transportation has become an indispensable part of the logistics chain of multinational enterprises due to its speed and efficiency. Especially for goods that are time - sensitive and of high value, air transportation is the preferred logistics method. However, the cost of air transportation is relatively higher than other transportation methods. How to accurately quote prices to customers and how to reasonably control transportation costs have become issues that many freight forwarding companies and exporters need to carefully consider. This article will deeply explore the criteria for distinguishing heavy goods and light - volume goods in air transportation, as well as how to reduce transportation costs through effective palletizing strategies and other methods.Air TransportationDue to its speed and efficiency, air transportation has become an indispensable part of multinational corporations logistics chains. Particularly for time-sensitive, high-value goods, air transport is the preferred logistics method. However, with higher costs compared to other shipping methods, how to accurately provide quotes and reasonably control transportation costs has become a key consideration for many freight forwarders and exporters. This article will explore the classification standards for heavy cargo and bulky cargo in air transport, along with effective palletizing strategies and other methods to reduce shipping costs.

In the air transport industry, cargo is classified as heavy cargo (Dead Weight Cargo) or bulky cargo (Volume Cargo or Light Weight Cargo) based on its weight-to-volume ratio. The primary distinction is made by comparing the cargos dimensional weight with its actual weight.

Accordingly, when a cargos dimensional weight exceeds its actual weight, it is considered bulky cargo; otherwise, its classified as heavy cargo.

Palletizing strategy refers to the optimization operation when loading goods onto air transportation pallets (or containers), including reasonable stacking and fixing of goods to maximize the use of the cargo hold space while ensuring the safe transportation of goods.

Effective use of space:

Follow the principle of heavy at the bottom, light at the top, and large items not pressing small items to provide stable support and reduce space waste.Follow the principle of heavy at bottom, light on top; large items not crushing small ones to provide stable support and minimize space waste.
Reasonably combine goods with large volume but light weight with goods with heavy weight and small volume to make full use of the effective load - carrying capacity of the aircraft.Control of pallet load balance:
Ensure the stability of the aircraft after loading and avoid flight safety problems caused by uneven distribution of goods.Ensure the stability of the aircraft after loading and avoid flight safety problems caused by uneven cargo distribution.
4、Follow industry regulations:Operate in accordance with the safety and operational standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure that the goods are firmly fixed.

1、Optimize packaging:Reduce unnecessary packaging space to avoid additional costs caused by excessive volumetric weight.
2、Choose direct flights:Direct flights can reduce transfer costs and potential risks, and shorten the transportation time.
3、Charter flight service:For large quantities of goods, consider charter flight services. Although the initial investment is high, the total cost is controllable.
4、Book shipping space in advance:Book shipping space for goods in advance to obtain better berths and prices.
5、Pay attention to market dynamics:Seize the opportunity of off - peak seasons or special promotions of airlines to book shipping space and obtain preferential prices.

Through the implementation of the above strategies,foreign tradeenterprises can not only effectively distinguish between heavy goods and light - volume goods, but also significantly reduce the total cost of air transportation, improve logistics efficiency and safety through reasonable palletizing operations and cost - control strategies.