Air Freight Services

Since air cargo rates are relatively expensive, air freight is usually used for smaller, high-value goods or time-sensitive items, such as consumer electronics, fashion apparel, pharmaceuticals, documents, samples and other seasonal goods. But there are other reasons a shipper may prefer air freight. Contact Magellan to find out more.

Carriers calculate freight costs by either volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight) or actual weight, depending on which is more expensive.

The accepted method of calculating the volumetric weight is to multiply an item’s volume in cubic meters by 167. The volume of 20 cartons (each weighing 8 kgs) measuring 40cm x 40cm x 40cm is 1.28cbm. Multiplied by 167, you get a volumetric weight of 213kg, whereas the actual weight is 160kg. In this example, the volumetric weight would be charged.

Air freight is fast. The team at Magellan will make recommendations to navigate the customs clearance and cartage processes to help make it even faster.

The freight forwarding process begins when the importer and supplier agree on terms and Incoterms. The consignee then arranges for a freight forwarder who will manage the shipping process by placing a booking with a carrier and facilitating inspection and authentication of cargo contents. During transit, the forwarder registers all shipments in their operating system and reconciles all necessary documentation. Once the cargo arrives at its final destination, it undergoes electronic screening by customs and quarantine authorities, and may require physical inspection. The freight forwarder or customs broker prepares necessary documents before arrival to ensure efficiency. After clearance, the freight forwarder organises final handling of the cargo either directly to the 3PL warehouse or the final destination as agreed upon.

If you’re in the business of importing or exporting goods, finding the right international air freight company is essential to the success of your operations. A reliable and efficient partner can make a big difference in the timeliness and cost-effectiveness of your shipments.

MagTrack Portal – our digital freight tracking system offers

• Real-time visibility of your inventory in a single dashboard view.
• Dashboard tiles for a snapshot overview of your freight, with links to detailed screens throughout the system.
• A quick check on the progress of your orders, bookings, shipments, and containers.
• Full interactivity for you and your supply chain partners to create orders, change booking details, download reports and invoices, and upload missing documents.
• A document management module highlighting which shipments require attention.

Some goods are too dangerous to transport on any aircraft. Others need approval from the aviation authorities of the countries involved. Others may be transported in cargo-only flights. It is the shipper’s responsibility to find out whether you have a dangerous good, ensure it can be transported by air and is correctly prepared for transport. Obvious dangerous goods include:

• acids
• chemicals and poisons
• compressed gases
• explosives
• flammable liquids
• radioactive materials.

But there are many others. Contact Magellan to find out more.