What Are The Types Of Air Freight Containers? Classify Packing Size

1. What types of air freight containers are there?

Currently, there are two main types of air freight containers commonly used. These are sealed hard containers and surrounding mesh-wrapped pallets, specifically:

• Hard glass containers: Closed hard containers have the same design as regular containers. Materials for making rigid glass containers are aluminum or polycarbonate with shaped frames. The size of a sealed, rigid air cargo container must comply with standard parameters to be able to be placed in the aircraft cabin. However, manufacturers may have slight variations in these parameters.
• Pallets covered with mesh: If you often fly and look closely, you will easily recognize the cargo pallets placed in the aircraft's hold. They are commonly used to transport small and medium-weight items.

>>>> LEARN MORE: Distinguish the difference between container and air cargo in detail

2. Detailed parameters of air freight containers are not common.

Dolphin Sea Air has shared with you about types of air freight containers. Next, we invite you to learn in detail about the parameters of common air cargo containers:

2.1. Sealed hard container

Closed rigid containers have the same design as regular air cargo containers. Materials used to make hard glass containers are polycarbonate or aluminum. To be able to be placed in the aircraft cabin, hard glass containers must meet the prescribed parameters. Depending on the manufacturer, these parameters may vary slightly.

• Demi container:

• HMA stall: 

• LD4:

• LD9: 

• LD-9 Reefer:

• LD-11: 

• M1:

• M2:

2.2. Pallets are covered with mesh.

The net-wrapped pallets are transported into the aircraft's hold. They are used to store goods of medium volume and small size.

• LD-7:

• M6:

• MDP:

• PLA Half Pallet:

• Type A Pen:

>>>> CLICK FOR MORE INFO: Latest international air freight rates table

3. Advantages and disadvantages of shipping containers by air

Air container shipping also has its own advantages and disadvantages. To learn about this, Dolphin Sea Air invites you to find out the information below:

3.1. Advantage

Due to many special advantages, the air container shipping method is becoming increasingly popular.

• Shipping to many countries in a short time: Air container shipping allows goods to be transported to many different countries in a short time.
• Minimize loss: Transporting cargo containers by air avoids encountering terrain barriers such as traffic jams or serious collisions. This helps minimize damage and the risk of breakage or loss of goods.
• Low storage and insurance costs: The air container shipping method has lower insurance and storage costs than some other methods.
• Fast transport speed: With an average flight speed of about 800–1000 km/h, air container transport is 10–11 times superior to other methods. Currently, this is also one of the fastest forms of transportation.

3.2. Defect

Although there are many advantages, air cargo container transportation also faces some disadvantages, as follows:

• Complicated procedures: Air container shipping procedures can be complicated and time-consuming. This procedure includes strict security regulations and customs procedures.
• Restriction on types of goods: Air container shipping is not suitable for items that are large in volume, bulky, or of too low value.
• High shipping costs: Air container shipping fees are calculated based on the weight of the goods. Therefore, with large containers, shippers will have to pay a large amount of money to use this method of transportation.
• Impact from external factors: Transporting containers by air depends heavily on external factors such as climate and weather. If weather conditions are bad, the flight may be delayed or canceled. This will cause delays in delivery and affect the production process.

This article has shared with you information about the types of air freight containers and the classification of packing sizes. If you have any questions about shipping containers by air, please contact 1900986813 for Dolphin Sea Air to advise and guide you!

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