Currently optimizing an air import can involve various aspects, the high costs of air transportation generate a significant expense for many importers; Sometimes ignorance of protocols, documentation or other inherent issues causes problems that lead to fines; For this reason, it is considered a challenge to mobilize cargo in the most profitable way; In this article we will review the important points on how to optimize an air import.
1. know the main expenses
A useful aspect of how to optimize an air import is to know the expenses, since in addition to the freight expense there are others such as arrival and storage. The calculation of air freight can be carried out according to the gross weight of the shipment or by its volume; The price to be paid for transportation from an origin airport to a destination airport depends largely on these factors. Doing all the calculations will allow the degree of optimization in an air import to be much greater.
2. Analyze and create an import strategy.
When a prior analysis is carried out, all possible variables must be considered, the distance, the route, customs requirements and, among other aspects, the possible transfer time. By having a complete analysis it is possible to create a completely customized import strategy that will help the operation be successful.
3. Define the type of air freight
Choosing the type of freight depends on the type of cargo to be transported, making the correct choice not only facilitates the transfer, but can also be the crucial factor in optimizing any air import. The main types of freight are:
TRANSPORT UNITS OR ULD RATES: contemplate the use of pallets and containers. Unlike other freight rates, these are charged per unit; In other words, fixed rates apply depending on the means of transportation used between an origin airport and a destination airport.
GENERAL CARGO OR GENERAL CARGO RATES: They are applicable to all types of merchandise and are subdivided into normal freight rates, which are the basis of the entire freight structure with a maximum weight of 45 kilos and discounted freight rates for larger quantities, applicable to shipments with weights above 45 kilos.
SPECIFIC LOADS OR SPECIFIC COMMODITY RATES: These are very reduced and applicable to certain products. In general, air cargo shipments must have a minimum weight to benefit from these freight rates. Customers can request airlines to apply a Specific Freight when they regularly have shipments of the same product to the same destination.
4. Complete and timely documentation.
Having all the requirements for each stage of the logistics operation is one of the most important points to optimize an air import since in addition to providing the necessary support, it allows optimizing time and resources; avoiding fines for lack of documents, speeding up the transit of goods through customs and facilitating their passage through the different airports are some of the advantages of having all the necessary documentation for an air import.
5. Have the support of a freight forwarder
This point is one of the most crucial since having the support of a team specialized in international logistics in its various modalities, can be the difference; A forwarder or logistics agent is in charge of the analytics necessary to execute any type of operation, can define the commercial terms, coordinate the documents for each stage and even keep a timely follow-up of each phase. The participation of a forwarder greatly favors the optimization of an air import.
If your company wants to import from any continent by air but you do not know how to do it or you are simply looking to optimize time and resources to the maximum in this or another type of logistics operation, one of our experts can gladly provide you with totally personalized advice focused on the needs and objectives of your company, you just have to click on the following button for free advice.