What Type of Cargo Do Cargo Planes Carry?

Worldwide, cargo planes are responsible for moving more than $6 trillion worth of goods. That figure may increase significantly in our increasingly globalized world over the next several decades. Efficient air cargo carriers aim to make shipments more cost-effective and better for the planet.

There are many ways to move cargo around the world. But what types of shipments do cargo planes carry?

Urgent Goods

Air transportation is often the method of choice for urgent materials. Urgent goods refer to products that require speedy delivery. One example is pharmaceuticals for medical treatment and diagnosis. Healthcare products are time-sensitive and require specialized care, making air cargo a viable alternative to traditional shipping methods.

High-Value Commodities

Efficient air cargo carriers also handle high-value goods. While no exact price threshold exists to determine what goes on a plane and what doesn't, more expensive products usually move via air for added protection. These types of goods can include high-priced electronics, jewelry, etc.

General Cargo

These days, more and more consumers are buying goods from overseas. While high-value and urgent materials usually receive top priority, planes can also carry general cargo. This umbrella term refers to anything that doesn't require special handling or care.

Retail items like clothing, dry goods, hardware and other everyday items fall into the "general cargo" category. Typically, more conventional modes of transportation are more cost-efficient when delivering general cargo. However, increasing demand for speed and shipping efficiency to consumers has resulted in more planes carrying consumer goods. This is especially true for international shipments.

Dangerous Materials

Finally, cargo planes can carry dangerous materials. Dangerous goods can include everything from gasses to radioactive material. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strict limitations and regulations governing the movement of hazardous materials. Referred to as Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGA), these rules are the only global standard airlines recognize.

The DGA separates dangerous materials into nine classifications and applies strict preparation and handling rules. Because of the nature of air cargo, the IATA forbids certain items from traveling via plane without explicit exemptions.

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