When it comes to ultra fast movement of important orders or receipt of a critical component for your production facility, using air freight is the best solution around. Few modes of transportation offer the timeliness and security of a competent air freight service.
Air freight shipping can be a real advantage when that special customer needs your product immediately. Keep in mind that special service requires a special price and shipping airfreight is no different. When you consider the use of air freight services keep in mind the following important points:
- Is the use of an air freight service the best choice for this particular shipment? Using arbitrary criteria to select shipments to send via an air freight forwarder will get expensive.
- Are the air freight rates the best available? Check with the air freight services to see if they can offer you discount air freight rates.
- Gather all of the air freight information prior to contacting an air freight service. This will help avoid any unnecessary delays in picking up or sending a shipment.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose the best air freight service for you company's needs
The advantage to choosing a single company is that you have the opportunity to build a relationship that could lead to a discount in your air freight rates.
I recommend: Atlas Air operates the latest Boeing 747-400 series aircraft for any heavy air freight or special charter services. For everyday air freight shipping needs,
FedEx is available nearly everywhere.
Choose a customs broker for your international air freight needs
Nothing is more frustrating than to have an all important air freight shipment stuck in customs. A competent customs broker can save you time, headaches and money.
I recommend: Cleared and Delivered is a single stop for all of your air freight importing needs. Make certain the customs broker you've selected is a member of an industry association such as the
National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.
Discover your claim rights if goods are damaged
In the air freight shipping world, just like other methods of shipping, damage to shipments can occur. When bad things happen to your goods, knowing your rights can make the difference between moving on quickly or having a giant headache.
I recommend: CargoLaw has a comprehensive guide to your rights in the event a claim needs filed. The
Southern United States Trade Association has a great guide for proper packaging of air freight shipments.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Using Air Freight can give your company a true advantage. Take the opportunity to research the shipping methods of competitive organizations. If they do not offer an air freight option, you could set yourself apart by using air freight shipping as a standard in your business.
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