Have you ever wondered what type of cargo can be exported by air? In a globalized world with increasingly interconnected supply chains, understanding the ins and outs of this process is essential for companies looking to expand their reach in the international market.

From perishable goods to live animals, air freight offers a diverse range of options for exporters and importers. Discover how this process works and the challenges involved, from brokerage quotes to final delivery of the goods.

If you are interested in exploring the nuances of exporting by air freight, read on to learn more.

What types of cargo can be exported by air?

General cargo

General cargo refers to goods transported by air, characterized by their non-specific and non-delicate nature. It includes parts, pieces, equipment and various products from various industries, such as automotive.

Referred to as dry cargo, this cargo does not require special storage conditions and is packaged in standardized packaging. Examples include automotive parts and machinery.

Its simplicity in transportation, lack of need for temperature control and specific certifications make general cargo, also called dry cargo, a common option for air transport of goods without special requirements.

Refrigerated cargo

Refrigerated cargo in air transport includes temperature-sensitive products, such as medicines and pharmaceutical inputs. These loads can be active, with refrigerated containers equipped with specific refrigeration systems, or passive, in which the customer ensures refrigeration through packaging with dry ice.

Precise temperature control is vital, with ranges ranging from ambient temperature to more rigorous conditions. On a single flight, cargo compartments offer 5 to 7 distinct temperature ranges, accommodating a variety of products.

Examples include medicines, chemical inputs and frozen products, such as cheese bread and açaí samples. Here it is clear that it is necessary to mention the ideal temperature of the product in the quote.

Carga perigosa

Dangerous goods (DG) are subject to regulations such as the Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (DGR). With nine classifications, including flammables, magnetic equipment and lithium batteries, they require special attention to pressure and temperature.

Electrical divisions, risk of burning and radioactive materials are examples. Safe transport requires specific care due to the potential impact of these variables during transit. Strict rules address permitted quantities and compatibility between different types of dangerous goods.

This is particularly critical on passenger aircraft, where special measures are taken to ensure the safety of cargo and occupants, for example by avoiding proximity between radioactive cargo and live animals or passengers.

The regulations determine the permitted quantity of dangerous substances to be transported, taking into account not only the individual characteristics of each cargo, but also the potential interaction between them.

For example, specific restrictions are established to prevent proximity of radioactive cargo to live animals or passengers.

Value load

High-value cargo, also known as valuable cargo, includes items such as paper currency, gold and platinum-coated medical equipment, as well as specific vehicles and products that exceed a thousand dollars per kilo of the declared value of the merchandise.

The criterion for this classification is exceeding this value per kilo, which impacts logistical and insurance considerations, even for small cargo.

The complexity of insurance in this context is evident, given the chain of responsibilities from the initial customer to the insurer. The limitation of one thousand dollars per kilo is a common practice in aviation to control the declared values ​​of goods.

In addition to obvious items such as money and gold, the regulation also covers hospital supplies, such as platinum pins used in medical procedures.

The declared value of any merchandise, even seemingly simple ones, is crucial, as it can affect the need for escort and other logistical aspects. In this sense, the Montreal Convention and the need for insurance stand out.

The Convention applies to all international remunerated transportation of people, baggage or cargo, carried out in aircraft. The complexity of insurance in this context is highlighted, considering the chain of responsibilities involved in transportation, from the initial customer to the insurer.

Vulnerable cargo

Vulnerable cargo refers to high-value products, such as vehicle prototypes or works of art, which are particularly vulnerable due to their unique nature.

This classification stands out because it requires additional security measures during transportation, including measures such as escorts inside warehouses and specific precautions during logistics connections.

The aim is to protect these valuable and often priceless goods from copying and information leaks, ensuring safe passage throughout their logistics journey.

Perishable cargo

Perishable cargo, which requires temperature control, stands out in air transport, especially in Brazil, one of the largest global exporters of fruit. This category includes fresh foods, such as fruit, duly certified for export, with packaging that guarantees quality.

The main freight forwarders in Brazil are in this leadership position, especially for the shipment of fruit. Main destinations include Europe and the USA, taking advantage of the reverse seasonality.

In addition to fruit, perishable cargo includes meat, strengthening Brazil's global position as one of the largest exporters in this segment, with several slaughterhouses meeting domestic demand and contributing significantly to the international market for perishable cargo.

The primary destinations for this cargo include Europe, where seasonality presents an interesting logistical challenge. While Brazil maintains a consistent supply of fruit throughout the year, demand varies in countries in the northern hemisphere due to climate change.

This dynamic is evident in more seasonal fruits, where supply decreases during the northern hemisphere winter.

Live Cargo

Live cargo encompasses several categories, including the transport of domestic animals such as dogs and cats, both by passengers and by specialized breeders. The horse sector stands out, especially from South America to the Middle East, with Argentina and Brazil as the main producers and exporters.

The Arab market, notably for polo horses, is significant. In addition, the transport of ornamental fish, especially to Japan, is an important facet, with regions such as Mato Grosso and the Amazon being essential suppliers of this diversified trade.

Project cargo is a unique and atypical case in air transport, requiring special solutions outside of regular operations. Air transport of these cargoes is essential when speed is crucial and the dimensions challenge the capabilities of conventional means of transport.