Is Your Business Ready for International and Domestic Air Freight?

Air freight lets retailers reach almost any destination worldwide, providing unparalleled access to global markets. When it comes to shipping goods, especially across large distances and tight timelines, air freight emerges as a crucial solution.?

So, how do you know if you should be using air freight over other methods like courier services??

Let's break it down.

1. Firstly, assess the urgency of your shipments

If you frequently require rapid delivery to meet tight deadlines, air freight may be suitable due to its speed and reliability.

If you're facing tight deadlines and need swift shipping solutions, consider partnering with a FACA accredited business.?

With an on-site X-ray facility strategically located within our Sydney hub, we ensure smooth and secure transportation of goods. Meticulously screening goods before they board the main aircraft, can expedite loading, comply with safety regulations, and reduce costs – all while providing peace of mind.

You may also want to partner with a company that is accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), like us. This means the team has undergone rigorous training and audits to demonstrate competence in handling air cargo, including knowledge of safety regulations, customs procedures, and documentation requirements.

IATA accredited businesses have to meet strict standards of professionalism, reliability, and adherence to industry regulations in air cargo transportation.

2. Secondly, evaluate the volume and size of your shipments

Air freight is typically more cost-effective for larger quantities, so if you regularly transport sizable loads, it may be a viable option.?

Typically, we advise that air freight becomes advantageous for shipments weighing over 100 kilograms. At this threshold, the benefits of air freight, often outweigh the higher costs associated.

One interesting aspect worth noting is the billing structure in air freight. Unlike courier services, where charges may vary based on weight alone, air freight incorporates volumetric charges, resulting in nuanced billing depending on the dimensions and weight of the cargo.

3. Lastly, review the nature of your goods to ensure they are compatible with air transport regulations

A good freight forwarder will include services that involve assessing your product, preparing and submitting the necessary paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations, to ensure compliance with import/export regulations.

Staying informed about evolving regulations is essential, especially concerning the transportation of specific dangerous goods – like lithium batteries. We recently had a client that wanted to send a second-hand mobility scooter, but they didn’t realise that they weren’t able to send the scooter with the used lithium battery.?

So, how fast can your packages actually get to their destination?

Consolidation service and direct shipments are two key options to consider when looking at air freight. We offer both at AMS, each catering to different needs and preferences.

Consolidation service, also known as deferred service, involves grouping together multiple customers' goods and sending them as a consolidated shipment to a specific destination. This approach allows us to optimise space and resources, ultimately leading to cost savings for our clients. Typically, consolidation shipments have set departure schedules, such as twice a week, depending on the destination.

On the other hand, direct shipments offer a more expedited service, where cargo is sent directly to its destination without consolidation. This option is ideal for time-sensitive shipments or when clients require dedicated transportation for their goods. Direct shipments provide faster transit times and greater control over delivery schedules compared to consolidation services.

Retailers should consider the typical delivery times their freight forwarders can achieve and whether they work with multiple airlines for various destinations, ensuring they can handle seasonal influxes of orders effectively.

By making informed decisions and selecting the right logistics partner, retailers can optimise their shipping processes, expand market reach, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Are you ready to expand into air freight? Send me a message.