Air Express Delivery: Fastest Solution to Deliver Small Parcels

As E-commerce is growing drastically, customers are expecting fast shipping. 61% of the buyers are ready to pay extra in order to get same-day delivery.  So here the air express delivery comes into play. It is an expedited shipping service offered by courier service providers. This service costs more than the standard shipping service because it uses the aerial medium for most of the distance. That said, if speed is everything that you need, air express shipping is your thing. In addition, these services offer guaranteed on-time delivery. 

In this blog, we are here to give you a full rundown of air express shipping. So without further adieu, let’s begin.

What is express delivery?

Express delivery is the fastest solution to ship the products because the packages are flown by airplane for most of the journey. It is an express shipping solution for door-to-door delivery of small and light parcels. Therefore the packages can be delivered within 24-72 hours. It comes with a delivery guarantee. This means if your package doesn’t arrive on time you can request for refund. Most merchants use it to satisfy time-sensitive customers.

Below mentioned are some of the scenarios where you can opt for air express delivery service:

·         To deliver the compensation when the initial shipment was lost, damaged, or stolen.

·         To Ship high volume items

·         To thank customers for spending over a certain amount

Nowadays, customers want instant gratification when it comes to shipping, and they tend to neglect brands that don’t provide fast shipping. It makes it more important to offer express delivery as an E-commerce merchant. The express delivery ensures the benefits of retaining customers and increased sales.

Why do merchants love air express delivery to ship their package

Better experience

As discussed earlier, most of the customers want same-day or next-day delivery. So, by providing them with air express delivery, you can gain these loyal customers.

Reduce the risk of damage

By offering air express delivery to your customers, you can reduce the risk of damage to goods. As longer delivery times increase the risk of damage, especially when the items are fragile. Also, it comes with insurance and tracking services.

Fastest delivery

Courier companies that provide air express shipping offer a dedicated tracking establishment. You can track which flight is carrying your package and when it will arrive or how long it will take to reach you.

Global shipping

Air express delivery means you are open for worldwide delivery. It offers businesses the to connect globally.

Legal compliance

One of the most laborious things about air transport for shipping goods is the myriad of documentation. However, opting for air express delivery allows you to leave all the administrative tasks to the service providers.

Last words

The benefits of air express delivery can be fully recognized when the commodity is time-sensitive or of high value. Its goal is to ensure the quick and safe delivery of items. Apart from that, if you want to know more about the air express delivery, feel free to connect with the experts.

Why Should You Use Third-Party Inspection?

 As an importer, you may be concerned that your product will not meet standards when it arrives, that factory personnel will not execute the necessary testing to assure compliance or that shipment delays may occur.

You can avoid most of these and other issues by using international cargo inspection services.

You can fulfill your expectations if a third-party inspector comes to the plant to inspect the goods before importing. It also provides you with all the information you need to anticipate any manufacturing or shipping delays.

The following are some of the benefits of using the cargo product inspection approach.

 Smooth Communication

 Your third-party cargo inspector should be bilingual or proficient in English and the local language. They'll be less prone to misinterpret your intentions.

 International cargo inspectors can better comprehend you on a cultural level because of their overseas experience. You'll appreciate having a dedicated inspector with whom you can easily communicate.

 

2.    Integrity Issues are Less Likely to Arise.

 Supply chain inconsistencies are widespread. Importers have every reason to be worried. Bribery and various types of corruption are also possible. In such a situation, professional inspection firms can assist in their prevention.

 Corruption is sometimes disguised as something other than straightforward bribery, making it more difficult to detect and prevent.

 Established international inspection firms are better prepared to rotate workers because they have many inspectors available in various service areas.

 These businesses also have rigid procedures prohibiting their employees from accepting gifts or other forms of gratuity.

 

3.   More Flexibility

 Cargo inspection firms are known for their versatility. For instance, you might want the inspector to test your product using a specific manner.

 The ability to schedule inspections is possibly the most valuable aspect of flexibility. If you have an upcoming order that requires assessment, you may schedule it within a few days without signing a contract.

 You can also sign a long-term contract if you know the service will be provided at a reasonable price.

 

4.    Higher Efficiency and Lower Expenses

 

Alternative inspection procedures are frequently more costly and inefficient than third-party freight inspection services.

 Self-inspection necessitates a trip to the factory where your product is manufactured. On the other hand, third-party inspectors have an extensive network of local employees closer to the factory.

 Since these companies have extensive service areas, third-party inspection is relatively inexpensive. Third-party inspectors are typically less expensive than full-time inspectors because you only pay them when you need them.

 

5.    Related Services Provided

 In addition to inspection, a third-party inspection company may provide a range of other services.

 As a result, having the same business manage not just your product inspections but also any supplier assessments or lab testing could save you time and money.

 Having a one-stop solution can help you with most of your supply chain needs.As an importer, it would be advantageous if the same third-party inspection company could assist with other aspects of its supply chain.

 

Final Thoughts

For some importers, international cargo inspection services provide the best quality check. However, many importers prefer it to other inspection procedures for several reasons. Some importers use a combination of strategies to achieve their goals.

Based on various considerations, such as their budget, relationship with their supplier, and product quality history, you can choose to adopt one or more inspection methods.

How Do I Find a Trusted International Logistics Solution Provider?

 Are you entering the international market? If yes, then you need to ramp up your logistics and shipping capabilities and get ready to fulfill the needs of your new international customers. To meet this requirement, you will need a reputable international logistics solution provider, commonly known as a global third-party logistics provider (3PL).

Now, the question arises - how do I find a trusted international logistics provider? Here is the step-by-step process of finding a reliable international 3PL for your business.

1.     Determine the Type of International 3PL You Need

When you go online, you will find an umpteen number of 3PLs that serve manufacturers and retails across the globe. While some providers provide only specific services such as warehousing and distribution, others provide a turnkey solution for your logistics and shipping needs. On the other end, some are even platform-dedicated 3PL companies that offer their services for only a specific platform, for instance, FBA cargo logistics solution providers that offer their services mainly for Amazon sellers and retailers. 

FBA cargo logistics solution providers can offer:

·        Air Freight and Express

·        Sea FCL and LCL Services

·        FBA Cargo Insurance Services

·        Customs Clearance Services

·        Inspection Services

·        Labeling, Packaging, and Re-branding Services

·        Account Services

·        Freight Forwarding or Selling on Amazon

So, first, figure out what kind of services you need. Do you need only freight forwarding services, or are you looking for a warehouse and distribution center in a specific country? How much budget can you assign to shipping and logistics need? Once you have your answer, go online and narrow down companies that offer the services you need and contact them directly to learn more about them.

 

2.     Find out the Market Accessibility

Are you shipping your products worldwide or to only specific countries? Knowing which countries you want to deliver your products will narrow down your list of global 3PL companies. You can either check their websites or send them an email to provide the updated list of countries they operate in.

 

3.     Evaluate their Scalability

Since you are planning to enter the international market, it is important to factor in the scalability of your global 3PL. After building a good relationship with one company, you don’t want to switch 3PLs midstream. 

So, right from the beginning, make sure that the global 3PL can accommodate your demands as your business logistics’ needs grow. For that, you can ask a few questions, such as:

·        Do they have any cap on the amount and extent of services they offer?

·        What is their maximum capacity of handling shipments to your international market?

·        Have they scaled their service offerings for other clients in the past?

·        Do they operate in other international markets where you don’t currently have a reach but want to enter in the future?

4.     Assess Their Technological Capability

Reputable international logistics solution providers use technology platforms that allow them to operate their business efficiently and deliver on time. So, enquire about what technological platform they use, how advanced their platforms are, what makes them different from others, and whether their platform is compatible with yours.

Finally, check out their track record and customer service.

 

If they pass your criteria with flying colors, finalize them and ask them to create a detailed agreement. It must include the services they will offer to you, what steps they will take in case of any failure or damage, how you can make claims, the timeline and complete process of making claims, cost of their services, and everything they agree to do for you verbally. Read the agreement contract carefully before you sign it.  

Steps involved in a customs clearance process

 Customs clearance is an important step itself that has to take place before any international shipment is delivered. It can be a time taking process that might take up to a week. 

You can always hire a customs clearance service provider for the completion of the task. The customs broker you will hire will act as both the importer and the exporter in the clearance process.  

Your customs clearance broker is in charge of dealing with all the regulations and legislations of the customs as they pertain to trade law such as custom tax, tariffs, penalties, quotas, and international shipping. 

The task of your customs clearance service provider is to make sure that all the goods being exported and imported, fulfill the criteria of the customs declaration. 

Customs clearance: An introduction

Customs clearance must be completed by the shipper before the goods are exported or imported internationally.  

This procedure verifies that all the applicable taxes and duties on the cargo have been already paid and also, all the required documents are fulfilled.  

If a package clears customs, the shipper will produce documentation stating the due payments. It makes it possible for the package to get processed ahead and finally delivered.

If a shipment still requires a clearance, customs will detain it until the proper documents and taxes are provided. 

Furthermore, different customs and trade limitations exist on a worldwide scale.

As a global firm that imports and exports goods internationally, it is important to hire a customs clearance service provider with sufficient knowledge. 

Let’s now discuss the steps in the customs clearance process:

• Verification of documents 

In this step, a customs official confirms that all documentation has been completed, including the shipment invoices with the relevant shipping label and all the fees of bank transfers.  

Commercial invoices are required for overseas shipments to include all paperwork and the correct value of the items.

After the paperwork has been verified, the products will be recognized by the document that includes the information of the shipper and the recipient.  

The document may contain some additional information like the date of export and airway bill number. 

• Checking by the customs officer 

This includes the verification of taxes and duties levied on a shipment. A customs officer conducts all the verification of the documents on the basis of the customs law in the importing country and the type of merchandise being shipped. 

They will make sure that all the documents are completed. 

• Payments 

This is the payment of outstanding taxes and fees for the shipment. There are two types of payment known as delivered duty unpaid and delivered duty paid.  

DDU covers all the costs involved in transportation to ensure a safe and secure shipment. 

And DDP label means that all the taxes and duties have already been paid for the shipment. 

• Shipment release 

Now, that all the documents and taxes have been cleared, shipments are now ready to be released as per the trade laws.  

Make sure to hire an experienced and reputable customs clearance service provider to ensure that all the documents are completed accurately and the shipment is done safely and securely on time. 

Best Way to Select a Provider of International Transportation Services?

 An international courier will enable you to develop, grow, and spread your business around the globe, whether you're an established company or a startup with big plans. E-commerce sellers that want to increase their product market should strongly consider this option.

The prices of international shipping are significantly greater because it opens new outlets all over the world. Consider the additional cost of customs, the extensive paperwork, extra-durable packaging, delivery timeliness, and customer service reps before deciding on a company to send your products internationally.

To select a reliable international freight forwarder, ask yourself the following questions.

1.      How quickly do you need goods delivered? 

Customer happiness is the ultimate goal of any firm, as we all know. But customers are frequently turned off by delayed orders. Check the speed, costs, and availability of expedited shipment, express delivery, and overnight delivery before choosing an international transportation service provider.

You may select ocean shipping for slower deliveries depending on the nature of your business, the goods sold, and the deadline you've set. 

Although not all of your deliveries will be urgent, it's ideal to partner with a shipping firm that can handle last-minute requests.

2.      Is your product too large or unsafe to transport? 

This issue will primarily apply to organizations that provide B2B services. Not all international transport companies can handle big industrial equipment, toxic metalware, and chemicals.

Furthermore, you must also consider weight constraints for freight. Therefore, look for companies with a reputation for handling and transporting hazardous loads safely. 

3.      Is it possible to find out where my item is at any time?

Yes, you certainly can! That's because of tracking. Select a global shipping provider that allows businesses and customers to monitor the item. Tracking ensures that the consumer is prepared to receive the purchase and will likely be waiting for it at the delivery location. It also reduces the number of calls from clients seeking status updates on their orders. 

4.      How much is it going to cost?

On the one hand, some organizations offer precise tracking, customer support, and several express shipping options. On the other hand, some businesses don't provide much yet charge a lot less. So, based on the type of your organization, the immediacy of the transaction, and the order's value, select an overseas shipping partner. 

5.      Who is going to pay attention to my complaints?

You'll always have reservations about the transfer, product status, and customer delivery. As a result, be sure that the foreign courier service you choose has a competent customer support center, preferably open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

While the express delivery offered by international transportation service providers will be pretty much the same, the cost may differ. You can choose a shipping firm based on the necessity, the size of the product, the vulnerability and manner of transit necessary, and the location where you want the package delivered.

What is the job of a cargo or freight agent?

Cargo and freight agents are extremely crucial for our economy. Are you wondering “how?”. 

Well, we can let you know.

Cargo or freight agents assist in the transportation of products or raw materials from one location to another. If you are wondering about how does your amazon delivery reaches your house, then you should be aware that a cargo agent assists in shipping services for amazon as well. 

A cargo and freight agent manages and arranges incoming and departing goods for transportation firms such as airline companies, shipping corporations, and railways.

It is the Cargo and freight agencies and agents that make it possible for items to be shipped via airline, ship, rail, truck terminals and ports.

Agents are responsible for ensuring that shipments are picked up and delivered on time. They also ensure that documentation is completed and that payments are paid. Agents prepare and check customs and tax forms for foreign shipments as well.

 Other responsibilities of cargo and freight agents include:

• Determining the shipping methods and routes from the point of pickup to the final destination.

•  Informing the customers about transportation and payment alternatives.

• Coordination of logistics and distribution with shipping and freight firms. 

• Notifying clients about cargo shipments, the status of the parcel, and estimated arrival time.

• Estimating, negotiating and deciding postal rates, shipment prices and other expenses as well. 

•  Preparing bills of shipment, receipts, and other shipping papers as needed.

•  Keep track of information such as cargo quantity, weight, dimensions, and time of shipping. 

• Track down missing shipments as needed. 

Cargo and freight agencies frequently manage shipments for several clients at the same time. They generally organise their clients' goods and freight by the route and ship out many packages at the same time.

Precise record-keeping is required to track shipping updates, supplies, customer and transaction records, and other data. Computer applications are used by agents to keep the information, monitor goods, and connect with clients. They must be acquainted with and at ease with a variety of software products.                                                                                   

Cargo and freight brokers are commonly found at distribution centres, warehouses, or packaging and shipping stations. They often engage with customers, logistics businesses, and many others in the shipping sector. They must be able to offer shipping updates, pricing quotations, and other data upon request in a pleasant manner.

Goods and freight brokers must guarantee that shipping arrives or is picked up on schedule at its location, and they must be able to organise shipments to assure timely delivery.

Who is suitable to be a cargo agent?

A Cargo and freight agent has his own individual characteristics. They are systematic, rational, efficient, disciplined, and well-organized. Some are also entrepreneurial, which means they are daring, ambitious, forceful, outgoing, energetic, passionate, confident, and optimistic.

Now, you are aware of who you should be thankful to for delivering all your essentials to you on time accurately.

4 Things You Must Know to Ensure Secure and Safe Heavyweight Shipment Delivery

 Sending heavy shipments to their intended destination is a challenge, no matter if the mode of transportation is ocean shipping or air shipping. You need to take precautions while packing them, loading them, and also need to take care of things during adverse circumstances. After all, heavy shipments themselves are expensive and so do their shipping. While most of the things are taken care of by the company that you choose for heavyweight shipment services, you must be aware of the important things that ensure the safe shipping of heavyweight cargo.     

 

1.     Choose Impact-Resistance Packaging

Heavier shipments are typically moved by forklifts instead of human power. Besides, they might be switched by trucks before they are loaded on a cargo ship or flight. 

Thus, you need packaging that can withstand the impact of getting dropped, being subjected to vibration from conveyor belts and trucks, compression on all sides due to indiscriminate stacking, and changes in temperature and humidity.

Choose suitable packaging cartons that are strong enough to bear the weight of a full load of packages stacked on top of them. If using corrugated cartons, secure them only with reinforced water-activated tape. 

Besides, you may want to add an extra layer of protection to the interior of the packaging box. This can be done through a layer of X-pad along all sides as it provides excellent bracing and cushioning.

2.     Choose a Proper Pallet If Needed

Many heavyweight items are best secured by using wooden or plastic pallets. When your heavyweight shipment is more prone to damage and cannot be shipped safely only through corrugated packaging, pallets are the best choice to add sturdy protection layer as they can endure the stress of being hauled, lifted, and other challenges.

However, such shipments should never exceed the weight restrictions on their pallet. Thus, when it comes to choosing pallets for your heavyweight shipments, make sure that pallets are designed to withstand the weight of the cargo you need to ship.

 

3.     Avoid Making Boxes Too Heavy If Possible

Understandably, some shipments can be too heavy which makes them difficult to ship, load, and unload. Thus, if your item has a modular design and has different parts that you can pack in different boxes, then prefer wrapping individual components separately in multiple shipping boxes instead of wrapping them in one big box. Overly heavy boxes are more likely to get damaged during transit and also present a bigger threat to those lifting them.

 

4.     Purchase cargo insurance

While cargo insurance is beneficial for any size of FBA shipment, you must not ignore its importance, especially when hiring heavyweight shipment services. Purchasing a cargo insurance plan provides you with an intangible benefit that protects you when faced with adverse circumstances. 

As far as the shipping is concerned, there is nothing more disappointing than getting a damaged heavyweight shipment. Since the cost of heavyweight shipment is much higher and you have so much to lose in terms of money, time, and reputation, choosing to purchase FBA cargo insurance is a smart move.

The bottom line is that make your heavyweight shipment as secure as possible through thoughtful packaging and buy cargo insurance. It will help reduce the number of damaged goods and returns, and therefore, your customers will be more likely to purchase from you again.