Guide to Pricing and Costs of US-Based Air Freight Forwarders

Find online price quotes and rates for US-based air freight forwarders

By Sherril Steele-Carlin, Freelance Writer

1. Rate comparison sites for US freight forwarders.
2. US-based air freight forwarders websites for rate quotes and charts.
3. Information on how US air freight forwarder rates are set and managed.
   

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

Check out freight rate comparison sites to find the best prices from nationwide air freight forwardi

You don't have to go from air freight forwarder website to website to find the best shipping rates for your cargo. You can go to several rate comparison sites that allow you free membership so you can check on the best air freight rates for your specific shipping needs.

I recommend: The Freight Rate Company offers a free membership. Once you sign up, you can add some simple information like the weight of your package, where it originates, and where it's going. Then, you'll get rates from several different US air freight forwarders so you can choose the best price. Freight & Shipping offers quick quotes from up to 60 companies with no sign up.

Go directly to US freight forwarder websites for current pricing and rates

For direct pricing and costs of US-based air freight forwarders, go directly to their websites to get the most up-to-date price quotes. Ask them about bulk and multi-shipping discounts, too. Many big companies offer special, lower rates if you ship a lot of items or use them every day of the week.

I recommend: Superior Air Freight, based in Virginia, will give you a quote for your shipment or give you more information on bulk shipping. National Air Cargo is based in New York with offices around the world. You can request an online quote. Shannon Express offers a convenient online rate chart for domestic shipments.

Read about how air freight forwarders in the united states prices are set and managed

Import and export transportation rates and regulations are managed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and you can find out how they go about setting shipping and air freight prices at their website. You can also compare costs of ground and other shipping methods with a typical US-based air freight forwarder.

I recommend: The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers information on import and export shipping rates. Logistics Management offers insight into the costs of different methods of shipping, so you can compare information about US-based air freight forwarders' costs with other types of transportation.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't settle for sky-high shipping costs from your air freight forwarder in the US. Look for local air freight forwarders that offer international and national shipping, and look for airline cargo shipping options, too. Many airlines offer modest shipping costs for shipping anywhere in their route system.

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

Go with a trusted air freight forwarder in the US

Check out AIT Worldwide. They are a company with very happy customers who recommend their services.

I recommend: They are accessible for any after-hours needs. As one of the international and nationwide air freight forwarding services, they are good at time specific delivery and pickup. They are great at working with international events, like securing the carnet, and bailing you out when you make a shipping error have to send gear someplace fast.

Go with big name US air freight forwarders

You can't beat FedEx and UPS for their recognition, but they're mostly thought of for smaller package needs. Don't forget, though, that they are shipping experts who can easily handle large freight shipments.

I recommend: FedEx offers you many air freight services from expedited shipments to other US and international time definite delivery options. UPS can give you time definite air freight services varying from 24 hours to 5 to 7 days.

Look at experienced air freight forwarders

Cargo Link Air Freight, Inc. offers you a business that has been around since 1973, and Avio has been in the business for over 30 years. And just because you aren't on the US mainland, doesn't mean that you can't find a quality US air freight forwarders. Aloha Freight Forwarders has been sending freight between Hawaii and the mainland for over 50 years.

I recommend: Cargo Link Air Freight, Inc. has offices located within JFK airport, and they are licensed customs brokers and freight forwarders. They can help you secure your documentation for your outbound and inbound shipping needs. Avio can offer you services as one of many international and air freight forwarders in the United States. They are also fully licensed for US trucking and as an ocean and air freight forwarder. Aloha Freight Forwarders gives you offices both in LA and Honolulu.

Look at well networked air freight forwarders in the US

US freight forwarders like World Class Shipping out of New York offers you a network of over 1,000 agents worldwide. They can help you as an international freight forwarder and customs broker, and they are a part of the World Cargo Alliance.

I recommend: Look up a World Class Shipping freight quote or check out their customs brokerage services.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for US-based air freight forwarders who are fully licensed, insured and certified as a U.S. domestic freight forwarder and a U.S. Customs House Broker, as well as meeting those international requirements if you are shipping something outside of the U.S.

Guide to US-Based Air Freight Forwarders News and Trends

Research and read the latest analyses and news for US-based air freight forwarders

By Sherril Steele-Carlin, Freelance Writer

1. Magazines and other publications geared to US freight forwarders.
2. Groups and organizations and groups that support air freight forwarders in the US.
3. Blogs and discussions about nationwide air freight forwarding services.
   

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

Ferret out new magazines and publications for information about US-based air freight forwarders

The business of air transport covers the globe, but many of the biggest air freight forwarders are located right here in the U.S. Locate US freight forwarders and their latest trends and forecasts in publications that cater to the air freight industry.

I recommend: Air Cargo World offers breaking news for the air transport industry, including air freight forwarders in the united states. The Journal of Commerce offers news expressly for the air freight industry on its website. Business Week offers up-to-date analysis of the US air freight forwarder industry.

Go to organizations and groups that support air freight forwarders in the United States

If you seek out professional organizations for US air freight forwarders you'll find news, upcoming legislation that could affect air freight companies, and more. Organizations also often offer experts and lobbyists to fight for the large or small US-based air freight forwarder.

I recommend: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers a special section for air freight, including industry studies and analysis, news, and more. The International Air Cargo Association (IACA) offers US Registrar Notices that can affect the US air freight forwarder.

Read blogs and message boards about US air freight forwarders

Sometimes the best way to get the buzz on an industry is from the people who work in it. In the air freight industry, several professionals have blogs and message boards where you can learn the real insider information you need to know to choose the right forwarder for your particular business and shipping needs.

I recommend: Freight Dawg is an in-depth look at the world of air freight from an industry professional. Air Freight offers news and opinion on the air freight industry.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Any air freight forwarder in the US should be able to get your packages from here to there. Reading up on the latest news and developments in the air freight industry can identify the right forwarders to deal with, and help you negotiate a better price for your bulk shipping needs, because you'll find out what companies offer bulk discounts and other shipping deals, too.

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

Fuel surcharges

Fuel surcharges are extra fees worked into your air freight shipping rate to cover the shipper's cost of fuel for the plane.

I recommend: Take a look at the fuel surcharge information from FedEx.

Tare weight or unladen weight

The tare weight, also referred to as the unladen weight, is the weight of the empty vehicle or container. This weight includes the container or pallet when empty, and includes all liners and/or fittings.

I recommend: Find out more about the definition of tare weight from BusinessDictionary.com. Learn more about tare weight of packaged products from the ODA Measurement Standards Division.

Certificate of origin (C of O)

The certificate of origin (C of O) is used by customs in the destination country to control imported goods from particular countries, or in order to identify goods that might qualify for special treatment.

I recommend: Obtain and find out more information on certificate of origin documentation paperwork from Unzco.

Customs broker

Customs brokers help clear goods through customs in the countries to which they are importing or exporting. They help prepare documents, calculate taxes and facilitate communication between all parties involved in the shipping process.

I recommend: Check out the brokerage services that Cargo Link Air Freight has to offer. Look at how Ocean Air Logistics can serve you as a customs broker.

Bill of lading (BOL or B/L)

The bill of lading (BOL or B/L) is documentation issued by the carrier to the shipper stating that the goods have been received for transport. This document is sometimes referred to as an airbill.

I recommend: Learn about tracking air freight via airbill from FreightDATA.com.

Foreign trade zones

Foreign trade zones are US Customs enclosed areas that are operated as public utilities. They include facilities for handling, storing, manipulating, manufacturing, and exhibiting goods, and the merchandise found there can be exported, destroyed or sent into the territory of a host country (at which point it becomes subject to that country's duties and tariffs).

I recommend: Find out more about foreign trade zones from the Miami Free Zone. Check out Orlando's Zone #42 for additional information.