The vital aspect that gives air freight its advantage over other transportation methods is speed. Everyone using air freight is doing so for speed. It’s not competitive on cost against sea freight.
Therefore, it can be argued that ensuring a smooth air freight journey, without delays and damage, is more important than with any other transportation method. Often, the goods involved are perishable, and transit time has a direct impact on shelf life.
Successfully navigating the steps of air transportation requires a deep understanding of its challenges and best practices. By following widely accepted best practices, shippers can minimise the chance of delay and the associated costs.
In this article, we will cover exactly what those best practices are and how to follow them.
1. Accurate and detailed information booking
The foundation of success in air freight lies in detailed product information. Ensure you have comprehensive information about your shipment, such as:
- Dimensions and weight: Inaccurate measurements can lead to additional charges or delays.
- Commodity classification: Proper classification ensures compliance with customs regulations and appropriate handling.
Top tip: Critically analyse whether the commodity code in use, is the correct classification of your goods. Disputes over this categorisation is one of the biggest causes of customs delays.
- Special requirements: Address specific needs, such as temperature control, hazardous material handling, or fragility.
- Precise origin and destination address: Leave nothing to interpretation about where the goods are heading
All these have a direct impact on the smoothness of your transportation and the costs involved. So it’s very important you include all the necessary details and that they are accurate.
2. Correct documentation
Accurate and timely documentation is, of course, crucial for any international transportation, and air freight is no exception. Some of the most essential documents to have:
- Commercial invoice: A detailed description of the goods, value, and terms of sale.
- Packing list: A comprehensive list of items included in the shipment.
- Air Waybill (AWB): The contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier.
- Customs declaration: A document detailing the shipment's contents for customs clearance.
This is not an exhaustive list. It varies depending on your products. But you must ensure it's correct and available on request to avoid delay. Storing all related documentation in a visibility tool like the WTA Platform can help.
3. Customs and Compliance
Customs clearance is another critical step in the air freight process and is often the cause of delay. Taking the extra time to ensure everything is in order before shipment can be a vital delay-reducing tactic. For regular shippers, some advanced strategies for reducing customs delays include:
- Pre-clearance: Where possible, use pre-clearance options to expedite the customs process.
- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Status: Using a logistics service provider with AEO status means you enjoy reduced customs procedures and inspections.
- Customs broker consultancy and services: Carefully choose a reputable customs broker to consult for advice and handle the clearance process. One with excellent expertise and a good reputation. Such as our expert Jamie Craig.
- Research destination country regulations: Fully familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the destination country, including import restrictions, quotas, and duties.
- Stay updated on changes: Monitor changes in customs regulations, especially after significant upheaval, such as an election.
- Maintain detailed records: Keep accurate records of all shipments, including invoices, customs declarations, and supporting documents.
4. Appropriate packaging
The risk of damage is also a significant factor threatening to disrupt smooth air freight transportation. Proper packaging is one of the best ways to prevent this.
What kind of packaging to use needs to be carefully considered, not an afterthought, to minimise the risk of issues. Key considerations include:
- Material selection: Choose materials suitable for the product's characteristics and the air freight environment.
- Packaging design: Ensure the packaging is sturdy, secure, and complies with airline regulations.
- Labelling: Clearly label the packaging with the shipper and consignee's information, as well as any special handling instructions.
5. Continuous monitoring and tracking
Adopting a visibility tool allows you to continuously track a shipment's progress. AI-assisted possible charge and delay alerts are a vital component here.
Some visibility tools, such as the WTA Platform, provide advanced warning of delays and possible additional charges, meaning you can make mitigations.
In fact, visibility is less about where your shipment is on a map and more about the data you have available. Cost, timing, emission, temperature, shocks, humidity, and so many other data points are trackable, providing complete insight into your logistics.
Shippers can iron out problems and smoothen air freight transportation through this monitoring.
“There’s no doubt there is more scepticism towards the value of visibility from the air freight industry. Whilst it’s true, when transit time is a matter of hours, seeing where your shipment is on a map is less valuable.
However, that feature is largely a gimmick with sea freight too. Visibility is about the data points you get access too, allowing your shipments to function far more smoothly and efficiently.”
Anthony Bour, Director of IT, WTA
6. Reputable logistics partner
Last but by no means least, your logistics partner of choice is essential. International air freight is a complex operation, particularly for perishable, cold-chain, or dangerous goods.
Using a freight forwarder or other logistics partner with experience and an understanding of the air freight process is vital. Inexperience on the part of your logistics service provider can often cause delays.
Whilst there is no silver bullet for removing delays and disruptions in international logistics, there are clear methods for reducing their chances. The six items discussed in this piece can support mastering air freight.
For more guidance on improving your air freight transportation, click the button above to contact WTA. Our experts operate across countless air freight trade lanes each day, handling a variety of complex product types, including perishables and dangerous goods.
