What is the most common cargo plane? – Cargo plane guide

Cargo planes are transporting goods across the world with speed and precision. But what  makes a cargo plane different from a passenger plane? How are they designed to handle everything from lightweight packages to massive industrial equipment?

In this article, we’ll explore the world of cargo planes, answering key questions like – what is the most common cargo plane? How are they loaded? and what are the types of aircraft used for various cargo needs? This guide will unpack everything you need to know about cargo planes.

What is a cargo plane?

A cargo plane is an aircraft specifically designed for transporting goods. These planes come in various sizes and are built with unique features that prioritize storage capacity, efficiency, and ease of handling. Unlike passenger planes, shipping planes are designed to maximize space and simplify the process of loading and unloading goods – which is crucial for ensuring quick and seamless operations.

The type of storage and space required often depends on the nature of the cargo being transported, which can vary widely – from lightweight parcels to heavy machinery. Beyond storage capacity, the ease of loading and unloading is another critical factor, often influencing the design and functionality of the planes.

There are various types of cargo planes, each tailored to specific shipping needs. We’ll delve into those details later on.

Read more about what air cargo is.  

Cargo plane vs passenger plane

Cargo planes are different from typical passenger planes in several ways. They are designed with large doors to make loading and unloading bulky items or containers easier. The cargo space is usually open and spacious, with reinforced floors and secure systems to keep the goods in place during transport.

In aviation, the term PAX refers to passengers. Some aircraft are designed to carry both passengers and cargo, with specific sections allocated for goods. These planes maintain the necessary comfort and functionality for passenger transport while still accommodating cargo.

On the other hand, the acronym CAO stands for "Cargo Aircraft Only." These planes are exclusively built for transporting goods. Their design and functionality are entirely focused on the loading, shipping, and unloading of cargo, with no space allocated for passengers.

Also read: What is the primary benefit of shipping goods by air?

Types of cargo planes

To better understand the capabilities and features of different cargo planes, we’ve created comparison tables, highlighting the planes' specifications. The tables provide a clear overview from smallest to biggest cargo planes, helping you identify the best option for your shipping needs.

Jet aircrafts

Small jet aircraft:

Small jet aircraft are ideal for transporting urgent, high-value cargo. With their high-speed capabilities and efficient use of space, they are perfectly suited for critical shipments that demand both speed and precision.

Standard body aircraft:

Standard body aircraft are highly versatile and dependable, suitable for transporting a wide range of freight. With spacious cargo holds and efficient operations, they are a reliable choice for routine and diverse transportation needs.

Medium widebody aircraft:

Medium widebody aircraft offer generous cargo space and efficient performance, making them ideal for larger shipments. They provide a well-balanced solution, combining capacity and efficiency to handle substantial freight.

Large widebody aircraft:

Large widebody aircraft are built to handle the most challenging cargo transport needs. With their immense capacity and long-range capabilities, they are perfectly suited for heavy, oversized, or large shipments, ensuring safe and efficient transportation over great distances.

Propeller aircrafts

Small propeller aircraft:

Small propeller aircraft are tailored for smaller cargo loads and excel at reaching remote or less accessible locations. Their compact size and flexibility make them ideal for precise, smaller-scale delivery operations where efficiency is key.

Medium propeller aircraft:

Medium propeller aircraft offer a perfect balance of size and functionality. They are highly versatile, accommodating various cargo sizes while providing efficient transport solutions – with an ideal combination of capacity and maneuverability for medium-sized shipments.

Large propeller aircraft:

Large propeller aircraft are designed for high-capacity cargo operations, offering exceptional payload capabilities. Their adaptability to different freight types makes them an ideal choice for transporting large, bulky shipments.

Very large propeller aircraft:

Very large propeller aircraft are built to accommodate oversized and voluminous freight. Their expansive cargo holds and robust specifications make them perfectly suited for handling substantial weights and sizes – offering a dependable solution for large-scale shipping needs.

Are you curious about the capabilities of cargo planes? Learn more in our guide on how much weight a cargo plane can carry. 

What is the most common cargo plane in logistics?

The Boeing 747-8F is a wide-body airliner and the largest commercial cargo plane in the world. This cargo plane model is transporting approximately half of the world's air freight – making it the most common cargo plane in logistics.

How is a cargo plane loaded?

Cargo planes are loaded differently depending on the type of aircraft and the cargo being transported. Here’s an easy breakdown of how the process works:

1.   Preparing the cargo

Cargo is first placed into special units called ULDs (Unit Load Devices), which come in two forms: containers and pallets. The ULDs make it easier to organize and secure the freight when loading into the aircraft.

2.   Using cargo loaders

Once the cargo is secured in containers or pallets, it is lifted into the aircraft using a cargo loader. For planes with a high deck, like many freighters, the cargo loader aligns with the cargo doors, usually located on the left or right side of the aircraft.

3.   Special loading features

Some aircraft, like the Boeing 747F, have unique features such as a cargo door at the nose of the plane. This allows direct, easy loading of large or long items.

4.   Low-deck aircraft loading

Low-deck cargo planes are designed with a ramp at the rear of the aircraft. This ramp allows wheeled cargo, like cars, trucks, or tanks, to be driven directly into the plane without needing a cargo loader.

This system ensures cargo is efficiently loaded, secured, and ready for transport, regardless of size or type. Each aircraft's design is optimized for the specific needs of the freight it carries.

Read more about international shipping.

How many seats are on a cargo plane?

Cargo planes are primarily designed for transporting goods and materials. They typically don´t have seats for passengers. Instead, the interior is a large, open fuselage optimized for cargo storage.

However, some cargo planes include a small, separate cabin for crew members and a limited number of authorized passengers – such as pilots, mechanics, security personnel, or cargo handlers. The number of seats in these cabins is usually minimal and depends on the specific aircraft design.

Curious about how to track your shipment? Learn all about air cargo tracking here. 

Book your airfreight with Bertling

Bertling offers tailored airfreight logistics solutions designed to meet your unique shipping needs. Whether you require fast, reliable transportation for high-priority goods or specialized handling for oversized cargo, our network of cargo planes and logistics expertise ensures seamless delivery.

With our focus on efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction, we provide services such as chartered flights, express shipping, and multimodal transport. Our global reach and comprehensive logistics solutions make us a trusted partner for your airfreight shipments.

Ready to simplify your shipping process? Book your airfreight with Bertling and experience dependable, customized solutions that get your cargo where it needs to be.

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