Save on Air Freight Shipping & Tracking Air Cargo

Shipping goods via air freight can be an efficient and often necessary choice for businesses aiming to meet tight deadlines or transport perishable items. However, it can also be expensive. Here are some strategies to save costs when shipping air freight and the methods to track your air cargo effectively, along with examples to illustrate these points.

Tips to Save on Air Freight Costs

1. Consolidate Shipments: One of the most effective ways to save on air freight is to consolidate shipments. Instead of sending multiple small shipments, consider grouping your products into a single larger shipment. For example, if you regularly ship small packages within a month, try to combine them into a single shipment at the end of the month. This approach not only reduces shipping costs but also minimizes paperwork and handling fees. Forwarders often use "deferred air" services to combine loads over several days, offering savings of 10–30%.

2. Choose the Right Freight Forwarder: Partnering with a reliable and cost-effective freight forwarder can significantly affect your air freight costs. Research various forwarding companies, comparing their rates, services, and reliability. For instance, ABC Freight Solutions might offer competitive rates while maintaining excellent service, which can help you save funds without sacrificing quality. If timelines are flexible (e.g., 4–5 days instead of 2), use indirect routing to access lower-cost belly capacity on passenger aircraft, potentially saving up to 30%.

3. Use Seasonal Air Freight Discounts: Some air freight carriers offer seasonal discounts during slower periods. This is common in industries where demand fluctuates. For instance, a company shipping seasonal apparel may find reduced rates in the off-season, allowing them to save money while ensuring timely delivery before the peak shopping season.

4. Utilize Volume Pricing: If your business frequently ships items via air, negotiating volume pricing with carriers might yield significant savings. Many airlines and freight companies offer better rates based on the volume of shipments over a specified period. For example, if a company commits to shipping a certain amount of cargo each month, they may receive a discount on regular rates.

5. Streamline Packaging: Packaging can weigh heavily on shipping costs. Opt for lightweight packaging materials and minimize the size of boxes to reduce dimensional weight charges. A business shipping electronics can use custom-fit padding instead of bulky boxes to save space and reduce weight, leading to lower shipping costs. Use "right-sized" boxes to minimize empty space. Switch to lightweight materials like engineered paper pallets, which can be up to 83% lighter than wood, directly reducing chargeable weight.

6. Plan Ahead: Last-minute shipments often incur premium rates. By planning your shipments in advance, you can take advantage of lower prices. For example, if a business knows they’ll need to ship products for a trade show months in advance, booking their air freight early can lead to significant savings.

Tracking Air Cargo Effectively

Tracking air cargo is crucial for ensuring timely delivery and for maintaining transparency with customers. Here are some methods to effectively track your air freight shipments:

1. Use Carrier Tracking Tools
Most major air freight carriers provide online tracking tools that allow you to monitor your shipment in real-time.

Carrier Websites:
American Airlines Cargo Tracking
Southwest Cargo Tracking
United Cargo Tracking
UPS Air Cargo Tracking
DHL Tracking Tool
FedEx Tracking

2. Leverage Freight Forwarder Tracking Systems: If you are utilizing a freight forwarder, they often provide their own tracking solutions. These systems may offer additional details beyond the carrier’s updates, such as customs clearance status. For instance, NEX Freight Forwarders allows you to access a dashboard that gives comprehensive details about your shipment's progress throughout the entire shipping process. You can track up to 30 shipments at one time.

3. Use Third-Party Tracking Solutions: Shipping platforms integrate with multiple carriers, allowing businesses to track shipments in one place. For example, track-trace allows you to track air cargo for 241 airlines.

4. Sign Up for Notifications: Many carriers and freight forwarders offer SMS or email tracking notifications. This feature allows you to stay updated without constantly checking the tracking status. For instance, signing up for alerts from UPS can provide immediate updates when your cargo is in transit, out for delivery, or has arrived at its destination.

5. Utilize Mobile Apps: Many air freight carriers now have mobile apps to facilitate tracking. These apps often provide push notifications for updates, creating a convenient way to monitor shipments while on the go. For instance, the DHL app enables users to track shipments easily, receive notifications, and even access customer support directly from their mobile devices.

6. Monitor Customs Clearance: Delays in customs clearance can significantly impact delivery timelines. Use tracking systems that provide information about customs status. You can also collaborate closely with your freight forwarder to ensure any required documents are in order, reducing the likelihood of delays. For example, knowing that a shipment has been held for customs review can allow you to initiate necessary actions more promptly.

By implementing these strategies for saving on air freight costs and utilizing effective tracking methods, businesses can enhance their shipping processes. Whether through consolidation of shipments, negotiating better rates, or leveraging technology for tracking, careful planning can lead to substantial savings and improved service quality. The examples provided illustrate practical applications of these strategies, enabling businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly fast-paced market.

Strategies to Save on Air Freight Costs