Air Freight

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A HISTORICAL LOOK AT THE AIR FREIGHT INDUSTRY Air Freight Container Facts Factors That Affect The Air Freight Rate

How To Save On Air Freight Shipping


CONTENTS 1.

A Historical Look At The Air Freight Industry

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2.

Air Freight Company - The Solution Provider

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3.

Air Freight Container Facts

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4.

Choosing The Best Shipment Company

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5.

Doing It The People’s Way With Canadian Air Freight

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6.

Eyes On Your Package With Air Freight Tracking

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7.

Factors That Affect The Air Freight Rate

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8.

GRAF Air Freight Tips And Tricks

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9.

How Does Air Freight Service Work

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10.

Imagine How Huge International Air Freight Can Get

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11.

Know the Costs and Know How To Save on Air Freight Shipping

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12.

Popular Air Cargo Freights

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Pros and Cons of Air Freight Forwarding And Integrating

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Smart Tips For First Time Exporters

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1 A HISTORICAL LOOK AT THE AIR FREIGHT INDUSTRY

During the early years of aviation, people were constantly looking for practical uses of airplanes. People were amazed with the machines that enabled men to fly, but the question of what to do with them plagued everyone’s mind. Of course, the uses for airplanes could not be limited to entertainment, because that would be wasting the huge potential of the technology on a pretty superficial industry. The air freight industry began with the journey of a bolt of silk from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio in November 1910. That fateful trip gave birth to the airfreight industry as we know it today. After that event, everything just progressed to new heights for the air freight industry. One of the pioneers of the air freight industry is American Railway Express. 1


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The name of the company points out to the fact that before the advent of the air freight industry, cargo was usually transported by train. The airfreight industry made a lot of conveniences possible. First, there was the matter of speed. Air freight sped up deliveries between businesses. This means that the air freight industry made it possible for businesses to acquire various merchandise when they needed it. This also saved a lot of money on storage. Before the advent of the air freight industry, businesses had to keep as much stock as possible. This helped them to meet orders in time. Because of the introduction of air freight, businesses could just fly in any merchandise. During the 1920’s, shipping of cargo via air grew more popular. In November 14, 1926, the National Air Transport Company was born. This company delivered the first air cargo in the United States in September 1, 1927. Many more companies were founded as promoters of the air freight industry. As the industry was still relatively young, these companies did not make much profit. The air freight industry got to a slow start because of the fact that they had stiff competition coming from passenger carriers. Many established passenger carriers opposed the establishment of an all-cargo air freight industry mainly because they feared it would destabilize the air industry. Another reason why the air freight industry did not grow as people hoped was that most businesses were unable to sustain the huge losses associated with starting an air freight operation. While some people attempted to remedy this by combining air freight with air passenger transport, they only succeeded in slowing down the industry. The revolution of the air freight industry came about when a man named Fred Smith noticed that the common practice of combining air freight with passenger freight was highly inefficient. He proposed that air freights should have different flight patterns from passenger flights. He was successful in gathering funds mainly because of his proposal for a guaranteed next-daydelivery service. And so it was that in April 1973, the Federal Express began operations. Of course, the initial years of business were hard. However, after 3 years of flying cargo, the company was beginning to show profit.


A Historical Look At Air Freight Industry

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By the 1980’s, Federal express was a household name. This just goes to show you how far a truly great idea can take you. Today, the air freight industry is booming and companies make millions of dollars in profits. That’s a far cry from the way that air freight businesses lost money in the past.


2 AIR FREIGHT COMPANY - THE SOLUTION PROVIDER

In a fast globalizing world, there is absolutely no need to tarry and be left behind in the rat race. Any measure to get into the next lap should be taken to maximize one's resources and the logistics that says the need. Shipping companies can no longer make use of the traditional (and almost obsolete) methods these days. Yes, shipment can still be done through rail roads and highways yet when time is the opponent, we can't bargain to give away our investments to losses- especially those that neatly state the make-or-break shots for the company. The global arena is much too open for anyone who has the means to take its opportunities. For already-established shipping companies, there is no other way to make things better but to fly on air. You heard it right- on air. 4


Air Freight Company – The Solution Provider

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This probably is the reason why air freight is becoming the ultimate and best means of making your stuffs travel. From simple mails to huge military tanks, you are sure to find one way to ship everything you want. Air freight companies simply control the supply chain of various commodities and items that require faster delivery. Freight is basically the term used for describing the cargoes are taken via air. Shipments then are categorized into various divisions to provide better services and to help separate a number of services into their own fields which require special treatments and conditions. An Air Freight Company, like all other establishment of service, is one that makes fortune through linking you towards service providers or providing the services themselves. Some companies have all the machinery and facilities to offer you all kinds of air freight services. While others, who are relatively small or just chose to focus on some fields, can provide you customized services. These services may be their own innovation or may offer you some services that may not be found with other similar companies. Since 1980, many are already speculating that trucking and forwarding business will be shifting to air services ones the global need arises. However, the realization of this sign only came recently when more advanced forms of plane cargoes, larger air planes and other modes of air transportation have emerged. Air freight companies cut the coast-to-coast transit time by channeling services through air. There are basically some types of services that may be provided with you all by a single air freight company or by several companies that specialize in certain areas of air freight. An air freight company normally separate shipment into categories using the following as their basis: The item- as we have said earlier, air freight companies can ship anything from mail to equipment of any size. This must be specifically priced according to the system provided by National Motor Freight Classification. The kind of cargo to be shipped- Say for parcel deliveries, it should only include items that are relatively small to be packed into boxes. Or for super cargo deliveries, items include cars, planes and a variety of larger equipment.


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The duration or time it will take for an air freight company to ship the goods- A number of air freight companies’ offer overnight or next-day delivery. This normally applies for shipments of smaller items like mails and parcels. However, if we are talking of large items, the shipping of the item could take anywhere from 3 days up to the number of days indicated on the terms and conditions of a specific category. Seeing the big picture, we can tell for sure that we now have some great solutions of shipping our stuffs. May it be your Christmas gift to a friend or shipment of supplies and facilities for your industry.


3 AIR FREIGHT CONTAINERS FACTS

Some may think that a person’s interest in knowing about air freight containers is weird. Many people tend to take objects and containers for granted. Think about the last gift you got. Do you remember exactly what item it was? Now, do you remember what was used to wrap it? People tend to ignore these details because they think that the present is more worthy of focus than the box it is carried in. Many people tend to forget that the box is what protects the present in the first place. Knowing about air freight containers is very important as it allows you to realize the conditions that your cargo goes through when it is being delivered. You can see whether a certain air freight container is suitable to protect and to hold your cargo. Did you know that the term air freight container is rarely used by people working on airlines? The proper term is actually unit load device or ULD. This fact alone can help you in making faster inquiries regarding air freight. 7


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Another fact about air freight containers that you should know about is the fact that there are actually standards used to determine the quality of an air freight container. In fact, there is actually an association which determines the specifications of air freight containers. This is to make sure that all manufacturers of air freight containers make their products as uniform as possible. This means that there will be no substandard products. The International Air Transport association is in charge of the details concerning air freight containers. This association is responsible for setting the standards that would ensure the correct transport of cargo. Here are some of the details that they specify: 1. Container Size – Standardization of the air freight container size is important. It helps people determine if the type of air freight container that they got can actually be used in transporting their cargo. This also makes it easier for companies to determine which type of air freight container is appropriate for their cargo. Knowing this is also very important in determining how much space your cargo will take up in a plane. 2. Door – It is necessary to standardize the doors of air freight containers in order to make sure that people are able to actually get their cargo to fit into the container. The door size is not the only factor that’s standardized. The material used to make the door is also standardized. This is done in order to make sure that the cargo is protected from any potential hazard. 3. Modifications – Different types of cargo require different types of air freight containers. These modifications are also standardized in order to help determine the dimensions of an air freight container easier. This of course, saves a lot of space and money.


Air Freight Container Facts 9 The modifications could be designed to accommodate the safety of various cargos, or it could be designed to ensure the comfort of animal cargo. 4. Material – The materials used in the making of air freight containers are also standardized. This is done in order to easily determine the weight of the cargo and container. This of course, is very important since it determines the efficiency of any vehicle to transport cargo. The materials used in making air freight containers also have a big impact on the protection of the cargo.


4 CHOOSING THE BEST SHIPMENT COMPANY

Air freight and cargo have been important in the industry. They play a crucial role in providing business solutions and supporting the global chain. There are lots of air shipping companies that provide better services. But only a few of them can give you kind of service you want at a competitive shipping cost. In choosing the best air freight company, you must understand first some important points before deciding for one. Below are some helpful points you should look for before dealing with an air freight company. 1. Look For The Shipping Benefits They Offer An air freight company should offer direct access or contact to an advanced cargo shipping network at a reasonable shipping price. 10


Choosing The Best Shipment Company

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They should give variety of integrated shipping services. More importantly, the company must be supported by known air freight shipping companies in the shipping industry. Example of this big time air freight companies are the American airlines, Roadway Corporation and Kitty Hawk. 2. Find Out The Shipping Services Available. Look for the shipping freight that will suit your needs. It must provide a complete line of transportation process, from pick up to delivery. The arrival of shipment must be ensured, and should not exceed 5 days. You can visit the website of the shipping freight to find out more of their products and shipping services. You can also talk directly to their customer care representatives. 3.

Know The Sizes Of The Cargo The Company Accepts.

Most would accept any shipment size, but practically you can save almost 50% on some shipments greater than 200 pounds. 4.

Be Economical In Choosing The Shipping Company

You must be sure that you get the best service that’s worth your pay. Shipping companies must only compute for the transportation fee, the service level, and some factor like the time of the day and the day of the week. There are also additional fee such as the air freight tax, regulatory fees and some special services needed. It is vital to canvass first the shipping cost before dealing with such company. 5.

Always Check The Shipment Location Of The Air Freight

Some would only offer seamless service to respective places. 6.

Look For A Company That Provides Easy Access

There are some that needs online registration while others may require you to call their customer care. You can also apply for credit card so that you easily start shipping your products after registration.


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By doing these, you can won’t waste lots of time and effort. 7.

Be Sure That The Company Operates A 24/7 Customer Care Service

This is important so that you can easily track your freight shipments by inquiring at the customer care center. It is always advisable that you track all shipments ensuring that they are visible all through the shipment transit. Check the status of your shipment from the pick up until you get the proof of delivery. 8.

You Can Always Create Shipment Reports

This is beneficial for you so that you can have an easy access of the summary of all the shipping you made. Shipping can be convenient if you know how to choose the best shipping company. It is quality that counts. Opt for the air freight company that uses state of the art cargo engines with competitive shipping rates to provide chain needs and business solutions.


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DOING IT THE PEOPLE'S WAY WITH AIR CANADA FREIGHT

Every day around the world, people are constantly in need of a service provided that can transport their packages from one destination to the other. In answer to this need, air Canada freight is continuously upgrading their strategies and methods to cater to satisfy their customers' need. In addition, this freight service is also expanding in different parts of the world. This is because it is important that even far off places have their own reliable air freight provider. What people are looking in an air freight provider? 13


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1. Reliability People want their packages to be handled and delivered properly. This is because they want their packages to arrive at its destination in the same condition that is sent. That is why people want their service provider to be reliable. Gaining the trust of customers is not that easy. They are always on the lookout for another which will is better than what they have already. But then, once they know that no other company can do what theirs are capable of, that is the time when they will be converted to loyal customers. Showing the customers how reliable you are will gain more repeat clients. In addition, they are likely to recommend you to other people who might be in need of the same service. 2. Competitive Price When people think of air freight services, the first thing that comes to mind is the price. Because of the nature of the business, it is a common misconception that it is expensive and that not everyone can afford them. With the many competing air freight services now available, there are already sudden changes in the price already. Before, customers need to pay for the customs fee or rates that are converted depending on the destination. Nowadays, you can easily choose one provider that offers the best service at the lowest price. 3. Speed Of Service There are air freight services that do not conform to the promised time of delivery. This is what irritates customers the most. Before you know it, they will be looking for another provider that delivers what they say they will. The speed of service is one of the vital factors needed in an air freight service provider. That is the initial purpose of the packages after all.


Choosing The Best Shipment Company

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It can be noted that the speed of the delivery should not compromise the quality of the package. These two should go hand in hand. Without the other, it can never work. 4. Far Reaching Ever been in a situation wherein your provider did not accept your package because they do not cater to that certain destination? This can really irritate customers. Packages are sent not only on usual locations and famous places. There are also important materials or things that should be sent to locations that are just as important. The air freight service provider should know have a comprehensive knowledge about important places that are not the usual point of delivery. There should have one or two employees who should specialize in the familiarization of different localities. Air Canada freight is aware of what people want in their service provider. This is the reason why there are continuous updates on how best to improve the tools, machines and the personnel that they have. If this means that they will be on top of the list of air freight provider, then all the effort will definitely be worth it.


5 EYES ON YOUR PACKAGE WITH AIR FREIGHT TRACKING

Sending packages is now worry-free with air freight tracking. As long as you have the waybill number with you, you can check the exact location of your shipment when it has not yet been delivered to its destination. There was a time when people were not too happy with freight services. A lot of issues have been tackled regarding lost, damaged or late packages. This is the reason why freight services are continuously developing their methods of shipment in order to gain and retain the loyalty of their customers. 16


Eyes On Your Package With Air Freight Tracking

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One of the developments is air freight tracking. This method is made easier now with the use of the internet. Most of these freight services have their own websites already. You do not have to go to their nearest branch just to check where your package is at the moment. The process can be done by just logging into the internet and doing the tracking online. Tracking packages is only one of the considerations that are important in an air freight service. Another consideration that you should be noted is how your packages are shipped. Air freight shipment comprised of 3 main categories based on the mode of shipment. A. Cargo Planes

Major air freight companies like UPS and FedEx own various kinds of cargo planes. These planes are exclusively used for their air freight services. One of their largest cargo planes is a Boeing 747. It can hold up to 30 pallets of packages in the main level alone.


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They have special containers available for those who are shipping animals and other live cargoes. Cargoes and packages are loaded using rollers which are built-in into their load floor area. Once the packages are brought into the rear of the plane, it will be rolled straight up to the rear or the front of the cargo hold. B. Super Cargo Planes

These planes are also called the super transporters. They are specially designed to hold all moving huge and heavy cargos. Helicopters are being transported this way. These planes can hold up to 47 tons of loads. It is built with a large cargo area that fills up most of the space inside the plane. Large cargos can fit effortlessly through the giant door located at the front of the cargo hold.


Eyes On Your Package With Air Freight Tracking

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C. Passenger Cargo Planes

One of the major companies that are using passenger airplanes to ship their packages is the US Postal Service. It can be noted that a percent of the revenue that is generated by airlines are from air freight. Packages are put together will all other packages and baggage in the compartment area. These are the methods of shipment that is being used by air freight services. Knowing what method your service is using is important if you want to know how you packages are being handled and shipped. Moreover, the mode of air freight tracking is dependent on the schedules and the strict compliance that each cargo methods. If you want to make sure that you package will arrive safety and on time, pick the best method that you think will give you the best service. 6. Choose The One With The Best Air Freight Tracking Service This is your assurance that you will have complete track of your package until it arrive at its destination safely.


7 FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE AIR FREIGHT RATE

As with all expenses, air freight rates change all the time. This is because of the fact that many factors affect the pricing of various services and resources used in air freight. Learning about the different factors affecting the air freight rate could help you anticipate changes in the rate. This means that you will be able to maximize the costs of shipping. What Factors Affect Air Freight Rates? 1. Demand – Demand affects the prices of everything. The more that people want to obtain a certain service, the higher the cost is going to be. This is the basic principle of economics. When the demand for certain shipping services rises, the air freight rates rise with it. 20


Factors That Affect The Air Freight Rate

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Demand determines the willingness of a company to part with its product. Demand determines the price because if people are willing to pay more for your product, will you be willing to sell it at the highest possible price? 2. The Containers – The shipping containers, also known as the Unit Load Devices are designed to protect your cargo from the damages caused by the journey. Different items require different containers. If you are looking for a special container to protect your items, it could add a bit more to your air freight rate than what you anticipate. The containers used in an air freight service are usually suited to different types of cargo. This means that the type of item you are shipping will affect the air freight rates. If you want to include additional security measures to protect your cargo, then you would have to pay more money. This is often applicable if you are shipping pets, livestock, or works of art. 3. Manpower – The amount and specialization of people required to ship your products will also affect the air freight rate. This means that the type of service you require will change the air freight rate. Do you wish your items to be handled by experts who will take care of your items? Even it means paying more for their services? Manpower also includes the various people who will handle the paperwork of your cargo. Obviously, it will take the expertise of more than one person to make sure that your cargo remains as safe as possible. 4. Speed – This factor is second only to demand on its effects on the air freight rate. It is often the case that companies have different air freight rates based on the speed by which they can deliver your items. There are companies which offer faster delivery services for additional charges.


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There are companies who can deliver your items in one day, and some companies can even deliver your goods within a few hours. The speed of delivery is very important because it is often the case that customers stick with an air freight service because of the speed by which they can get the job done. Of course, there are many more factors that affect the air freight rates charged by various companies. These main factors, however, should prove to be enough information in order to help you save a lot of cash. When you study these factors, you would be able to budget your money easier and thus, maximize your resources. This means that you can ship more goods at lower air freight rates.


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GRAF AIR FREIGHT TIPS AND TRICKS

Graf air freight is one of the leading air freight services that many business and companies have relied on for years now. This is because of the highly competitive service that Graf is known for. They are famous for providing logistic solution in transporting time-sensitive materials both internationally and domestically. In addition, they have a highly trained customer service support present 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. These people are ready to answer any queries and eager to help their customers plan out the best strategy so that their package will be delivered on time and in the best condition. 23


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What makes Graf air freight service different from the rest is that they maintain strict standards regarding shipment. This is because they know that there is a constant need for things and materials to be moved around. With the many issues that involve these kinds of services, it is important that customer satisfaction is first in mind. Graf is continuously formulating new strategies to improve their service. The one thing they focus on is to avoid the many problems that are related with air freight shipment. But then it is not only the air freight service that is responsible transporting cargo effectively and efficiently. It can be noted that customers have to do their part so that their package or cargo will be shipped effectively and efficiently. Below are some tips to help avoid air freight problems. 1. Pad All Fragile Items If you are shipping breakable items with unbreakable ones, it is important that you pad the fragile items carefully. Rough handling cannot be avoided especially if you do not make a note regarding the contents of your package. Even if you are assured that your package will be handled right, unavoidable circumstances are sure to happen. Rather than take the risk that chance, it is best to provide additional safety measures so that none of the materials will be compromised. 2. Fill Up Your Box It is not advisable to ship partially or half-filled boxes. This is because boxes are filed on top of another. When this happens, your box has the tendency to be crushed by heavier boxes. The best option would be to put your package in a smaller box. This way, all the space will be consumed and the materials will be made intact and immobile.


GRAF Air Freight Tricks And Tips

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3. Pack Perishable Items Properly If you want you package to arrive fresh and edible in their destination, you have to make sure that you put them in the proper package before shipping them. There are rules and regulations that customers should adhere to when they want to ship perishable items. Make sure that you know about these rules beforehand. You can always contact their customer service so that you will not violate one or two of their rules. 4. Infectious Substances And Dangerous Goods Most air freight services have strict standards regarding the shipment of dangerous chemicals and goods. Some of them do not even accept these kinds of shipment. For those who do, you are required to provide the necessary documentation that will support the safe shipment of these materials. Be prepared to provide these documentations. These are some of the tips that Graf air freight are providing their customers. In doing your part, you can be assured that the company will do the rest.


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HOW DOES AIR FREIGHT SERVICE WORK

Our present day living is driven by the need to communicate, to be informed and to send various items worldwide. Due to time constraint and the immediate necessity to transfer everything in the fastest mode of transportation available, the airline and cargo industry devised ways of carrying cargoes while maximizing time incurred during the process. Cargo shipment by air is now termed to as air freight service. Items shipped at this mode range anywhere from a couple of pounds to as much as 43 000 pounds. Therefore accommodating all items requiring immediate shipment. 26


How Does Air Freight Service Work

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Parcels and express letters are typically the easiest to ship due to relatively handy size and weight. For larger-sized items however, various methods of shipment are required for travel and services vary depending on the number of categories including: A. Size And Weight Of The Item B. Duration Required For Shipment C. Type Of Item There are 4 basic categories for shipments namely: 1. Household Goods Which cover items like furniture and kitchen appliances. 2. Overnight Express Shipments That delivers personal and business items which are observably lighter and smaller in size. These often come in the packaging of the carrier or the service provider and are often delivered overnight or within a couple of days, depending on the choice of service the shipper agreed on. Parcel delivery, on the other hand, covers those items that are typically boxed. The services vary and packaging may be provided by the company or should the shipper chooses, may be shipped on the box of their own. The duration of delivery varies yet typical of this kind is the speed of 500 to 700 miles per day, providing it a coast to coast travel of around 4 days. Beyond this types are the LTL and TL freights. These are the actual air freight services and obviously cover cargoes that need big-time shipments. Items covered in this category often weigh 15 000 pounds to around 43 000 pounds and have lengths not exceeding 53 inches long. For each type of service level includes different corresponding prices. Parcel and express packages have pretty simpler system of pricing as compared with cargoes covered in the Less-than-Truckload-Freight and Truckload Freight which have more complicated systems of pricing.


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National Motor Freight Classification is the system of pricing that monitors and dictates what price must be given to each item depending on its loadability, density, mixability and many other factors. Theoretically, fragile items require higher costs of shipment since they fall in the freight class 125 to 500. Denser items such as industrial machineries and steel require lesser care yet take most of the weight falls under the freight class 50 to 85. Generally, these freight classes have assigned prices for which the assigned class corresponds to the base rate given. While most air freight service providers can be contacted directly, heavier cargoes require freight brokers for easier arrangements and for the facilitation of savings. Such brokers can be contacted through online marketplaces. They have the hand for directly arranging shipments at much lower rates since they act as intermediaries between carriers and shippers. It is good to remember that when shipping cargoes with any type of air freight service chosen, you must know in full all the terms and conditions included.


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IMAGINE HOW HUGE INTERNATIONAL AIR FREIGHT CAN GET

From letters to air planes, it is now possible to ship just about anything through air freight services. All these stuffs can be carried through commercial airplanes to various mammoth-like flying machines. International air freight can be divided into simpler categories though. While just as we have said, everything can be shipped via air there should always be some form of separation between items so that various risks can be avoided. The 3 basic categories of air freight are: 29


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1. Air freights that are carried through passenger air lines 2. Air freights that are carried through special cargo planes and 3. Air freights that are huge enough to be carried by super cargo planes Along with the passengers, international air lines can also carry with them stuffs that would be stationed to various air freight service locations. These then will be delivered via rail or road to their proper recipients. The United States Postal Service has leased some 15 000 to 25 000 passenger planes daily to haul freight. This takes up 5 to 10 percent of all air freight revenue. Such as international air freight are packed along with other shipments on special containers that are designed to fit the storage area beneath the passenger compartment. However, some air freight can be put on pallets while other relatively smaller items can be made to fit on remaining open spaces. The Boeing 747-400 is usually used as the freight carrier in the passenger airline category. However, it can also be made to hold 10 000 cubic feet of cargo when on the Combi mode. This is when some of the passenger compartments are partly turned into cargo areas. But when configured, this plane can be transformed into a huge cargo plane which can then haul as much as 5 semi-trucks. Since Boeing 747-400s are not specifically made as air freighters, there is not as much room as with a cargo plane to fit a forklift truck for loading pallets, special electric rollers are equipped on the load floor. These rollers are used to move the cargoes into the inner chambers of cargo areas. However, for hauling huge items, a super transporter is needed. It is used for transporting helicopters and planes and is purely designed to perform such tasks. Such planes are built in a way that when an object fits comfortably through the door then it can fit into the body of the plane. The plane is large enough to carry terribly hugr stuffs. It carries up to 47 ton stuffs but still not large enough to carry military tanks. For such big-time requirements, Antonov AN-225 can do the job.


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For this monster-air transporter, three military trucks is just about as easy as for a Boeing 747-400 to carry international air freights at its own limits. This was originally a Russian space shuttle. With a wingspan as huge as a football field, this air freight super transporter can send to any destination some 80 cars or 3-4 military trucks. Well, if this isn't huge enough for your air freight service requirements then you might as well arrange multiple sending of stuffs. Now you have seen your options of air freights. From sending your niece her birthday present to shipping military tanks, you are sure to find your way of sending cargoes from coast to coast.


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KNOW THE COSTS AND KNOW HOW TO SAVE ON AIR FREIGHT SHIPPING

Air freight shipping, in most cases, is fairly complicated when it comes to pricing. But there are of course some areas when all you need is to look at the price list and voilayour parcel is already in mid-air. Letters and parcels are often priced based on the weight, size and the service level the shipper chooses. These are often fixed and seldom would one find great discrepancies in pricing. 32


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But as for air freight shipping prices, it is no good to be surprised at how high one item can cost. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association has provided a system of pricing shipments known as the National Motor Freight Classification. This works on the principle of creating classes for items and for each class are some general prices. Items are basically grouped into various types to make listing easier. This grouping is based on qualifications like loadability, mixed-environment appropriateness, density and a number of other factors. In general, freight classes apply to all items- from express letters to huge machineries including helicopters and planes. Freight classes range from 50 to 500. Freight shipments are rated by means of per one hundred pounds parameter. However, other air freight forwarders make use of per hundred weight system and cwt. Each freight class is able to provide discounts on the base rate. Plus, there is always a discount given on the transportation rates. Nevertheless, such discounts can be set off by charges that are often treated as accessorial yet crucial to the base rate that would later come up for the shipment. The most commonly found accessorial charges and surcharges are discussed below. To save on these charges, it is best to know your grounds first and study in full the terms and conditions of air freight shipping as provided by the freight company. Lift Gate When there is no forklift or loading dock available, a lift gate service is billed to help drivers load and unload the shipments for residential pickups and deliveries or commercial pick up and deliveries. To avoid complications during the process, it is best that you notify the air freight service provider in case you see the need of a lift gate since trailers are rarely equipped with this item. Additional Fees In Reconfiguring Routes Most air freight shipping are designed to follow a route of some sorts.


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If you require the company to take another route apart from what is earlier set, they would most likely charge you with additional fees for this extra work. Extra Charges On Inside Pick-Up And Delivery When you need to have your shipment picked up or delivered inside an establishment or a building, this will impede the carrier to finish his route on schedule. Thus, to set off the expenses they are likely to use, carriers will require you of some additional charges. Residential Pick-Up And Delivery To offset the costs incurred for transferring shipments to smaller trailers, most air freight shipping companies require extra charges on residential pick-ups and deliveries. This is the case since most local laws restrain larger sizes of trucks from entering residential areas. There are literally hundreds of possibilities for extra payments that would stock up on your final bill. For Less-than-Truckload and Truckload shipments, it is advisable that shippers seek for intermediaries who would not only guide them through the process but would also realize for them some forms of savings.


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POPULAR AIR CARGO FREIGHTS

In the present day, we usually get and receive our material things from different places around the world. We don’t even know that it came halfway around the world before even getting in your possession. We never even bother to think about them of course, this is all done by freight systems around the world, and one of the most popular is air freight. Air freight is usually used for business purposes and convenience. Once you want to send a package of any content (usually in bulk or big amounts), we typically send them in air cargo freight services. This simply proves to be efficient and will likely be the fastest mode of transportation for your cargo. 35


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These dedicated companies are divided into 2 divisions; International Freight Forwarders, which ship goods to other countries or Domestic Freight Forwarders which ship goods within one country. Various methods of shipping goods are simplified on your needs; this depends on the importance of the cargo being shipped. For example, you need to send product samples from Los Angeles to France for verification, hence express cargo would be your choice. Charges will also depend on the value being shipped. Air Cargo Freight is likely to be a different situation than the mode of the efficiency of cargo being sent in less time, there are many of freight companies in the United States alone, this will likely be a hassle to anybody who wants the best reputable shipping. There are many good choices of freight service companies; however, this will depend upon the fee. Fees is another factor, you can usually compare them online as there are many sites that will offer a good comparison of services in contrast to the shipping fees itself. The freight is usually measured on gross weight, value which is then sent forth to the carrier’s tariff or rates. This will grant rights to the carrier but will never open the containers or packages. If the particulars are not matching or sent to the wrong address, you will likely pay for the expenses incurred during the examination, measurement of value and the freight charge itself. In the usage of aircrafts being used, large cargo shipping airlines usually use the latest and greatest but many of them use older models such as the Boeing 707, Boeing 727, Douglas DC8 just to name a few. Some do use much older models but it involves replacement and strengthening of parts to be usable for cargo services. Some airlines tend to carry a few passengers from time to time to minimize the cost of shipping. Also airline freighters which are dedicated to transportation of goods are mostly divisions or subsidiaries of large passenger airlines. Notable shipping companies around the world are always on the top of their business, here are some of them which you will likely choose but this article has no connections to any of these companies and does not promote nor advertise them, these are used for reference purposes only.


POPULAR AIR CARGO FREIGHTS 37 1. Federal Express 2. Korean Air 3. Lufthansa Cargo 4. United Parcel Service 5. Singapore Airlines Cargo You can simply find your best air cargo freight service by your own experience. People will likely choose their local air freight forwarders just for their preference; yours can be different to your liking. Just remember the factors that you need to weigh to get the best out of your money and satisfaction.


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PROS AND CONS OF AIR FREIGHT FORWARDING AND INTEGRATING

With the global arena opening its arms on all people ready to take its offers and takeaways, there surely have emerged newer forms of forwarding businesses. The pace at which globalization has taken center stage is lightning quick that you can already consider yourself out once you fail a couple of times. Time is the bane and relief for all businessmen. It will not wait for you, and that is a fact, yet it will always spar you to move faster than what you have first done. If you would not want to be left behind from the current trend, advises will tell you to utilize the fastest ways of arranging and doing stuffs. With the massive effects of internet in our common and business life, there is no telling how much faster trend can be in the nearest future. This is often why businessmen are pushed towards maximizing the facilities provided by air freight forwarders. 38


Pros And Cons Of Air Freight Forwarding And Integrating

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Reliability is probably one of the main qualities shippers are looking for among air freight forwarders. Luckily, this is what exactly air freight forwarders offer and even sizing their efforts to accommodate the doubled demand on forwarding services. This has been quite the trend for the last several years. Express consignment carriers had been bulking up their efforts to meet the tremendous needs of shippers by creating various services and products. Add to this the fact that most of them had been bombarding improvements on transit times, provisions of quality service and simplifying the construction of assigning costs while continually reaching out various points worldwide. Worldwide marketing, selling and manufacturing are simply becoming intensified. Frankly, the game is not simply on having better prices of shipments but of making shipments faster and lesser bent to risks. For long, air freight forwarders had dominated the business yet much effective means of sending products to consumers are being devised to optimize services, says some experts. This job is then being taken by integrators who seem to have cut off various processes in intensifying the speed of delivery. This gives the shippers some leverage over their competitors especially in the area of heavy weight shipping. Traditionally, heavy weight shipments are done by consolidating various items into single shipment. This can obviously take off some crucial time before the goods approach the market. And with competition at hand, you are sure to have lost some sales if your competitors are making use of faster means of sending their products towards the end consumers. While air freight forwarding had been useful for so many years the necessity to amplify the pace of doing business is placed above all. Thus, when there come other options for doing exactly that, businessmen easily take sides and go for one that will give them the best. What seems to be the failure of air freight forwarders is that they normally have longer processes than air freight integrators.


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Instead of having goods handled by various people, integrators create a system wherein the exact trailer to which your goods were loaded in is the trailer that will dispatch your items later. This cuts off all other entities that perform the job. But you see, in the end it will always fall down to which option you choose. It is just a matter of seeing which has the greater value - doing business with air freight forwarders or with integrators?


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SMART TIPS FOR FIRST TIME EXPORTERS

Even before, exporting has been rampant in the industry. The internet being the mode of transaction acted as a useful force in meeting the needs of the customers. The supply of chain always starts with an exporter, then to the buying agent, then to the distributor, next to the stockiest and finally to the retailer. The faultless, inexpensive but complex communication chain through different continents created a rapport between the buyer and the retailer. Both suddenly found out how much to benefit they will incur on the process of importing and buying of the products. Today, the conventional supply chain is still useful for major morsel of exportable goods. But the direct transaction between the overseas retailers and exporters and overseas retailers is growing rapidly. Wise exporters have now planned and organized themselves the ideal ways of serving the best for overseas retailers. 41


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Here are some smart ideas for fast and convenient exporting services: 1. Retailers Purchase In Small Quantity Get only small scale retailers and disregard those load quantities. Retailing means overlooking those large purchases that can hinder the flow of money, putting your business at risk. But if your merchandise is not for small order, retailing is not for you. 2. Frequent Orders It may be usual that retailers will order the same goods every time he comes back to you. He may have enough money for a large inventory or can keep the goods in a rack space. Export orders are in demand during peak season like Christmas. 3. Higher Margin Level You may pay back smaller quantity at a higher price. Unlike the price in the local market, the retailer may feel considerable pinch and can lower down the price if you know how to communicate well. The issue of trust matters. Importing from other countries may lead to tremendous profit, but it may be risky than purchasing from a local market. The issue of giving trust will always be the mindset of the retailer. During the first few transactions, the retailer will always have the chance to negotiate with the exporter. Thus, the former should be careful in taking his orders. 4. Air Freight Is Preferred Some small scale retailers don’t have a freight engine. That is why they are having difficulty with huge shipments and long period of delivery in sea freight. Opting for Royal Air Freight is a bit expensive but is ideal. Royal Air Freight will surely meet the retailer’s needs better.


Smart Tips For First Time Exporters

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First time retailers however may not be aware of these concerns. It is the exporter’s responsibility to quote for the air freight and inform the retailer if needed. 5. Getting The Right Information About The Retailers There are lots of retailer’s associations in across Europe and USA. The easiest way is to find them using a directory. You can contact them to be able to get the complete list of retailers. The Great Indian Bazaar is one of the famous associations which has piled up a directory of almost 2500 overseas retailers. The retailers are composed of convenience stores, small retail markets, large retail outlets and drop shippers. Exporting to whether small or large overseas retailers do not demand considerable investment. Shipment can be easily handled by Royal Air Freights. Therefore, exporters especially those new in this field shall find the above opportunity worthwhile. Keep in mind that a periphery from a particular shipment may not gain much, but lots of active retailers can assure a small exporter busy all through the year.


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