Air Freight Services Sacramento

Air Cargo Services at Sacramento International Airport – History, Growth & Fast Freight Solutions

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) may be best known for serving California’s capital region with commercial passenger flights, but it has also played an important and growing role in domestic air cargo services. From its beginnings in the late 1960s to today’s advanced operations, SMF has become a vital hub for businesses across Northern California that depend on quick, reliable freight solutions.

The History of Air Cargo at Sacramento International

Sacramento International Airport opened in 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport. In its early years, air cargo activity was relatively modest, primarily handled by passenger airlines transporting mail, documents, and small parcels in the belly of aircraft.

By the 1980s and 1990s, demand for air cargo at SMF expanded alongside the region’s economic growth. Sacramento’s central location between the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and the agricultural Central Valley made it an attractive point for distributing both time-critical and high-volume shipments. Dedicated freight carriers began establishing routes through SMF, connecting local businesses to national and international supply chains.

The 2000s brought further modernization. Expanded runways, new facilities, and improved cargo handling infrastructure allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and increased freight volume. With Sacramento’s growing role in healthcare, technology, and agriculture, SMF became more than just a regional passenger airport—it became a dependable air freight hub.

Air Cargo Operations at SMF Today

Today, Sacramento International Airport is equipped with modern cargo facilities designed to handle urgent, sensitive, and oversized freight. Its strategic location just outside the Bay Area allows shippers to avoid congestion while still accessing major airline routes.

SMF supports both passenger airline cargo operations and dedicated freight carriers, offering:

  • TSA-compliant facilities for secure shipments.

  • Specialized handling for perishables, high-tech equipment, and medical supplies.

  • Fast connections to major U.S. hubs for overnight and same-day delivery.

  • Reliable options for businesses in Northern California needing urgent domestic freight services.

Our Same Day & Next Day Air Freight Services at SMF

At The Expedited Company, we specialize in leveraging Sacramento International Airport for urgent freight solutions. Whether you’re moving replacement machinery, medical equipment, or high-value documents, our air freight services ensure your shipment gets there on time.

Same Day – Next Flight Out (NFO) Service

  • We place your shipment on the next available commercial flight out of SMF.

  • Door-to-door coordination, including pickup, airline booking, and final delivery.

  • Real-time milestone updates to keep you informed.

Next Day Air Freight Service

  • Guaranteed next-business-day delivery to most U.S. destinations.

  • More cost-effective than same-day for shipments that allow a slightly longer transit.

  • Secure handling for freight of all sizes.

With 24/7/365 operations, our team ensures shipments through Sacramento move quickly and reliably, no matter the time or day.

Why Plan Sacramento Air Freight with Us

  • Strategic Location: Avoid Bay Area congestion while still accessing major air networks.

  • Speed & Reliability: Same day or next day, we deliver on urgent deadlines.

  • Nationwide Coverage: Direct domestic reach from SMF to cities across the U.S.

  • Experience: Our team specializes in time-critical logistics and TSA compliance.

From agricultural producers needing rapid shipments, to manufacturers and healthcare providers, our services connect Sacramento’s economy to the entire nation. Call 844-382-5068 for assistance today.