What Companies Are In The Air Freight/Delivery Services Field?

The top companies in the air freight/delivery services field include FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS), DHL Express, and Emirates SkyCargo. Air freight and delivery services are critical components of the global economy. They play a crucial role in the movement of goods and products around the world.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated that the global air cargo industry generated $139.2 billion in revenue in 2021. This represents a significant improvement from the previous year due to increased demand for air cargo services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another report by Mordor Intelligence projected it to grow to $149.28 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 6%.

Overview Of The Air Freight/Delivery Services Industry

Air freight and delivery companies provide a range of services for shipping goods across long distances, both domestically and internationally. These companies offer a variety of options for air cargo transport, including express shipping, standard shipping, and freight forwarding services.

To use these services, a consumer would typically work with a logistics provider or freight forwarder. They would handle the details of the shipment, including packing, labeling, customs clearance, and transportation. The logistics provider works with the air freight/delivery company to arrange for the air transportation of the goods. They would then provide updates on the status of the shipment throughout the process.

Advancements in technology and automation have helped to streamline the air cargo shipping process and improve the overall customer experience. Many air freight and delivery companies now offer online platforms for customers. They can book and manage shipments, track the status of their cargo in real time, and access important information.

A particular area of advancement in the air cargo industry is the development of cold chain logistics. This enables the safe and efficient transport of temperature-sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals and food items. This has been achieved through the use of specialized containers and packaging. Also, advanced tracking and monitoring systems provide real-time information on the temperature and humidity levels of the cargo.

Types Of Companies In Air Freight/Delivery Services

There are several types of companies in the air freight/delivery services industry, each with its own unique role.

Four major types of companies in air freight/delivery services.

• Airlines
• Freight Forwarders
• Integrators
• Couriers

Airlines

Many airlines have dedicated cargo divisions that offer air freight and delivery services in addition to passenger services. These airlines use their own aircraft to transport cargo.

They also often work with logistics providers and freight forwarders to coordinate the shipment of goods. Airline cargo services are often used for larger shipments and offer options for shipping, including express and standard services.

Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders are companies and persons that specialize in arranging the transport of goods from one location to another. They work with a network of carriers, including airlines, to offer air freight and delivery services to their customers.

Freight forwarders handle all aspects of the shipment, including packing, labeling, and customs clearance. They also offer different options for shipping based on the size, weight, and destination of the goods.

Integrators

Integrators are companies that offer integrated logistics services, such as air freight and delivery services, customs brokerage, warehousing, and distribution.

These companies have their own aircraft and operate their own logistics networks, making them well-suited for time-sensitive and high-value shipments. Examples of integrators include FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS), and DHL.

Couriers

Couriers are companies that specialize in the transportation of small parcels and documents, typically for express or same-day delivery.

These companies often use ground transportation for local deliveries but may also offer air freight services for longer distances. Examples of courier companies include FedEx, UPS, DHL, and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Top 20 Companies In Air Freight/Delivery Services

1. United Parcel Service (UPS)

Size: Over 540,000 employees

United Parcel Services (UPS) was established in 1907, and it has its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Its Founder is James E. Casey, and its current CEO is Carol Tomé. UPS has a current market capitalization of $184.5 billion.

UPS offers services/products like package delivery, logistics, e-commerce, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage.

They serve over 10 million customers in 5,800 outlets in more than 220 countries and territories.

2. SF Express

Size: Over 100,000 employees

SF Express was established in 1993 as Shunfeng Express. Its headquarters is in Shenzhen, China. Its Founder/CEO is Wang Wei, and its current Market Capitalization is $107.5 billion.

They offer services/products like Air freight transportation, express delivery, warehousing and logistics, supply chain solutions, and cross-border e-commerce.

They also serve customers in outlets available in more than 200 countries and territories.

3. FedEx

Size: Over 500,000 employees

FedEx was established in 1971, and it has its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Its Founder/CEO is Frederick W. Smith. Currently, FedEx has a market capitalization of $81.4 billion.

Their services include express transportation, e-commerce, supply chain management, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage. They have outlets in over 5,000 locations in more than 220 countries and territories, serving over 11 million customers worldwide.

4. TNT Express

Size: Over 56,000 employees

TNT Express was established in 1946 as TNT. Its headquarters is in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. Its Founder/CEO is Ken Thomas and its current market capitalization is $41.8 billion. It is however now a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation.

Some of its services/products are Air freight transportation, road and rail transportation, express delivery, international mail services, and supply chain solutions.

It serves customers in outlets available in more than 200 countries and territories.

5. DHL

Size: Over 550,000 employees

DHL was established in 1969 in Bonn, Germany. Its Founders are Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn. The current CEO is John Pearson. Their current market capitalization is $26.5 billion.

DHL’s air freight services include door-to-door, airport-to-airport, and charter options, with a range of delivery speeds and cargo options.

They serve over 2.5 million customers in 3,600 locations in more than 220 countries and territories.

6. Singapore Airlines Cargo

Size: Over 28,000 employees

Singapore Airlines Cargo was established in 1972 as Singapore Airlines. Its headquarters is in Singapore, and its Founder is Goh Choon Phong. The current CEO is Lee Lik Hsin. They have a current market capitalization of $12.2 billion.

Their services/products include Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They serve customers in 60 outlets in more than 30 countries.

7. American Airlines Cargo

Size: Over 88,000 employees

American Airlines Cargo was established in 1926 as American Airways. Its headquarters is in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, and its Founder is Doug Parker. The current CEO is Jessica Tyler. Currently, they have a market capitalization of $11.3 billion.

Their services/products include Air freight transportation, cargo products, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They also serve customers in 50 outlets in more than 30 countries.

8. ANA Cargo

Size: Approximately 1,800 employees

ANA Cargo was established in 2013. Its headquarters is in Tokyo, Japan, and its Founder was Yutaka Harada. Its current CEO is Toshiya Tamada. Currently, its market capitalization is JPY 825 billion ($7.6 billion). It is a subsidiary of ANA Holdings.

They offer services/products such as Air freight transportation, logistics, mail and package delivery.

They also serve customers in over 100 outlets in more than 40 countries.

9. Lufthansa Cargo

Size: Over 4,500 employees

Lufthansa Cargo was established in1994 and has its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. Its Founder was Peter Gerber, and its current market capitalization is EUR 5.5 billion ($6.5 billion). The current CEO is Dorothea von Boxberg.

Some of their services/products are Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They serve customers in 300 outlets in more than 100 countries.

10. Cathay Pacific Cargo

Size: Over 4,000 employees

Cathay Pacific Cargo was established in 1946. Its headquarters is located in Hong Kong, and its founder was Rupert Hogg. The current CEO is Ronald Lam. Currently, Cathay Pacific Cargo has a market capitalization of $6.2 billion.

Their services/products include Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They also serve customers in over 40 outlets in more than 20 countries.

11. Air France-KLM Cargo

Size: Over 80,000 employees

Air France-KLM Cargo was established in 2004 as a result of a merger between Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Their headquarters is in Roissy, France, and their Founder was Benjamin Smith. The current CEO is Adriaan den Heijer. They also have a current market capitalization of $5.5 billion.

Their services/products include Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They serve customers in over 300 outlets in more than 100 countries.

12. Korean Air Cargo

Size: Over 16,000 employees

Korean Air Cargo was established in 1962 as Korean Air Lines. Its headquarters is in Seoul, South Korea, and its Founder was Walter Cho. The current CEO is Eum Jae Dong. Currently, Korean Air Cargo has a market capitalization of $3.4 billion.

They offer services/products like Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They also serve customers in outlets in more than countries.

13. Emirates SkyCargo

Size: Over 60,000 employees

Emirates SkyCargo was established in 1985 as Emirates. Its headquarters is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its Founders are Sheikh Ahmed bin and Saeed Al Maktoum. The current Senior Vice President is Nabil Sultan. Its current market capitalization is $3.1 billion (part of Emirates Group).

Their services/products include Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They have customers in over 40 outlets in more than 20 countries.

14. Cargolux

Size: Over 1,800 employees

Cargolux was established in 1970 in Luxembourg by Richard Forson. Its current market capitalization is $3 billion.

Some of their services/products are Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They also serve customers in over 100 outlets in more than 50 countries.

15. Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings

Size: Over 3,000 employees.

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings was established in 1992 as Atlas Air. Their headquarters is located in New York, USA. The Founder/CEO is John W. Dietrich. Currently, the market capitalization is $2.6 billion.

Some of their services/products include Air freight transportation, charter services, aircraft leasing, military airlift, and passenger ACMI.

They also serve customers in over 400 outlets in more than 100 countries.

16. Qatar Airways Cargo

Size: Over 46,000 employees.

Qatar Airways Cargo was established in 1993 as Qatar Airways. The headquarters is in Doha, Qatar, and its Founder was Akbar Al Baker. Its current CEO is Guillaume Halleux. Their current market capitalization is $2.5 billion. The company is a subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group.

They offer services/products like Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They also serve customers in 60 outlets in more than 30 countries.

17. China Airlines Cargo

Size: Over 13,000 employees

China Airlines Cargo was established in 1959 as China Airlines. Its headquarters is in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Its Founder was I Fuen, and the current CEO is Hsieh Shih-chien. Currently, their market capitalization is TWD 68.8 billion ($2.5 billion). The company is a subsidiary of China Airlines Group.

They offer services/products like Air freight transportation, logistics, and cold chain solutions.

They also serve customers in over 60 outlets in more than 30 countries.

18. AirBridgeCargo

Size: Approximately 2,000 employees.

AirBridgeCargo was established in 2004. Its headquarters is in Moscow, Russia, and its Founder was Sergey Lazarev. The current CEO is Denis Ilin. Their current market capitalization is not publicly disclosed, as they are a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, a private company.

Their services/products include Air freight transportation, logistics, express delivery, and temperature-controlled transportation.

They also serve customers in over 30 outlets in more than 20 countries.

19. Amerijet International

Size: Over 800 employees

Amerijet International was established in 1974. Its headquarters is in Miami, Florida, USA, and its Founder was Vic Karjian. The current CEO is Tim Strauss. Currently, its market capitalization is not publicly disclosed.

Some of its services/products include Air freight transportation, ground transportation, customs clearance, hazardous materials shipping, and perishable cargo handling.

They also serve customers in more than 625 outlets in over 150 countries.

20. Silk Way West Airlines

Size: Over 2,500 employees

Silk Way West Airlines was established in 2012 and has its headquarters in Baku, Azerbaijan. Its Founder/CEO is Zaur Akhundov. Its current market capitalization is not publicly disclosed as it is a private company.

They offer services/products such as Air freight transportation, charter flights, logistics, e-commerce logistics, and perishable cargo handling.

They also serve customers in over 50 outlets in more than 30 countries.

These top 20 companies are summarized in the table below:

What Are The Five Key Sectors Of The Air Freight/Delivery Industry?

The five key sectors of the air freight/delivery industry are:

1. General Cargo

General cargo is the most common type of air freight, and is typically transported in pallets or containers. It includes all types of cargo, from textiles to consumer goods to industrial products.

2. Express

This sector includes the transport of time-sensitive goods such as documents, small packages, and high-value items. Express delivery services offer a faster and more reliable delivery option than regular air freight.

3. Special Cargo

This sector includes the transportation of live animals, dangerous goods, perishable goods, and oversized cargo such as heavy machinery or vehicles. Special cargo requires specialized handling and transportation methods, as well as compliance with strict regulations and safety standards.

4. Mail

This sector includes the transportation of letters, parcels, and other postal items by air. It is an essential service for businesses and consumers who rely on timely and reliable delivery of mail and packages.

5. E-Commerce

This sector includes the transportation of goods transacted online, and is a rapidly growing area of the air freight/delivery industry. E-commerce logistics providers offer a range of services such as order fulfillment, warehousing, and last-mile delivery for online retailers.

How To Get A Job Offer From Companies In Air Freight/Delivery Services

Here are 7 important steps to get a juicy job offer from companies in air freight/delivery services.

1. Identify the air freight/ delivery services companies

Start by researching companies in the air freight/delivery services industry that matches your skills and experience. You can search for job openings on their official websites, job boards, or professional networking sites.

2. Prepare your resume and cover letter

Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job requirements and make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills.

3. Apply for job openings

Apply for job openings that match your qualifications and experience. Follow the application instructions carefully and make sure to include all the necessary documents.

4. Network

Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in the industry. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and get referrals.

5. Prepare for the interview

Research the company and the industry, and prepare for common interview questions. Be ready to discuss your skills, experience, and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

6. Follow up

After the interview, follow up with a thank-you email or letter. This can help you stand out and show your interest in the job. You can also find out your job application status.

7. Negotiate the job offer from the air freight/delivery services company

If you receive a job offer, negotiate the salary and benefits to ensure fairness and that they meet your expectations.

What Do Companies In The Air Freight/Delivery Industry Look Out For When Hiring?

Companies in the air freight/delivery industry look for candidates who have a combination of technical skills, and relevant experience.

Here are 5 specific qualities that companies in the air freight/delivery services often look for when hiring.

1. Knowledge of the industry

A good understanding of the air freight/delivery industry and its processes is essential. Candidates should have knowledge of air cargo regulations, customs procedures, and supply chain management.

2. Technical skills

Candidates should have technical skills related to the industry. These include experience with cargo management software, knowledge of transportation logistics, and expertise in cargo handling and storage.

3. Soft skills

In addition to technical skills, companies also look for candidates who have strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Good customer service skills are also important, as air freight/delivery often involves customers who need help tracking their shipments.

4. Relevant experience

Experience in the air freight/delivery industry is often preferred. Candidates with experience in logistics, supply chain management, or related fields may also be considered. Relevant experience can include work in shipping, warehousing, or transportation.

5. Education

While degrees are not always required, many companies in the industry prefer candidates with a degree in a related field. These include Logistics, Business, or Supply Chain Management.

FAQs

What does an air freight company do?

An air freight company provides air transportation services for goods and cargo. These companies typically operate specialized aircraft, such as cargo planes, to move goods across long distances quickly and efficiently.

Air freight companies offer a variety of services, including Freight forwarding, Customs brokerage, Warehousing/storage, Packaging/labeling, and Freight insurance.

What are the 3 main categories of cargo air freight?

The three main categories of cargo air freight are General Cargo (non-perishable items like consumer goods, electronics, clothing), Special Cargo (hazardous materials, live animals, perishable items, machinery or vehicles), and Mail and Express Cargo (postal mail, small parcels, express courier services, etc.)

How many types of carriers are in the air cargo industry?

There are two main types of carriers in the air cargo industry, namely All-cargo Carriers, and Combination carriers.

How many air freight/delivery services companies are there?

According to a report by Technavio, the global air cargo market is highly fragmented, with many players operating in the industry. While it is difficult to provide an exact number, there are over 1000 air freight/delivery services companies that operate globally, regionally, and locally.

What is the biggest air freight/delivery services company?

The biggest air freight/delivery services company in the world is UPS, headquartered in USA. Currently, it has a revenue of $184.5 billion.

What are the main air freight/delivery services?

The main air freight/delivery services include Door-to-door delivery, Airport-to-airport delivery, Next-flight-out delivery, Charter services, Express delivery, Dangerous goods shipping, and Temperature-controlled shipping.

What is air freight called?

Air freight is also known as air cargo or air shipment. It refers to the transportation of goods or products by aircraft. Air freight can be used for a wide range of shipments, from small packages to large quantities of cargo.

It can be sent to destinations around the world. Air freight is typically faster than other modes of transportation, such as sea or land. This makes it a popular choice for time-sensitive and urgent shipments.

What are the types of air freight?

There are several types of air freight, which include General cargo, Oversized cargo, Perishable cargo, Hazardous materials, Live animals, Valuable cargo, and Express cargo. They are categorized based on the characteristics of the cargo being shipped.

What are the five types of air transportation?

The five types of air transportation are Commercial airlines, Cargo airlines, Charter airlines, Military transportation, and Private aviation. Each of these types of air transportation has its own unique characteristics and uses.

What are the four air freight service levels?

The four service levels available for air freight are Priority air freight, Standard air freight, Deferred air freight, and Charter air freight. The number of levels can vary by carrier or provider. However, a commonly used framework for air freight service levels includes these four categories.

What is the cost of air freight?

Air freight costs are typically calculated based on the chargeable weight of the shipment. Chargeable weight is the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated based on the volume of the shipment. It uses a formula that takes into account the length, width, and height of the cargo.

Air freight rates are usually quoted as a rate per kilogram or pound of chargeable weight. It may also include additional charges such as fuel surcharges, handling fees, security fees, customs clearance fees, and insurance.

Air freight rates can be highly volatile and subject to fluctuation due to factors such as fuel costs, capacity availability, and demand. Additionally, discounts may be available for high-volume shippers or for customers who book their shipments well in advance.

Therefore, the cost of air freight depends on these factors highlighted above.

How much does air freight cost per kg in the us?

Generally speaking, air freight rates in the US can range from $1.50 to $4.00 per kg for standard shipments, although rates can be higher for express or time-critical shipments.

What is the difference between air freight and air cargo?

The terms “air freight” and “air cargo” are often used interchangeably and can refer to the transportation of goods by air. However, there is a subtle difference in their meanings.

Air freight generally refers to the transportation of goods by air, typically for commercial or business purposes. It usually involves the shipment of relatively small and lightweight packages or parcels. It is also used for high-value and time-sensitive goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable items.

On the other hand, air cargo can refer to the air transportation of goods, whether for commercial or personal purposes. Air cargo includes larger and heavier items, such as machinery, vehicles, and oversized cargo. Air cargo is often used for long-distance transportation and can be used for both domestic and international shipments.

In general, air freight and air cargo are both used to refer to the transportation of goods by air, but air freight typically refers to the transportation of smaller and lighter packages for commercial or business purposes, while air cargo can refer to a wider range of heavier goods and can be used for both commercial and personal purposes.

What is the difference between air express, air freight and air mail service?

Air express, air freight, and air mail are all methods of shipping goods by air, but there are some differences in their meanings and services offered.

Air express is a premium shipping service that is designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure delivery of goods. Air express services are typically offered by international courier companies, such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. They are used for small to medium-sized packages that require urgent delivery. Air express services often offer a variety of options, including same-day delivery, next-day delivery, and time-specific delivery.

Air freight is a method of shipping larger quantities of goods by air. It is designed for shipments that are too heavy to be sent by air express or other parcel services. Air freight services are usually provided by specialized logistics companies. They also offer a range of options for delivery times, including standard, expedited, and deferred delivery.

Air mail is a postal service that offers the delivery of letters, postcards, and other lightweight items by air. It is a cost-effective and reliable way to send mail internationally and domestically. Air mail services are typically offered by national postal services. Although generally slower than air express or air freight services, they are less expensive.

In summary, air express is a premium shipping service that provides fast, reliable, and secure delivery of small to medium-sized packages, air freight is a method of shipping larger quantities of goods by air, and air mail is a postal service that offers the delivery of lightweight items by air.

What is the maximum length for air freight?

The maximum length for air freight is around 18 meters or 60 feet.

Some larger cargo aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 or the Airbus A380, have cargo compartments that are longer than this maximum length. It’s important to note that the actual length of the cargo that can be carried also depends on other factors, such as weight, volume, and clearance requirements.

Conclusion: What Companies Are In The Air Freight/Delivery Services Field?

The companies in Air freight and delivery services are FedEx, UPS, DHL, Lufthansa Cargo, Cargolux, among others.

The air freight services have continued to evolve and innovate, with advancements in technology, logistics, and supply chain management. Overall, they’re driving greater efficiency and cost savings for businesses and consumers alike.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and globalized, the demand for air freight and delivery services will continue to grow.