Air Freight Forwarders Basics

Tips for selecting an air forwarder to get your product transported safely and efficiently

Those in the manufacturing industry rely heavily on air cargo shipments and air freight forwarders to ensure their products arrive safely and on time to their destinations. The complicated, red tape-laden trail that is involved in moving freight from point A to point B, particularly where international transport is involved, leads many manufacturers to hire freight forwarders to handle the process.

Many of today's freight forwarders provide a one-stop shopping experience for their customers. Services include air and sea freight export documentation and letter of credit handling, inland transportation to airports or seaports as applicable for your destination, as well as packing and storage needs should you require them. You will have answers to air freight forwarders basics by asking the three questions below:

1. Do the air freight forwarders you are looking at have the proper industry credentials?

2. Can they handle domestic and international air freight?

3. Can the air freight forwarding company provide you with quality service at reasonable rates?

Check air freight forwarding companies to make sure they have the proper industry credentials

The two most well-known and respected accreditations in the United States for freight forwarding companies are the Air Forwarder Association (AFA) and the International Air Transport Association, or IATA. IATA accreditation for freight forwarders is completed through Cargo Network Services (CNS). In particular, the IATA accreditation requires an established standard of financial, operational and compliance be met.

Confirm that freight forwarders can handle domestic and international air logistics

It is important to confirm that whichever freight forwarding company your business selects to transport its product, the air freight forwarder is capable of picking up and dropping off cargo at your desired location. For many companies this will include adding another shipping component to its route.

Compare rate quotes from a selection of air freight forwarding providers

There are many air freight forwarding providers from which to choose. Requesting quotes from several will help narrow down your selection. Make sure to consider the dollar value of any additional services as part of the quote.

• If your business is global in scale, consider including on your list of criteria for an air forwarder company the number of cities the provider considers as operational "hubs." Many companies consider their home base just one major city, while others operate out of several cities in the U.S. and abroad. Multiple operational hubs mean that more qualified individuals are on hand to shepherd your cargo.

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