The Importance of Air Freight Shipment Tracking

Air freight shipment tracking is an indispensable tool for businesses looking to streamline their logistics operations and ensure the timely delivery of goods. This advanced system has become essential in the globalized world of trade, offering real-time updates and transparency for shipments as they move across continents. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, the ability to track air freight shipments can drastically improve supply chain management and customer satisfaction. In this article, we will explore the significance of air freight shipment tracking, how it works, and the benefits it offers to businesses and their customers.


What Is Air Freight Shipment Tracking?

Air freight shipment tracking refers to the ability to monitor the location, status, and estimated delivery time of goods being transported via air. This tracking is typically done using a unique tracking number, known as the Air Waybill (AWB) number, which is assigned to each shipment. The tracking system provides real-time information about the progress of the shipment from the point of origin to the final destination.

Tracking systems rely on various technologies, including GPS, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), barcode scanning, and online platforms, to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. These technologies enable both shippers and recipients to check on the status of the shipment and receive notifications regarding delays, transit times, and other relevant details.


How Does Air Freight Shipment Tracking Work?

  1. Booking and Documentation
    The process of air freight shipment tracking begins when the shipment is booked with an airline or freight forwarder. The shipment details, such as origin, destination, cargo type, and weight, are entered into the system. A tracking number is generated at this stage, allowing both the shipper and the recipient to monitor the shipment’s progress. This tracking number serves as the unique identifier throughout the shipment’s journey.
  2. Cargo Collection and Processing
    After the shipment is booked, it is collected and transported to the departure airport. At this point, the shipment undergoes several processes, including customs clearance, loading onto the plane, and sorting at the airport. The tracking system is updated at each checkpoint to reflect the status of the shipment, such as when it is loaded onto the aircraft or when it departs from the airport.
  3. In-Transit Updates
    As the shipment is in transit, the tracking system continuously updates its status. This can include information on the aircraft’s location, changes in the route, layovers at intermediate stops, or any delays due to weather or operational issues. These updates are made available to the shipper and the recipient through online portals, mobile apps, or automated email notifications.
  4. Arrival and Final Delivery
    Once the shipment reaches its destination airport, it is processed for customs clearance and preparation for delivery. Tracking systems provide updates on the arrival of the cargo and any customs requirements. Upon successful clearance, the cargo is either delivered to the recipient’s address or transferred to a distribution center. Delivery updates are sent to the shipper and recipient, and the shipment status is marked as “delivered” when the cargo reaches its final destination.
  5. Proof of Delivery
    Many tracking systems also offer a proof of delivery (POD), which includes a signed receipt or digital confirmation from the recipient. This serves as confirmation that the goods were delivered successfully and helps avoid any disputes related to delivery issues.

Benefits of Air Freight Shipment Tracking

  1. Real-Time Visibility
    The most significant benefit of air freight shipment tracking is the ability to monitor your shipment in real time. Shippers and recipients can access up-to-date information about the location and status of their cargo at any point during its journey. This transparency allows businesses to stay informed and make decisions quickly, such as notifying customers of potential delays or adjusting schedules based on updated delivery timelines.
  2. Improved Customer Satisfaction
    In today’s fast-paced market, customers expect prompt and reliable deliveries. With air freight shipment tracking, customers can independently track their orders, reducing the need for inquiries and giving them peace of mind. The ability to provide customers with accurate delivery updates enhances the overall customer experience and fosters trust in the business.
  3. Faster Problem Resolution
    Shipment tracking enables businesses to identify potential problems early in the shipping process, such as delays, route changes, or customs issues. This allows for proactive problem-solving, such as rerouting shipments or addressing delays before they affect the overall delivery schedule. Businesses can also coordinate with the carrier or logistics provider to resolve issues quickly, minimizing disruptions.
  4. Enhanced Security
    Air freight shipments, especially those carrying high-value or sensitive items, require a high level of security. Tracking systems offer an additional layer of security by providing detailed information about the shipment’s location. In the event of a lost or stolen shipment, tracking allows businesses to quickly locate the cargo and take appropriate measures to recover it.
  5. Optimized Supply Chain Management
    Shipment tracking provides valuable insights into the performance of the logistics network. By analyzing tracking data, businesses can identify patterns in delivery times, route efficiency, and performance of specific carriers or airports. These insights allow businesses to optimize their supply chains, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.
  6. Cost Savings
    By providing accurate delivery estimates and real-time status updates, air freight shipment tracking helps businesses optimize their inventory management and distribution processes. Accurate tracking reduces the chances of missed shipments, unnecessary storage fees, and excess inventory. Moreover, businesses can make data-driven decisions about shipping routes and carriers, which can lead to cost savings over time.

Tracking Technologies in Air Freight

  1. Barcode Scanning
    One of the most widely used tracking technologies in air freight is barcode scanning. Each shipment is assigned a barcode that is scanned at various checkpoints, such as when the cargo is loaded onto the plane, unloaded at an intermediate stop, or when it reaches its destination. Barcode scanning is efficient, cost-effective, and ensures that shipment status is accurately recorded in the system.
  2. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
    RFID technology uses radio waves to track shipments without requiring direct line-of-sight scanning. RFID tags are attached to cargo, and as the shipment passes through various checkpoints, the system automatically detects the tag and updates the tracking information. RFID provides more seamless tracking, especially in environments where barcode scanning might be inefficient, such as large warehouses or busy airports.
  3. GPS (Global Positioning System)
    GPS technology is commonly used to track shipments in transit, particularly for monitoring the location of aircraft and shipments during flight. GPS provides real-time location updates, which are useful for tracking long-distance shipments. GPS data also allows logistics providers to monitor flights and cargo movement, ensuring more accurate and timely deliveries.
  4. Cloud-Based Tracking Platforms
    Many air freight providers now utilize cloud-based platforms for tracking shipments. These platforms allow for easy access to tracking data from anywhere, whether through a web portal or a mobile app. Cloud-based systems provide real-time updates, making them more accessible for businesses and customers alike. Additionally, these platforms are easily integrated with other supply chain management systems, providing a centralized hub for all logistics data.

Challenges of Air Freight Shipment Tracking

  1. Customs and Regulatory Delays
    Customs clearance remains one of the most common challenges in air freight. Shipments may be delayed if documentation is incomplete or if there are discrepancies with the cargo. While tracking systems provide updates on the status of customs clearance, delays in this area can affect the overall delivery time.
  2. Weather-Related Delays
    Weather conditions can cause significant disruptions to air freight schedules. Storms, fog, or other weather-related issues may lead to flight delays or rerouting. While tracking systems provide real-time data on the shipment’s location, weather-related delays remain beyond the control of logistics providers.
  3. Limited Tracking Data in Remote Locations
    While air freight tracking is highly reliable, there may be limited information available for shipments traveling through remote areas or regions with less infrastructure. In these instances, updates may be less frequent, and the shipment’s location may not be as precise as in more developed regions.
  4. Technical Glitches
    Like any technology, tracking systems are not immune to technical glitches or errors. There may be instances where tracking data is delayed or inaccurate due to system malfunctions, data entry mistakes, or other issues. However, most logistics providers address such problems quickly to minimize any impact on the customer experience.

The Future of Air Freight Shipment Tracking

The future of air freight shipment tracking is being shaped by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and automation. AI and machine learning can analyze large amounts of tracking data to predict delays, optimize delivery routes, and enhance decision-making processes. Blockchain promises to increase transparency by creating an immutable record of every transaction in the supply chain, while automation can streamline processes such as cargo loading and unloading.

These technologies will continue to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and security of air freight shipment tracking, making it an even more indispensable tool for businesses involved in global trade.


Conclusion

Air freight shipment tracking is an essential component of modern logistics. By providing real-time updates, enhancing security, and improving customer satisfaction, tracking systems have become a vital tool for businesses around the world. The ability to monitor shipments throughout their journey not only offers transparency but also enables businesses to address potential issues before they become significant problems. As technology continues to evolve, air freight shipment tracking will undoubtedly become even more sophisticated, further enhancing the efficiency of the global supply chain.