Cargo & Logistics
The world of air freight — cargo airlines, supply chains, and global trade by air.
13 guides in this series
How Air Cargo Works: Belly Freight, Freighters, and the Supply Chain
Air cargo moves roughly 35% of world trade by value but only 1% by volume, carried in both passenger aircraft bellies and dedicated freighters. Discover how freight is booked, priced, and moved from shipper to consignee.
14 min read
Dedicated Cargo Airlines: FedEx, UPS, Cargolux, and the Freighter Market
Integrators like FedEx and UPS operate the world's largest all-cargo fleets, while traditional freighter carriers like Cargolux and Atlas Air serve the wholesale freight market. This guide profiles the key players and their strategies.
9 min read
E-Commerce and Air Freight: How Online Shopping Reshaped Global Logistics
The explosion of cross-border e-commerce from China to global consumers has fundamentally changed air freight demand patterns and enabled new entrant cargo carriers. Explore the last-mile delivery revolution and its aviation dimension.
10 min read
Cold Chain Air Logistics: Transporting Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines, and Perishables
Temperature-sensitive cargo — from COVID vaccines to fresh seafood — demands unbroken cold chain management across airport handling, aircraft hold conditions, and last-mile delivery. Learn the GDP standards and technology enabling this.
10 min read
Dangerous Goods by Air: IATA DGR Regulations and Compliance
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations govern how lithium batteries, chemicals, radioactive materials, and thousands of other hazardous items may be transported by air. This guide explains classification, packaging, and shipper obligations.
10 min read
Air Cargo Booking: Freight Forwarders, Agents, and Pricing Mechanics
Most air freight moves through freight forwarders who consolidate shipments, negotiate rates, and manage documentation on behalf of shippers. Understand how cargo is priced, booked, and tracked from origin to destination.
9 min read
Aircraft Loading and ULDs: Containers, Pallets, and Weight-and-Balance
Unit Load Devices standardise cargo handling across the global air freight system, while weight-and-balance calculations ensure every aircraft departs safely loaded. This guide explains ULD types, loading logic, and the load control function.
10 min read
Belly Cargo vs Freighter: Economics and Capacity Comparison
Airlines earn substantial ancillary revenue from belly cargo in passenger aircraft, while pure freighter operators compete on capacity and network reach. Explore the cost structures and market dynamics that determine which model wins.
9 min read
Air Cargo Security: Screening Programs, Known Shippers, and Threats
Air cargo presents unique security challenges because shipments cannot be fully screened at the same intensity as passenger baggage. Explore the tiered trust-based system of known shippers and regulated agents that underpins global cargo security.
10 min read
Global Air Cargo Hubs: Memphis, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Leipzig Compared
The world's top air cargo hubs handle millions of tonnes annually and serve as critical nodes in global supply chains. Discover what drives hub location choices and how Memphis, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Leipzig came to dominate their regions.
10 min read
Air Cargo Digitization: e-AWB, ONE Record, and Blockchain in Freight
The air cargo industry has been slower than passenger aviation to digitize, but initiatives like IATA's e-AWB and ONE Record data standard are transforming documentation and visibility across the entire supply chain.
11 min read
Special Cargo Handling: Live Animals, Artwork, and Oversized Shipments
Some cargo requires exceptional care — from race horses and zoo animals that travel in purpose-built stalls to priceless artworks in climate-controlled crates. Learn the regulations, carriers, and logistics specialists serving these markets.
10 min read
The Future of Air Cargo: Drones, eVTOL, and Hydrogen Freighters
Autonomous cargo drones, eVTOL logistics aircraft, and hydrogen-powered freighters are moving from concept to early commercial reality. Explore the timeline, economics, and regulatory hurdles facing next-generation air logistics.
10 min read