Air cargo freight routing companies utilize various resources to move products around the world. The airlines used by companies to move their products keep track of the goods through standardized procedures with which a business must comply. Independent, self-reliant air forwarders utilize a variety of software programs to keep track of their goods.

Find the most efficient air cargo tracking systems for your needs in a variety of ways. Look for programs that can interface with the major hubs in the world and track your cargo at all times. Web-based cargo tracking systems are increasingly replacing systems that required special software or hardware platforms. Make the most of air freight tracking by finding the air forwarding company that works best for your company needs.

1. Use an airway billing number for air freight tracking information.

2. Find web-based air cargo tracking systems for immediate response to inquiries about where a product is located.

3. Contract with outsourcing firms to implement air freight routing strategies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep up with air tracking information using common codes

Many of the major air carriers for cargo utilize the airbill tracking system that uses a barcoding system to keep tabs on their freight. It is one of the common processes in use that is usually a reliable source of tracking information. Find resources to work within this system.

I recommend: Click on the carrier that you are using at Air Cargo Tracking for access to the tracking airbill system used by major airlines to move inventory. Register with Airbill.com so that you can log in and utilize the popular tracking system.

Look for companies that utilize the latest air freight tracking online tools

Consider using companies that can provide real-time reports and respond to inquiries online while tracking your products. Find an online tracking operation that is connected to ports of entry worldwide to cover all your delivery areas. Utilize the resources of online tracking with little or no software or hardware expenses.

I recommend: CSA has tracking software for large and small businesses for online access to cargo tracking for a variety of carriers. Check out the services offered by Pacific Customs Brokers, which has a state-of-the-art web-based air cargo tracking system in place. Download the forms and begin using the services within days.

Use the services of third party logistics companies for air cargo tracking solutions

Air cargo tracking professionals can manage your entire delivery process and provide you with access to information through their own company websites and Internet technology. Save resources with independent carriers and third party air forwarders particularly if your delivery needs are only sporadic.

I recommend: ICE makes a commitment to handle all your freight forwarding from packing to destination with online tracking capabilities to keep you in the loop. Download the forms and register online. UPS gives their customers access to the company's intranet to follow along with the tracking they provide. Log in with your password and get up to the minute tracking information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that the programs you use take advantage of international freight tracking tools that can facilitate customs when necessary.

Air cargo freight routing can be a cost effective solution if you allow yourself ample time to send your gear from point A to point B. The air freight tracking that your shipper offers will help you make sure that package is well on its way, and it can help you account for it after it has left the shipper’s hands.

Air freight tracking is your best friend. You can watch your package progress to its destination, you can report back to bosses, clients, or end users, and you can help the recipient find the package by providing them the shipper provided arrival time and signature name.

To find the best air cargo tracking solutions:

1. Stick with a provider that is up with the times.

2. Select a company with an air cargo tracking system such as scanned bar codes on packages and online tracking options.

3. Make sure your provider also offers phone support for tracking freight, just in case the unexpected issue becomes your reality.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start online in your air cargo freight routing search

Check out companies like ASTAR Air Cargo or Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. to service your cargo freight routing needs.

I recommend: ASTAR Air Cargo offers you airport-to-airport services or charter flights to fit any need. Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. offers you an air cargo tracking solution by giving you time-definite, airport-to-airport freight service. They are a winner of the prestigious Air Cargo Excellence Award in the Air Cargo Charter category, and they specialize in servicing markets in Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Far East.

Choose a reputable air freight routing company

Schedule your air freight routing through a major shipping chain for fast and efficient air freight tracking information.

I recommend: FedEx offers International Express Freight® (IXF) for time-definite service between world airports. This service usually takes 2 or 3 business days. FedEx's International Airport-to-AirportSM (ATA) service offers 3–5 business day airport-to-airport delivery. UPS offers regional and worldwide services, and DHL not only offers Worldwide air freight but international document services as well.

Review your air freight tracking choices

Looking at your potential shipper's tracking and proof of delivery (POD) pages may help you make a decision based on how clear, accurate and timely their information can be. You want to look for a company that has user friendly tracking pages with added contact information in case you question what you find once you track your package.

I recommend: Check out the air freight tracking options offered by Champ and BAX. Or check the AIT Worldwide Logistics tracking demo.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always opt for insurance.
• •  Look up your PODs, and be sure and note your case count. Verify it with your equipment order or pack list to ensure that all of the packages have made it there safely instead of just some of them.
• •  Provide your tracking and proof of delivery information, including who signed for the package or packages, to your clients. It is very respectable and courteous to keep them in the loop on your air cargo tracking.

Following your cargo from point A to point B can be a nerve racking experience if your air freight tracking is extremely time specific and you are anxiously awaiting the delivery of your product. To help put your mind at ease, becoming knowledgeable about air cargo tracking will put the power into your hands by allowing you to follow your freight along the way.

Tracking air cargo freight routing can easily done by searching by airport prefixes or by airline name. There are many sites available that will help you jump right to the correct link on your shipper's site to help you find the right air freight tracking information. As your shipment makes its way to its destination, at each checkpoint, it should be scanned in, and generally those scans are logged into the computer database. It is those updates that will show up each time the log is updated.

To find out more air freight tracking for beginners:

1. Learn what information air freight tracking sites are asking for before you start the process.

2. Track your air cargo on meta-sites.

3. Go right to the source for air freight tracking information.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Be prepared before you sit down to log in your air freight tracking info

There are certain numbers and information that you will need for your air freight tracking before you log in for your tracking information. Find out what those numbers are and where to find them on your airbill.

I recommend: Business Management Systems shows basic information on what an air waybill (AWB) looks like. Aircargotracking.net gives you a listing of airport prefixes, which can be used in tracking your cargo. You can also use the site to jump to the airline site to find your air tracking information.

Take advantage of meta-sites to help you find air freight tracking information

Use your airline and airbill information to help you track your shipment's travels. Make sure it is running on time, or find out if it has already been delivered to your clients.

I recommend: Sites like ACTC let your track your air cargo shipment by selecting the airline that it came in on. Click on the airline to take you directly to the carrier that your shipment is scheduled in on. Track-trace offers the same service of looking up the freight carrier by name to track your package. They also offer helpful information including airline codes, airline prefixes, airport codes as well as IATA member search. Champ also offers you real time status on your shipment when you fill in your carrier, your prefix and your AWB number.

Look at what air cargo tracking various carriers and providers are giving

Instead of going to a meta-site, consider jumping directly to the site of your freight carrier to find your air cargo tracking information. Add it to your favorites section of your web browser to make it easier access each time you use it.

I recommend: Learn all about the tracking freight features offered by UPS. Find out about their UPS Signature Tracking, track by e-mail, their import tracking numbers, what to do if you don't have a tracking number and more. Look at how easy it is to go directly to the air carrier's website, like that of US Airways, to track your shipment.

Sending and receiving products through the use of air freight can be a quick and cost-effective option for shipping, depending on whether you choose airport-to-airport delivery using a major air freight service or charter cargo that takes your freight anywhere you need it to go. Air freight tracking is available regardless of the type of service you choose, and understanding the key terms for air freight tracking will help you get the best use out of air cargo options and make sure your package is delivered safely.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Air freight forwarding

Air freight forwarding is one of the most common types of services for which you will need air freight tracking, because freight forwarding is in charge of picking up your package at a destination and forwarding it onward to another location. Air freight forwarding services may be responsible for tracking the package for you if the cargo is changing hands rather than staying in the charge of a single freight service.

I recommend: UniGroup Worldwide offers a concise definition for air freight forwarding in their glossary of air freight terms.

Airport-to-airport

Airport-to-airport delivery is a cost-effective option available from air transportation companies. Airport-to-airport delivery allows you to ship your cargo on existing flights operating between given hubs. Your freight tracking will allow you to find out when a delivery is expected at the airport and if the flight is on time or delayed.

I recommend: Read more definitions of airport-to-airport cargo service from United Air Lines or Blue Dart Express Limited, companies that ship and track airport-to-airport freight.

Charter

Charter flights are used when you need to ship cargo within specific time and location constraints, and involves renting the use of an entire airplane or a specific cargo area in the airplane for shipping your cargo.

I recommend: Fair Deal Shipping Limited and Cargo Charter Service offer additional definitions of charter shipping services by air transport.

Shipping insurance

Shipping insurance is available from most cargo shipping services, and can be purchased in several classes based on the value of the shipment. Shipping insurance will cover the cost of the cargo up to the amount of insurance purchased if the shipment is lost or damaged. Typically, you must purchase shipping insurance before the shipment is sent, so be aware of the need for insurance when you arrange the shipment.

I recommend: American Airlines Cargo provides an overview and guidelines for shipping insurance.

Proof of delivery

Proof of delivery, or POD, is used to ensure that your air cargo arrived at the destination. Proof of delivery is a necessary feature of air cargo tracking services when you are using freight forwarding or outsourcing shipping to another company and cannot ensure yourself that a product was delivered.

I recommend: Read a comprehensive definition and overview of proof of delivery from Digital Storage Solutions.

Air waybill

The air waybill, or AWB, is a certificate noting what is contained in a package. Many air freight companies use an AWB along with freight tracking to ensure that the shipment is delivered as expected. A house air waybill may be issued to customers as a specific form of tracking, while the air waybill is used by freight companies.

I recommend: Read a definition for air waybill from TradeXpro in its glossary of air freight terms.