Air freight delivery is the swift shuttle of global commerce that connects continents, economies, and industries. Like a modern-day circus publicus (the most highly-developed delivery system of the ancient world), air freight delivery ensures time-sensitive goods reach the right destination with unparalleled speed and accuracy. 

For businesses to stay competitive in today's fast-paced global trade markets, partnering with a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) company like On Time Delivery & Warehouse for Cleveland air freight delivery services isn’t merely a leg up — it’s an essential part of staying in the race. 

What is Air Freight Delivery

Air freight delivery, also sometimes referred to as air cargo, involves transporting goods via aircraft. It’s the fastest mode of long-distance transportation, particularly advantageous for high-value, perishable, or time-critical shipments that demand rapid delivery. It accounts for approximately 35% of the world’s trade by value. 

Utilizing both dedicated cargo planes and the cargo holds of passenger flights, air freight ensures that shipments reach global markets efficiently. Dedicated cargo aircraft are typically designed for the express purpose of carrying freight, with large doors for easy loading and unloading. Airlines also try to make the most of passenger aircraft by reserving cargo space in baggage hold areas, allowing them to maximize revenue by transporting goods along with passengers. 

Cleveland air freight delivery is ideal for industries that need quick, reliable delivery into, out of, or through the Midwest region of the U.S. It’s popular with industry leaders in electronics, pharmaceuticals and purveyors of certain perishable goods.

Although air freight tends to be pricier than sea or land transport, its speed and efficiency make it an attractive and sometimes essential option for certain clients. 

The Evolution of Air Freight Delivery Over the Decades

The journey of air freight delivery actually began right here in Ohio. According to the Airports Council International, a Wright Model B aircraft transported a few bolts of silk from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio in 1910 – a pioneering endeavor that showcased the potential of aerial cargo transport.

Air freight delivery expanded exponentially in the decades that followed, especially in the last 40 years. The introduction of wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 in 1968, revolutionized the industry by enabling the transport of full pallets in cargo holds. While the volume of air travel overall has grown tenfold since the 1980s, air freight delivery has ballooned by a factor of 14. 

The 1990s marked another significant shift with the rise of express parcel carriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS. These companies transformed air freight into a cornerstone of global logistics, catering to the burgeoning demand for rapid and reliable delivery services. Ohio third-party logistics companies like On Time Delivery & Warehouse have become indispensable to connect customers to affordable, streamlined air freight delivery services with large airlines.