International air freight services are essential to the global supply chain, providing faster delivery times, access to more destinations, and added security. With the rise of e-commerce and globalization, businesses need reliable and efficient freight services to handle their shipments quickly and carefully.
Explore the benefits of international air freight services and why partnering with Asiana USA can streamline logistics operations and improve customer service.
Faster Delivery Times
Air freight services have faster delivery times compared to ocean freight. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average air freight transit time from Asia to the U.S. is around 4-6 days, while the transit time for ocean freight can be up to 30 days or more.
This makes air freight services ideal for businesses that need to transport goods quickly and efficiently. With air freight, businesses can meet tight deadlines, reduce lead times, and improve customer satisfaction.
Air freight services are particularly beneficial for time-sensitive, temperature-controlled, or perishable shipments, such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where even a slight delay can lead to significant losses due to spoilage.
Access to More Destinations
Air freight services have a clear advantage over sea freight services, as they can fly cargo to and from almost any international airport worldwide. Ocean shipping is restricted to a limited number of ports, requiring drayage and intermodal transport to help goods arrive at their destination. This makes air freight an ideal option for businesses that require fast and efficient transportation to remote or hard-to-reach rural locations.
Global air freight offers a unique advantage by providing access to landlocked countries or regions where sea transportation is not feasible. This opens up new markets and expands the customer base for businesses that rely on international trade.
For instance, a Swiss company can use air freight services to import and export goods without the need for sea transportation, which may not be practical.
Highly Reliable
Air freight services are highly reliable, with lower transit times and fewer handling procedures than sea freight. This is because air cargo is loaded onto planes, flown directly to its destination, and unloaded immediately upon arrival, minimizing the risk of damage or loss.
Airports are highly regulated facilities with predictable departure and arrival times and quality control procedures in place to ensure the safety and integrity of shipments. As a result, air freight services offer a higher level of predictability and consistency, making them an ideal choice for businesses that must ensure the reliable transport of their goods.
More Cost-Effective for Small Loads
Air freight is generally more expensive than sea freight. However, it can be more cost-effective for small shipments. The rates for air freight are calculated based on weight and volume, making it more affordable for small shipments than ocean shipping, which is calculated based on container size or less-than-container load (LCL) rates.
Faster delivery times lead to lower overall costs for businesses. For instance, if a business has to ship a small load of goods urgently, air freight can deliver the goods much faster than sea freight, reducing the need for costly inventory storage and preventing lost sales because of delays.
The safety and reliability of air freight also help lower insurance premiums for air cargo than sea freight, resulting in additional cost savings for businesses that choose to ship smaller loads via air freight.
Fewer Storage Requirements
Air freight shipments also require fewer storage requirements than ocean freight shipments, which can help businesses save on storage costs. Air freight shipments are transported directly from the warehouse to the airport, loaded onto the plane, and transported to their destination.
With air freight services, businesses can take advantage of just-in-time (JIT) delivery, reducing the need for storage space. This is particularly important for companies with limited storage facilities or wanting to reduce their storage costs.
Minimal Packaging
Compared to ocean freight shipments, air freight shipments require minimal packaging leading to increased cost savings. This is because air freight shipments are handled differently and are subject to different regulations than ocean freight shipments.
For example, air cargo is generally not subject to the same rough handling as ocean cargo, so less packaging is required to protect the shipment during transit.
Air freight shipments are transported in smaller quantities than ocean freight shipments, so there is less need for large, bulky packaging materials.
Easy Real-Time Tracking
Easy real-time tracking is a significant advantage for businesses requiring timely and efficient product delivery. Tracking shipments in real-time gives businesses greater visibility into their supply chain operations, enabling them to make informed inventory management and logistics planning decisions.
With air freight, businesses can receive regular updates on their shipments, including information on the precise location, expected arrival time, and any potential delays or issues that may arise during transit.
Real-time tracking also gives businesses a competitive edge by offering customers more accurate delivery estimates. This can help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers are more likely to trust and rely on businesses that provide timely and reliable shipping options.
It can help businesses streamline their shipping processes by identifying areas for improvement and optimization. By analyzing shipping data, businesses can adjust their logistics strategies to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Added Layer of Security
Air cargo is subjected to strict security measures, including X-ray screening, metal detection, and canine inspections, to prevent the smuggling of contraband or illegal substances.
Airports have restricted areas and security personnel who monitor all activities within the facility. This level of security ensures that only authorized personnel are allowed near the cargo, minimizing the risk of theft or tampering.
Airlines have well-established procedures for handling and tracking air cargo, ensuring that shipments arrive at their destinations on time and in good condition. With air freight services, businesses can have peace of mind knowing that their cargo is in safe hands.
Partner With Asiana USA for Premium International Air Freight Services
Partnering with Asiana USA for premium international air freight services can greatly benefit your business. With years of experience and expertise in the industry, we ensure your goods are transported safely and efficiently to their destination.
With Asiana USA, you can enjoy reduced transit times, improved inventory management, enhanced supply chain efficiency, and global reach. Contact us today at (833) 444-1333 to learn more about our international air freight services and how we can help your business grow.
