Aerospace Transportation & Logistics Tips
Most products that are being shipped are easy to handle—a piece of clothing, for example, is not too challenging. However, shipping high-value aerospace goods requires careful planning. This resource dives into aerospace transportation and logistics tips to help you ship your equipment.
What is Aerospace Equipment?
Any part that is used on aerial vehicles or weapons is considered aerospace equipment. This includes both civilian and military aircrafts. Here are some examples of aerospace equipment:
- Rotors
- Engines
- Guidance Systems
- Landing Gear
- Propulsion Units
Aerospace equipment is harder to transport than your typical shipment.
Unique Challenges of Aerospace Transportation
When you’re transporting a simple item like clothing, it’s natural to drop the product—17 times, to be exact—but aerospace transportation companies need to ensure that their equipment is delivered in top condition.
Plus, a lot of aerospace equipment is hazardous, including flammable or radioactive materials. This adds another challenge to transporting aerial parts.
Since this industry deals with high-frequency and precision equipment, any damage or malfunction of the aerospace equipment can cause serious harm to the vehicles or weapons. This can lead to lost lives and wasted cost on resources. Now that you know how crucial aerospace transportation is, how can you do it correctly?
How to Transport Aerospace Equipment
Here are our steps for transporting aerospace equipment:
Step 1: Choose your mode of transportation
Aerospace equipment can be transported by dozens of different methods, depending on the size and weight of the item. Smaller pieces of equipment can be transported by airplanes (if it’s less than 150 pounds), trains, and trucks. If you’re shipping internationally, a ship can also be used—but that could take months.
Larger items are typically shipped via cargo ships. When your equipment is traveling by land, it’s important to choose the right type of trailer. For example, if you have a heavy and large freight, an opened deck trailer is your best bet. Here are some examples of open deck trailers:
- Lowboy
- Removable Gooseneck
- Flatbeds
- Sliding Axle
- Step Deck
Open deck trailers are just that: open. Your equipment needs to be firmly secured and protected from any bad weather.
Tip: Consider the urgency
The open deck trailers and land travel we described above typically take some time to deliver. But what if you need something shipped in just a few hours? It may be costly, but you do have options for faster shipments.
Aircraft on-ground (AOG) shipments are extremely speedy, and the equipment is often shipped by air. AOG shipments are your absolute fastest option.
Step 2: Find the right freight forwarder
Finding the right freight forwarder can be a tough and overwhelming process. Make sure they are properly licensed and insured, while also having the proper equipment to handle your cargo. Also, determine whether you’re looking for international or domestic shipping solutions.
Your freight forwarder should take an active role in helping you find the best solution to all your challenges. They should be knowledgeable of common risks and how to mitigate them. Look for a wide array of services, so you have options when problems arise. Also, look for a partner that is experienced in aerospace transportation.
Find a partner who keeps a direct line of communication open so you can make sure everything is on track from start to finish.
Most importantly, make sure you trust your carrier. Aerospace equipment can be extremely expensive, so you need to make sure you trust the carrier you’re relying on.
Step 3: Purchase insurance
Not only is aerospace equipment expensive, but so is shipping the equipment. If your carrier isn’t careful, some of your expensive equipment could get damaged in transit. Purchasing insurance gives you financial protection, in case any issues happen.
Step 4: Prepare your equipment for shipment
Now that you know how you’re shipping the equipment, it’s time to inspect and assess it. Overall, the preparation needed varies from part to part. As a general rule of thumb:
- Drain any fluids
- Disconnect electrical systems
- Take out batteries
- Inspect equipment for damage
- Think about what could damage the equipment during travel
If you’re not sure what to do, you can work closely with your freight forwarder to ensure you’re preparing the equipment to meet their needs.
Step 5: Consider compliance
The regulations you have to follow depend on the type of equipment you’re shipping. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) covers all the regulations you need to be aware of. These are enforced by The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Plus, if you’re shipping hazmat aerospace equipment, you need to be compliant with the Department of Transportation (DOT). (See also the DOT’s guide to “Getting Started with Shipping Hazmat” if shipping smaller, potentially hazardous materials.)
If you’re shipping internationally, you’ll need to follow regulations by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Being aware of and following regulations can save you from compliance issues—and therefore financial issues—down the line. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Packair: A Trustworthy Partner in Aerospace Transportation
It’s hard to find a great logistics partner. But Packair is a trustworthy partner that has over 49 years of experience transporting aerospace equipment. We’re careful, efficient, and we have a variety of shipment options. Request a quote today to see if our shipment services fit your budget, or view our blog to read up on how logistics and shipping work.
