Air Cargo Charter Basics

In the global supply chain, air cargo charters play a crucial role by offering flexible, fast, and customized shipping solutions for urgent, oversized, or high-value freight. Different than scheduled cargo services that operate on preset routes and timetables, cargo charters offer personalized flights arranged to meet specific shipping needs.

What Is Air Cargo Charter?

Air cargo charter involves the rental of an entire aircraft for transporting goods exclusively for a single customer. This is in contrast to air freight shipments that may contain cargo from numerous customers.

When a company needs to ship heavy, sizable cargo or sensitive goods, an air cargo charter is the perfect solution. This type of transportation avoids cargo space limitations usually found with air freight options since the cargo space is not shared. It also saves travel time as air charters are not constrained by the rigid schedule restrictions of commercial airlines.

Air cargo charter flights can also be arranged on short notice, making them ideal for unexpected, time-critical deliveries.

Booking an Air Cargo Charter

Before a single box is loaded onto any means of transport, a bid request is submitted by the shipper to one or more brokers. The request includes the following pertinent information:

• Total number of pallets (aka skids) to be transported
• Dimensions and weight of each skid
• Origin city and destination city
• Time cargo will be ready to be picked up from shipper (need ready time)
• Time the shipment must arrive at its final destination (protect time) 

Quotes for transportation based on these requirements are received, options evaluated, and a decision is made.

Getting Cargo to the Aircraft

After a suitable air cargo charter has been secured, the shipment must make its way to the departing aircraft. Bulk goods or finished products are loaded onto pallets or in shipping containers and transported to their next destination. 

Pallets are primarily made of wood and are used to consolidate the shipment for easier movement. Crates or corrugated boxes can also be used to house lighter items. 

As soon as the freight has been palletized or boxed, it is loaded onto a truck bound for the departing airport.

Moving Cargo Into the Sky

Upon its arrival at the airport, ground handlers offload the cargo from the truck and load it onto the aircraft. Each pallet is placed on what is commonly called a cookie sheet (flat metal support with wheels for easy moving) and then netted to keep the cargo securely in place on the pallet.

As pallets are moved into place on the aircraft, an aircrew member known as the loadmaster ensures that the full weight of the shipment is spread evenly across the various zones of the plane. Once all skids are on board, a final count is performed and then it’s wheels up! 

On the Road Again

Upon landing at its intended airport, the plane is unloaded by the receiving FBO ground crew. Equipment such as a forklift or main deck loader (MDL) is used to complete the task.

Cargo is transferred from the aircraft onto a waiting truck and continues its journey to the final location.  

Advantages of Air Cargo Charters

For specialized freight needs, an air cargo charter is a highly desirable logistics solution. They offer many shipping advantages, including:

• Speed – Charter flights offer direct routes which drastically reduce transit times compared to commercial cargo services. This is especially important for time-sensitive cargo such as perishable goods, medical supplies or pertinent parts needed in manufacturing.

• Flexibility – Customizable schedules allow the shipper to choose the departure and arrival times, as well as the route and destination airport. Unlike commercial flights, air charters can be tailored to the specific and sometimes challenging requirements of the cargo.

• Security – Air cargo charters have fewer handling points and greater controlled environments; thus, a higher security level for freight being shipped.

• Expanded Reach – Air charters can operate from small or less frequently serviced airports. This means almost any location is accessible, even very remote regions.

Need Shipping Assistance?  

Grand Aire has been a leader in the air charter industry for over 35 years. We also operate the only 24/7/365 full service FBO on the field at KTOL.

Our Logistics Specialists are trained to process shipping requests as quickly as possible and find the optimal aircraft and route for your cargo. We can even arrange truck transportation, if needed.

Through our vast channels, we can orchestrate door to door, door to airport, airport to airport and airport to door service. Armed with the necessary details, we can provide a complete shipping plan within 15 minutes. 

In addition to cost, an important factor to consider when choosing a broker for an air cargo charter, is reliability and customer service. If any issues arise, you want immediate communication and resolution.

That’s where having an actual human being to talk to is a true advantage. Grand Aire’s logistical team is made up of live dispatchers, accessible 24/7/365, providing real-time milestone updates. 

Let us put our expertise to work for you. Call 1-800-70-GRAND or email our team directly at logistics@grandaire.com.