The Benefits of Air Freight for International Shipping
In today's interconnected world, international shipping is the backbone of global commerce, driving economic growth and fostering seamless connections across borders.
Global commerce is fast growing, and like most Nigerians, my cousin Oreva is embracing this global market as she ships items from China down to Nigeria. Her business depends on fast shipping, but she prefers using water to ship her products.
After several callouts from her customers and lost business deals, she asked for my advice on shipping methods, and I told her to consider air freight shipping. While she was considering the cost, I armed myself with enough benefits so she could see why I picked air freight.
If you’re like my cousin and you’re wondering why you should choose air freight over other means of transporting cargo, this blog is for you.
Air freight or air cargo is preferred for businesses seeking to transport goods swiftly, reliably, and across distances. It is a better shipping solution than sea, road freight and rail freight because of its unparalleled speed, global reach, and versatility, making it an invaluable asset for businesses of all sizes.
It is transporting goods by aircraft, most often over long distances. It is the fastest mode of international shipping, allowing goods to reach their destination in days or even hours, compared to weeks or months by sea or land transportation. Air freight is used for various goods, including high-value and time-sensitive items such as electronics, medicine, and perishable goods.
How Air Freight Works
When you ship goods by air freight, the process typically involves the following steps:
- Packing and labelling: The goods are carefully packed and labelled to ensure they are protected during transit.
- Booking: The shipper books the cargo with an airline or freight forwarder.
- Documentation: The shipper completes all necessary documentation, such as the air waybill.
- Customs clearance: The goods may need to be cleared through customs before shipping.
- Loading: The cargo is loaded onto the aircraft.
- Flight: The aircraft transports the goods to their destination.
- Unloading: The goods are unloaded from the aircraft.
- Delivery: The goods are delivered to the consignee.
Speed
Air freight service offers the fastest delivery times compared to sea freight and land transportation. This means that whatever items you are expecting get to you on time, within a matter of hours or days, as there is a reduction in transit time. This speed enables you to meet customer demands, optimise inventory management, improve your business’s ability to respond quickly when your customers need certain items and maintain an edge over the competition.
Reliability
One time, my cousin waited an extra four weeks to get her goods delivered, and it affected her badly as the season in which she needed those items was nearing an end, and she didn’t sell as much as she anticipated.
Air freight is known for its reliability and adheres to consistent and predictable delivery schedules. You can confidently anticipate the arrival of their goods, minimising the need for you to disrupt your business operations or put customer satisfaction on hold. For example, at Heroshe, we have built a track record of delivering our clients' shipments within 10-14 days.
Why is it so reliable? Is there anything air freight does differently?
This reliability results from adhering to strict international regulations, advanced tracking systems, and a robust global network of airports and airlines. Whether you're shipping sensitive electronics, cosmetics, or time-critical documents, air freight provides the assurance that your shipments will arrive on time and in perfect condition.
Global Reach and Accessibility:
One important thing about air freight as a mode of transportation is that it connects businesses worldwide. It has a wide global reach, and it doesn’t matter where you are; logistics is no longer an issue, and you can deliver your items. This global reach increases access to new markets, helping expand your customer base and tap into new opportunities. I know someone who makes hand-crafted items that are shipped down to Canada, Sweden, the UK, and even the US. The availability of air freight makes it possible to dream beyond the shores of your country and expand your global footprint. It bridges the gap between continents, cultures, and economies, fostering a truly interconnected global marketplace.
Related: 15 High-Demand Products for 2024 and Beyond (+ How to Sell Them)
Versatility:
On X, formerly known as Twitter, tweeps will say range>>>>> Air freight is a versatile option for transporting various goods, including perishable items, fragile products, and time-sensitive shipments.
Reduced Risk of Damage and Loss:
The security measures on air freight are so strong, and they help to minimise the risk of theft and damage to your cargo. These measures include advanced screening systems, restricted access to cargo areas, and continuous monitoring throughout the transit process. Additionally, air freight's shorter transit times reduce the risk of your cargo getting spoilt, ensuring that your goods reach the destination airport and eventually your doorstep like they left the warehouse.
Related: Is Shipping Insurance Right For You?
Optimised Inventory Management:
One fear common in business is having too many inventory without a clear plan on how to get them sold out. The speed of air freight makes it possible to maintain a lean inventory so you wouldn’t be caught in a maze of trying to get them sold or having obsolete goods. By enabling businesses to replenish stock quickly and respond to demand fluctuations, air freight optimises inventory management and enhances overall supply chain efficiency.
Enhanced Customer Service:
Air freight's speed and reliability contribute to positive customer experiences, fostering customer satisfaction and loyalty. You can confidently meet customer expectations for timely deliveries, even for urgent requests or last-minute orders. This responsiveness demonstrates a commitment to customer service and strengthens the brand's reputation.
Conclusion
Air freight is a compelling international shipping choice, offering unparalleled speed, reliability, global reach, and versatility. You can leverage air freight as a strategic asset if you want to optimise your supply chains, enhance customer satisfaction, and expand your global presence.
And, if you’ve shopped from stores in the UK and the USA and need a reliable partner to ship your items in perfect condition, Heroshe is your go-to partner. With a wealth of experience delivering items to businesses and individuals all over Nigeria and, recently, Ghana, we can get your items to you in record time so your business can stay running while you ensure customer satisfaction. All you have to do is create an account to get started.
As the world continues to evolve and demand for efficient and reliable transportation grows, air freight is positioned to play an increasingly pivotal role in facilitating global trade and prosperity. And, Heroshe will keep opening access to global commerce with love and swift delivery.
