In the wake of global disruptions to the supply chain and ongoing recovery efforts at a national and international level, the need for reliable airfreight pickup and shipping services has never been greater. At the heart of this is understanding what airfreight is and the services involved with shipping and pickup logistics. As highlighted by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, based on its French syntax as denoted by the acronym, FIATA, “Airfreight, being one of the most affected service commodities under the COVID 19 pandemic, is facing one of its worst challenges.
Airport cargo terminals are congested with uncleared cargo. Customs are working at skeletal capacity in many parts of the world, and the highly time-sensitive nature of airfreight shipments is overwhelming.” But fortunately, shippers that take the time to understand the challenges of airfreight pickup and shipping will be in a better position to streamline recovery and avoid extra costs or delays.
The trials facing modern supply chain management regarding airfreight shipping and logistical planning include many diverse obstacles. Having the best delivery and pick-up system in place depends on the partnerships formed and the drivers chosen for expedited shipments. A lot can go wrong with airfreight pickup and shipping, and there are many challenges to overcome. Some of these airfreight shipping challenges include the following.
Trying to coordinate and arrange freight shipping and pickup processes becomes much more challenging with outdated methods of communication and data sharing. Waiting for phone calls and email responses can cause data and situations to change and become obsolete by the time an answer is received.
Shippers need instant access to customer service and a straightforward process for getting freight picked up on time.
Airfreight pickup and shipping depends on a deep understanding and familiarity with airport processes and procedures. Missing paperwork, unfinished forms, and inaccurate legal documentation can lead to loss of loads, long delays, and excessive penalty fees. This all accumulates and causes more problems for shippers.
Shippers need someone to ensure all documentation is correct for each airport and air terminal in question.
Without clear and easy access to carriers and specialty drivers, it is more difficult for shippers to make plans and arrange freight shipping and pickup services. Food and drinks, frozen goods, medical supplies, and refrigerated goods all need expedited trucking drivers. Poor visibility makes this simple task a significant challenge for shippers.
Shippers need absolute visibility into current expedited trucking drivers’ availability.
Airfreight pickup and shipping are often used for specialized loads that require special handling and shipping services. This can lead to more delays, missed pickups, delivery errors, and other costly mistakes and misunderstandings between drivers and the other team members and the customers as well.
Shippers need an easy way to interact with drivers, including sharing documents and ETA information, when necessary, much like an app.
Another challenge for shippers dealing with airfreight is that the airport itself can be a bit of a no-man’s land. Once the cargo is unloaded, airport personnel have little reason to monitor or track it. This can cause delays and issues with picking up and recovering cargo when drivers claim shipments later.
Expedited carriers should take ownership of the interaction and work with airlines to prioritize expedited freight recovery.
Drivers and forwarders who struggle to navigate different airport methods and protocols can slow down pickup services and cause problems for shippers. There is a lot to manage when arranging freight shipping and pickups. Security concerns and problems with the clearance and release of cargo are issues for shippers.
Shippers should work with experts in customs clearance for airfreight to avoid issues.
Sometimes things happen, and the destination port may change while in flight, which can make airfreight pickup and shipping options and air ocean cargo logistics all the more complicated. Rush drivers are needed to pick up cargo from a new location, and lengthened routes requiring additional stops for pick-ups increase the risk of delays.
Shippers should stay informed of all possible changes or diversions while a shipment is en route.
Navigating the complicated and multi-layered task of managing airfreight transportation and pickup services can be challenging for shippers. Handling rush orders, special handling situations, and expedited airfreight services are what will set shippers apart and help management maintain a competitive advantage. Shippers can arrange freight shipping services more easily with the right setup and approach that includes these characteristics.
Streamlining the airfreight pickup and shipping process largely relies on real-time notifications and monitoring. From start to finish, accurate tracking and alerts make it easier to meet ETAs and adjust delivery specifics as needed. Cargo status updates allow for greater flexibility and adaptability throughout the process.
With accurate freight monitoring and shipping processing, shippers can more easily intervene to avoid delays and additional expenses. Sending a driver to the airport for an earlier pick up could save time by preventing issues with routing and surcharges. Keeping things flowing as smoothly as possible can save time and money.
The more people involved with a shipment and the more steps involved in getting cargo to its destination, the more chances there are for issues to arise. Good communication with drivers makes it easier to arrange freight shipping and pickups that occur on time. Real-time communications make it all possible to achieve.
Tapping into available driver pools makes the entire process of managing deliveries and pickups easier. Management can quickly fill in gaps and account for shifts with schedules. It is more efficient to tweak routes and stops to get cargo picked up and delivered as efficiently as possible when ample drivers are available.
With the best airfreight pickup and shipping plan in place, the process of handling paperwork and documentation becomes much more streamlined. Knowing the policies and routine of the process makes it easier to notice any issues quickly. It is easier to ensure airfreight capacity and manage other critical points correctly.
Sometimes getting freight out of the airport and on to the next destination requires a little more planning. Logistics that allow for overnight storage and holdings make it easier to arrange freight shipping with the most efficient routes possible. Rather than rerouting an entire shipment, holding it for a few hours can keep things moving.
Airfreight pickup and shipping rely heavily on specialized drivers and trucking services. The expenses saved and profits earned with on-time deliveries and satisfied customers outweigh the cost of hiring expedited truck services. Knowing what drivers to call on and their availability is valuable insight shippers need to embrace.
The final piece of the puzzle that shippers face when trying to arrange freight shipping services today is having an all-in-one prover for airfreight services. Putting an end to countless calls, emails, and messages will make the whole process easier. A single source of contact for all operations makes airfreight shipments optimal.
With so many global disruptions happening amid the ongoing supply chain recovery, it is crucial to have a concise and professional guide to airfreight services. In addition, the continuing recovery efforts on a national and global level have brought to light the need for bigger and better airfreight pickup and shipping services.
For logistics managers, truck drivers, shippers, and supply chain directors, trying to arrange freight shipping for air transport loads is a looming concern they must address. It is a process that requires continual adjusting, scaling, and planning, all of which are made easier with the right partnership. Contact Carrier911 today to learn what steps to take to improve airfreight tracking, monitoring, and delivery services. Discover the secret to streamline airfreight services, arrange freight shipping protocols, and learn how to improve airfreight pickup and shipping overall.
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