Airplane GEODIS

10.09.2024

Air Freight for International Shipping: A Comprehensive Guide

Air freight plays a vital role in global trade, providing a fast and efficient solution for transporting goods across borders. Learn how.

In the dynamic world of global logistics, international air freight stands out as a beacon of speed and efficiency. Air freight has proven to be an incredibly convenient and reliable solution for businesses needing to maintain their supply chains.

Air freight plays a vital role in global trade, providing a fast and efficient solution for transporting goods across borders. Whether you're a small business owner looking to ship products abroad or a large multinational corporation, understanding air freight is crucial for optimizing your logistics operations. In this blog post, we'll delve into the workings of air freight, its advantages, and best practices for successful shipping.

What is Air Freight?

Air freight refers to the transportation of goods by aircraft. Unlike ocean freight, which uses ships to move containers across seas, air freight employs cargo planes or dedicated cargo compartments in passenger aircraft to transport goods. This mode of transport is particularly valued for its speed and reliability, and especially during port congestion like we experience with the Red Sea crisis. 

Air freight advantages

 

1. Speed

One of the primary benefits of air freight is its speed. Airplanes can cover long distances in a short time, which is crucial for perishable goods, high-tech products, and other items requiring quick delivery.

 

2. Reliability

Airlines generally offer fixed schedules with precise departure and arrival times, allowing for more reliable supply chain planning. Additionally, stringent security procedures at airports ensure that goods are well-protected.

 

3. Reduced Risk of Damage

Compared to other transportation modes, air freight has a lower risk of damage to goods. Direct flights reduce the number of handling points, minimizing the chances of breakage or loss.

 

4. Global Access

Air freight provides global access, enabling businesses to deliver their products almost anywhere in the world. International air hubs connect major cities and economic centers, facilitating global trade.

Best Practices for Air Freight

 

1. Planification

Planning ahead is essential for air freight. Ensure you book your cargo space in advance, especially during peak periods like the holiday season.

 

2. Choosing the Right Carrier

Select a reliable airline carrier with a good reputation. Look for reviews and compare services to find the one that best meets your needs in terms of cost, speed, and reliability. GEODIS support will help you ensure that your requirements are met.

 

3. Proper Packaging 

Good packaging is crucial to protect your goods during transport. Use sturdy packaging materials and ensure your products are properly labeled with destination and content information.

 

4. Regulatory Compliance 

We make sure to follow the latest customs and security regulations, centralizing everything on your customer portal

 

5. Additional services

We also offer additional freight services, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), insurance, and specific cargo handling to meet your unique shipping needs.

Streamline Your Shipping Operations with Our Online Customer Portal

 

To make your air freight experience even more seamless, our customer portal offers tools to quote, book, and track your shipments. Here's how it works:

 

Quote

Easily obtain quotes for your air freight shipments by entering details about your cargo. Our system provides instant pricing, helping you make informed decisions.

 

Book

Once you have your quote, booking your shipment is just a few clicks away. Our portal streamlines the booking process, ensuring all necessary details are captured accurately.

 

Track

Stay updated on your shipment's status with our real-time tracking feature. From departure to arrival, you can monitor the progress of your cargo and receive notifications on any changes.

 

Manage 

Easily handle all necessary documentation through the portal. Ensure compliance and avoid delays with streamlined processes.

International air freight is a vital component of global logistics, offering unmatched speed, reliability, and convenience. Leveraging technology, enhancing visibility, optimizing packaging, and partnering with reliable forwarders, businesses can fully harness the power of air freight. Our customer portal further enhances this experience, providing a user-friendly platform to manage all aspects of your shipments. Embrace these strategies to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of international trade.

ROMAIN BOUCHET

Romain Bouchet

Product & Growth Manager

Romain Bouchet is a Product leader at GEODIS, dedicated to developing digital products and enhancing GEODIS customer experiences. Romain stays at the forefront of the company's digital revolution, shaping the future of freight forwarding.