Belly cargo

Key takeaways

Definition: Belly cargo is the freight stored in the lower compartments of passenger aircraft.
How it works: After loading passenger luggage, the remaining space is filled with various types of cargo in standardized containers.
Types: Belly cargo can transport a wide variety of goods, each requiring specific handling procedures.
Pros and cons: It offers cost-effectiveness and speed but faces limitations like restricted space and dependence on passenger schedules.
Explore your options: Leading airlines offer belly cargo services, providing a range of options to optimize your supply chain efficiently.

How it works

Belly cargo operates within the larger air cargo industry but utilizes the unused space in the lower compartments of passenger aircraft. After passenger luggage is loaded, these compartments are filled with cargo that is generally packed into unit load devices or pallets. The use of these standardized containers streamlines the loading and unloading process, reducing ground time for the aircraft and thereby improving operational efficiency.

Belly cargo offers several advantages to supply chain fulfillment. First, it expands shipping capacity without the need for additional flights, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Second, it can serve routes that dedicated cargo planes might not, especially for airlines that have an extensive passenger network. This can be crucial for getting goods to remote or less accessible locations.

However, belly cargo also has limitations. The dimensions and weight of the cargo must fit within the restrictions of the passenger aircraft’s lower hold. This makes belly cargo unsuitable for shipping oversized or extremely heavy goods. Furthermore, belly cargo shipments are dependent on passenger flight schedules, which may not align with a shipper's ideal timeline.

Belly cargo adds a layer of flexibility and efficiency to the supply chain. It offers a middle-ground solution that balances speed and cost, while also expanding the network of accessible destinations.

Belly cargo types

Perishables

Fresh produce, meat, and seafood often require specialized temperature-controlled environments. Losses can have a broad impact, affecting not just revenue but also food security. Sophisticated tracking systems are often employed to monitor temperature and humidity throughout the journey.

Pharmaceuticals

Highly sensitive medicines may require not just temperature control but also anti-vibration and shock absorption measures. The stakes are high, as a temperature deviation can render some pharmaceuticals ineffective, posing potential risks to public health.

Ecommerce goods

Small packages are consolidated at fulfillment centers before being transported. Due to high consumer expectations for quick delivery, sophisticated logistics algorithms often determine the most efficient use of available belly cargo space for these items.

Mail and documents

For time-sensitive documents or confidential materials, the quick, secure environment of belly cargo is ideal. Cargo space is often contracted out to postal services and courier companies, which may offer premium services like overnight international delivery.

High-value goods

These items, like precious metals or art, often require added security measures, such as guarded transport to and from the aircraft. The insurance requirements are typically extensive, further driving up the cost of shipping.

Textiles and apparel

Fast fashion and seasonal trends make speed a priority. Shipping via belly cargo allows these items to go from factory to retail quickly, meeting consumer demand and avoiding stock-outs or overstock situations.

Automotive parts

When production lines are halted due to a missing component, the costs can be astronomical. Belly cargo provides a rapid solution, with airlines often offering special express services for such critical shipments.

Live animals

Transporting pets or livestock in the cargo hold requires specialized care, including ventilation, temperature control, and sometimes even an onboard animal handler. Incorrect handling can result in animal stress or even fatalities.

Hazardous materials

Chemicals, flammable substances, or radioactive materials must adhere to strict International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. This includes specialized packaging, documentation, and trained personnel for handling.

Each of these cargo types necessitates specific handling procedures, technologies, and sometimes even specialized training for the ground crew. Therefore, when selecting a belly cargo service, it's crucial to consider the unique needs and regulatory requirements associated with the type of goods you're shipping.

Pros and cons

Pros

Cost-efficiency: Belly cargo is generally more affordable because the primary operational costs of the flight — such as fuel, crew salaries, and maintenance — are allocated to passenger tickets. This allows for competitive pricing for cargo space.
Speed: Air transport is the quickest shipping method available for long distances. For high-value or time-sensitive goods, the rapid transit times can be a significant advantage, minimizing storage costs and reducing capital tied up in inventory.
Accessibility: Airlines with extensive passenger networks can offer belly cargo services to a wider range of airports, including smaller or more remote locations that might not be served by dedicated cargo flights.
Flexibility: Belly cargo's ability to handle various types of goods — from perishables to pharmaceuticals — gives shippers versatility in meeting diverse supply chain requirements.
Environmental impact: Using existing passenger flights for cargo maximizes the utility of each flight, reducing the number of flights needed solely for cargo. This contributes to lower overall carbon emissions.

Cons

Space limitations: Belly cargo compartments are smaller and may have irregular shapes compared to dedicated cargo planes. This restricts the size and volume of shipments, making it unsuitable for bulky or very large items.
Schedule dependence: Belly cargo operates on the timetable of passenger flights, which might not align with the specific shipping requirements of a business. This can result in less predictable delivery times.
Complexity: The need to share space with passenger luggage creates logistical challenges. This might affect loading and unloading speeds, thereby increasing the total time goods spend in transit and potentially impacting perishable or time-sensitive items.
Handling restrictions: Due to limited space and the need to prioritize passenger safety, there may be restrictions on transporting hazardous or very heavy materials. Special certifications and handling procedures may be required, adding to complexity and cost.
Priority: In situations like high passenger demand or sudden changes in flight status, cargo might be offloaded to accommodate luggage or even left behind, leading to delays.

Each of these factors comes into play in the decision-making process for shippers, affecting whether belly cargo is the appropriate and most efficient option for a particular shipping need.

Explore your options

Now that you've gained an understanding of belly cargo and its role in the supply chain, you may be considering this shipping option for your business. Companies like FedEx, Emirates SkyCargo, and Lufthansa Cargo are key players in the industry, offering various belly cargo solutions to meet different logistical needs.

Leveraging their services gives you access to a wide network of routes, specialized handling procedures, and competitive pricing. By utilizing belly cargo as part of your shipping strategy, you can optimize both cost and speed, enhancing your supply chain's efficiency and reliability.