Shipping by air can be pretty expensive. However, if you want to send a large inventory in the timeliest, most predictable manner, opting for air freight can prove to be a cost-effective, smart move.
Air freight is the fastest way to send your cargo. If you need to ship time-sensitive products such as perishables, you can meet deadlines and satisfy your customers by opting for this type of forwarding service and following the established guide to international shipping, a preventive measure for delays at receiving terminals.
Also, air freight companies can serve more locations and are highly regarded for their reliability.
Your inventory is likely to be more secure when you send it by air, as well. This is because the cargo receiving areas of airports are strictly monitored and well-protected. As a result, the risk of theft and damage is lower.
Lastly, like other types of forwarding services, air freight companies offer online tracking. As such, you will be able to check the real-time status of your cargo from its departure to its arrival to its endpoint.
Minimizing Air Freight Outlay
When it comes to sending your cargo through air freight, you don’t have to make paying a premium for this service a habit. You can enjoy all the benefits offered by this shipping option and save money at the same time.
Below are five practices you need to implement to reduce your air freight expenses:
1. Build a strong working relationship with your air freight service provider
Although there are some advantages to be gained when you work with different companies, you will also experience various perks when you have a steady partnership with one or two service providers.
When you maintain your business with your preferred air freight service providers, you can build a strategic relationship with them that will give you access to more shipping management advantages.
Additionally, when you enter into a long-term contract with these companies, you can lock the shipping costs. Because of this, any fluctuations in the market won’t affect your company.
Moreover, when you have a good relationship with your freight service provider, you can get help with finding the best options for shipping your goods. As such, you will be able to find excellent deals that will help you cut costs on shipping without experiencing any delays or issues with the whole process.
2. Look into all possible delivery times
If you receive a quote that states only one or two delivery times, ask your shipping company to look for more options. If you have a good partnership with your usual air freight service providers, they will be more than happy to accommodate your requests.
With these additional choices, you will be able to find the best one that suits your budget and your timing requirements.
Keep in mind that you don’t always have to choose the fastest services. It is best to use these only when you really need speedy service. By doing so, you will avoid the money-draining mistake of paying for premium, quick shipping when a regular, budget-friendly option will do.
3. Ship as much as cargo as you can
The most cost-efficient strategy to follow to keep air freight costs low is to send as much cargo as you can based on customer demand, your budget, and shipping or airport policies, if there are any.
Sending a large shipment weekly is more cost-effective than sending three or more small boxes every week. Although the first option requires a higher outlay, your overall expenses will come out lower when you compare these to the cost of shipping often.
Because of this reason, try to encourage your customers to take large orders, especially if they know there is a high demand for your products or have an ongoing need for these. Examples of these items include regular food supplies and special ingredients used by restaurants.
Explain to them the ways by which they can also save money if they purchase your merchandise in bulk.
4. Ship your cargo during off-peak days
In the world of international shipping, remember that sending your shipment will be more expensive on certain days.
Generally, shipping rates during Fridays and the ensuing two days are lower. The main reason behind this is that most recipients or sellers want to be stocked for the weekend rush. As such, they want to receive their orders on Thursday or Friday.
To meet this deadline, suppliers have to ship on Wednesday or Thursday.
If your shipment can wait until the end of the week or on the weekend, send it on these days since you may get better rates.
5. Tone down your packaging
Lastly, there is nothing wrong with taking precautionary measures to ensure your inventory won’t be damaged while in transit and that your customers receive these in good condition.
However, you need to know when you are going overboard with packaging your products. Keep in mind that the extra packing pellets, boxes, and other items can add to the weight of your shipment.
To save money on your air freight shipments, know how much protection your products need. If you are sending strong, durable items, tone down your packaging. Aside from paying for a lower shipping fee, you will save time and money on the whole packing process.
If sending your inventory by air is your best option, you can avoid spending a lot on this solution and still satisfy your customers by following these shipping practices.
