What are the differences between the shipping processes for small cargo and bulk cargo in international air freight?
In this article, Weefreight will explain in detail and hope it will be helpful.
Booking Process
Small cargo: Booking space generally doesn’t require long advance notice, as small cargo is small and dispersed. Airlines or freight forwarders can consolidate small cargo from multiple customers to fill flight capacity. Bookings can typically be made a few days before shipment, or even the same day, depending on cargo availability.
Bulk cargo: Due to its large size and weight, it requires a significant amount of space, so booking space must be made in advance. It’s often necessary to communicate with airlines or freight forwarders weeks or even months in advance to confirm flights and space to ensure timely delivery.
Cargo Packaging
Small cargo: Generally, only basic packaging requirements are required to ensure the cargo is not damaged during transportation. Packaging is typically simple, such as using cartons or plastic bags, and no special reinforcement is required.
Bulk cargo: Special packaging and reinforcement are often required depending on the nature of the cargo and transportation requirements. For example, precision equipment requires shock-resistant packaging, while large machinery may require custom wooden crates to ensure the cargo remains intact during transportation and loading and unloading.
Transportation Methods
Small cargo: Primarily transported in the belly of passenger aircraft, with some also transported on specialized small cargo aircraft. Because small cargo is relatively small in size and weight, the belly of passenger aircraft has sufficient space and load capacity to accommodate its transportation needs.
Bulk cargo: For very large cargo volumes, charter flights may be used, including full and partial charter flights. For some large but relatively light bulk cargo, wide-body freighters may be selected to maximize the cargo aircraft’s space.
Loading and Unloading Operations
Small cargo: Can be directly loaded onto standard pallets or containers for transportation. The loading and unloading process is relatively simple and can usually be completed manually or with small mechanical equipment.
Bulk cargo: Due to its large size and weight, it requires large loading and unloading equipment such as forklifts and cranes. During loading and unloading, special attention must be paid to the cargo’s center of gravity and stability to ensure safe handling.
Customs Clearance Process
Small cargo: The customs clearance process is relatively streamlined. Postal channels and the “Green Channel for Small Packages” offered by cross-border e-commerce platforms can expedite customs clearance. Bulk declaration is typically used, requiring only basic product category and valuation information.
Bulk cargo: Formal commercial customs clearance is required, requiring the preparation of a full set of trade documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and quality inspection certificates, as well as payment of applicable customs duties. This places higher demands on document accuracy and compliance.
Shipping Tracking and Coordination
Small cargo: Tracking is relatively straightforward. Shippers or consignees can use the tracking number provided by the courier or freight forwarder to check the shipment status on their official website or relevant logistics tracking platforms. Due to the large volume of small cargo, freight forwarders typically do not conduct detailed tracking and coordination for each shipment.
Bulk cargo: Freight forwarders must closely monitor the status of shipments during transit. Freight forwarders must promptly coordinate with airlines, airports, customs, and other relevant departments to resolve potential issues, such as flight delays, space adjustments, and customs clearance delays.
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