Last updated on January 25th, 2021 at 02:44 pm
When you’re shipping internationally, there are complicated circumstances you need to deal with compared to shipping domestically.
If you want to save time and money and avoid any hassle, air transport is an effective and quick way to facilitate your deliveries. However, once you decide to ship by air, ensure that you work with the best air freight companies.
If you’re confused with the available companies offering air freight services, below are the things you need to consider when choosing the right one for your needs:
- Reputation
When choosing an air freight company, you might want to settle with the one that’s known for its successful track record. To find out about the company’s reputation, ask for references, and don’t hesitate to talk to their previous customers about their experience. If possible, ask some questions relevant to your expectations and needs.
It’s also essential to check the track record of an air freight company through references and discussions with previous customers. Ensure that the business is compliant with shipping industry standards and regulations.
A top-notch firm is eager to prove that its services and equipment are up to par and emphasize that on social media and other kinds of platforms. Engaging their services guarantees minimal or no shipping damages.
The air freight company must also be an International Air Transport Association (IATA) accredited firm to ensure that it observes international standards for services and business practices. If your destination is in the U.S., the firm must participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), which aims to secure and facilitate legitimate international trade.
- Expertise
One of the things you need to consider when looking for an air freight company is its industry expertise. Tap an enterprise that is knowledgeable about the industry, such as the proper handling of goods.
Before dealing with any firm, see if they have experienced transporting similar items that you are shipping. An air freight company that has been in the industry for years knows about handling various kinds of commodities and government restrictions and regulations that may affect your shipments. Thus, they can streamline the shipping process.
It would be great if the company services international and domestic routes to enable a smooth transition from overseas to local deliveries.
- Network
Consider an air freight group’s network, which could be dictated by how long they have been in the business.
Those with years of experience would have established an extensive reach. They have built relationships with many airlines, which can be crucial during peak shipping seasons, such as securing cargo space while demands are high.
An air freight company with good relationships with airlines can quickly secure space for shipments even if the demands are high.
Other than their extensive network, an air freight company that has been in the industry for years has the knowledge to handle every situation. They’ll have experience with various kinds of commodities and know which government restrictions and regulations may affect your shipments. This experience and knowledge mean the air freight company streamlines the process of shipping for you.
- Technological Advancement
To deal with the current competition, you need to engage the services of a company that has embraced the newest technology, such as new storage, shipping vessels, and advanced satellite tracking devices.
A reliable air freight company also has tracking apps to help monitor your shipments, which can update you about your items in transit.
- Responsiveness
Shipping via air revolves around speed. You choose air freight if you want to get your items somewhere fast. However, that speed may require a particular amount of attention for shipments. For example, you should get your documentation organized and in order. Also, any possible issues should be dealt with immediately to avoid delays. With such things in mind, you would want to choose an air freight company that’s responsive.
A responsible air freight company would monitor your shipment proactively, so they can quickly resolve problems at the latest date. They also reduce the risk of delays by ensuring all your required documentation is ready to go, so your cargo won’t get stuck in customs or held up by a government agency.
If there are some omissions or errors in your documentation, an excellent air freight company can spot problems quickly and get them fixed. With their responsive customer service, your concerns or questions will be solved and answered in no time.
- Range of Services
A reliable air freight company has years of success conducting different logistic and operational services while offering a comprehensive set of services, such as customs brokerage, delivery, and pickup options. Airfreight companies with a range of offerings ensure faster shipping. Plus, it keeps you from hiring another company for your other shipping needs.
So, when choosing a reliable air freight company, don’t forget to check its offered services. The more services they offer, the better. This is especially true whether you’re shipping domestically and internationally.
- Policies And Costs
When choosing an air freight company, some of the things you should look for are the competitively-priced services and the policies being offered. Check if their costs and policies fit your needs or preferences.Besides, you don’t want to sign a deal with a company that has unfair policies and too expensive charges, right?
So, before anything else, review the company’s policies and costs first before you transact with them. Doing this will help you set a reasonable budget and enables you to make well-informed decisions.
- Customer Service
More often than not, customer service is considered as the backbone of any company. It plays a big part in how a company functions and how its clients view them. When the customer service of an air freight company is good, you can be assured that all of your concerns or questions will be solved and answered immediately.
You can also guarantee that an air freight company with impressive customer service will provide you a personalized experience, which can make everything convenient to you no matter what your needs are.
Conclusion
The best air freight companies take pride in their agility, experience, speed, and efficiency. If you are looking for a reliable service provider to transport your items, think of the said factors. With several savvy considerations, you’ll be able to pick an ideal company that will give the best value for your investment.
