, some mechanical equipment, electronic products, etc. can be transported as air cargo. In addition, for some goods that require cross-border transportation, air cargo is also a very convenient choice.