Does Your Commodity Optimize For Air Freight Transportation?

(Part 2 of a 2 Part Blog Series)

Global shipping is a complex system encompassing multiple transport modes and routing options. Air freight provides fast transit for importers who need it –but it comes at a premium price.

An experienced logistics partner offers a seamless airfreight network that helps you optimize your airfreight shipments. Our primary mission is to help strengthen your supply chain, so your product reaches its destination efficiently.

Dedola Global Logistics has been helping clients, large and small, optimize their supply chain since 1976. During our 46 years, we have become logistics experts via all modes of transportation –ocean, land, and air.

DGL has helped our clients navigate the unique challenges of the ongoing supply chain crisis. Our rock-solid network is a big part of why we succeed where others fail.

Simply put: We deliver!

In part 1 of this blog, we looked at why toys, medical supplies products, and cosmetics are often shipped via air freight. This second installment examines apparel, electronics, lighting fixtures, and musical instruments.

Let’s review the benefits of airfreight shipping.

Why Air Freight Continues to be a Valuable Shipping Option 

Ocean freight rates have increased as much as 800% from Jan 2021 to Jan 2022, and the ongoing seaport congestion is likely to continue through 2022. Airfreight rates have increased too, but only by 40% during the same period. Increased consumer air travel means more flights and additional space for certain commodities, freeing space on cargo-only flights.

Commodities that Benefit when Shipping by Air

Apparel, Electronics, Lighting fixtures and Musical Instruments

Apparel

Apparel and accessories tend to weigh less than other commodities and don’t require protective packaging. These two factors keep airfreight shipping costs down. Historically, fashion apparel and accessories use airfreight to ensure the most sought-after styles reach the consumer in the optimal season. We’ve seen more clothing shipped via air during the current supply chain crisis to meet retail demand.

More than ever, shippers must plan their supply chain very carefully. Congestion at US ports makes less expensive ocean freight less than ideal. Ongoing equipment and labor shortages are adding weeks to standard transit times. Apparel companies such as Lululemon, Addidas, and Crocs that historically relied on ocean shipping have pivoted to air freight to keep their stores stocked and revenue flowing.

Electronics

As more electronics and communications companies do big product releases (think Apple), the timing of the product release becomes critical. That’s where fast and dependable shipping methods like air freight are crucial. It’s more important than ever that retail outlets are stocked with these products as consumer demand remains high.

Another issue with electronics is that the average life span is not very long. In some cases, it can be as short as a year. When these products sit on an ocean freighter or at the port for 30 days, it can reduce the time in the consumer’s hands. Airfreight expedites the process, and fewer links in the chain of custody make electronics shipping safer.

Lighting Fixtures

Airfreight is faster in getting products to market. Lighting fixtures’ fragile and costly nature benefits from airfreight’s enhanced safety and reduced exposure to theft. These factors are significant for the most valuable, large, and elaborate lighting fixtures.

Musical Instruments

Airplanes offer better temperature control, which could be a significant factor for musical instruments. It’s also a safer shipping method with less chance of theft or damage than ocean shipping’s long waits at origin, off-loading, and extended time at the US ports. Airfreight shipping has fewer moving parts and is not experiencing the same amount of rehandling. This is good for delicate and valuable items such as musical instruments.

Dedola Builds a Global Network of Air Freight Providers

When you need your product shipped fast and consider airfreight, go with an experienced logistics company you can trust. Dedola has provided seamless airfreight services since 1976. We’ve built a rock-solid network of logistics partners around the globe to help our clients get their product where it needs to be, on time, and intact.

We leverage our experience every day to help our clients optimize their supply chain.

Go with an Experienced Global Logistics Company You Can Trust 

The global supply chain via ocean shipping continues to be plagued by delays. It’s more important than ever to partner with an experienced global logistics company like Dedola Global Logistics.

We work with our clients to find the shipping methods that make the most sense for them. With ocean delays caused by the pandemic and other factors, that method may be airfreight.

Contact us today at (562) 594-8988 for a free consultation and comprehensive quote!

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