Making the Most of Air Freight and Cargo

Get your money's worth--and then some--out of air transport

As with any other industry, the smart air cargo transport buyer will take the time to make sure they're making the most of air freight and cargo purchases. This means, among other things, getting to know the companies you're dealing with and making sure that your goods are getting where they need to go, when they need to get there, and in good condition.

You won't always get the most out of the companies with the lowest air freight rates; quality of service matters, so it pays to be attentive to the details and tailored offerings that paying a higher price might get you. Some of the best ways to get the most value (if not the lowest prices) out of your air freight and cargo budget include:

1. Using specialized air cargo transportation, when appropriate, for specialized equipment.

2. Connecting with air freight services and associations that form a world-wide network of connections.

3. Using an air cargo service that caters specifically to business customers.

 

Find shippers that can handle specialized air cargo

If you have specialized equipment or cargo to ship, it will pay to search out shipping services and air cargo forwarders that specialize in dealing with that particular variety of equipment. Finding a shipper that's current on what sort of packaging, handling and treatment is appropriate for your valuable business products and supplies will give you peace of mind.
Try: Fortunately, businesses like Computer Transportation Services specialize in moving high-tech (and thus high-value), goods. Large scale air cargo and sea cargo forwarders, like Central Transportation Systems, have the experience and reputation to handle everything from delicate electronic goods to aerospace components.

Become part of a world-wide air logistics network

Sometimes the logistics business boils down to a game of connections. Knowing who can move your products and freight efficiently, and who can help you accomplish your shipping and logistics goals as quickly and easily as possible, are both key to making the most of air freight and cargo services.
Try: The International Air & Shipping Association (IASA) and the International Freight Association (IFA) are both comprised of independent freight forwarders from dozens of countries in five continents. Joining these organizations gives you an independent contact that's committed to excellence--and that is part of a large global network--in almost any country to which you may choose to ship.

Link up with business-oriented air cargo freight services.

You're more likely to have your needs attentively met if you deal with freight companies that cater to business customers. This is also a good way to find industry advisers if you're looking for logistics consultants or a mentor.
Try: Deal with business-savvy vendors like ShipSmart that offer services tailored to business owners and managers--for a description of what Ship Smart can do for you, simply click on the site's Business Services tab. Use Freighters Online to search through the air freight industry by freighter and utility aircraft, airline profiles and other criteria to avoid wasting your time contacting companies that can't meet your needs.

 

• Don't let low air freight rates lure you into a dubious transaction; deal with air cargo transport companies that have strong industry connections, are FMC/ICC (Federal Maritime Commission/International Chamber of Commerce, respectively) licensed and provide cargo insurance and full documentation, such as certificates of origin and customs clearance.

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