7 Common Mistakes Businesses Make with Air Freight

One of the most dependable and quickest methods of transporting products worldwide is air freight. To businesses, it provides speed, flexibility, and access to international markets that cannot be matched by other means of transport.

Nevertheless, air freight can also be expensive and complicated. Also, some freight companies make unintentional errors that cause delays, extra expenses, or even damaged customer relationships. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can prevent them and make shipping smoother and more effective.

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Using Air Freight

You can cut expenses, reduce risks, and maintain your supply chain by avoiding some common mistakes outlined here. Below are some of the common mistakes to avoid as a business when using air freight.

Poor packaging

Air freight is characterized by high-frequency handling, turbulence, and pressure variation. Companies tend to underestimate the value of packaging that is resistant. Weak boxes, inadequate cushioning, or improper labeling may cause damaged goods.

Use high-quality materials, adhere to International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, and always label delicate items.

Inaccurate documentation

If your paperwork is incomplete, it will delay your time at customs. Missing invoices, incorrect weight declarations, and incorrect product descriptions may halt shipments.

Checking all your documents during the last few minutes and hours before filing and processing them will be helpful. Consider hiring a freight forwarder to handle the paperwork and logistics.

Violation of weight and dimension regulations

Airlines use chargeable weight to calculate costs because it is a weight-based measure that takes into account both the size and weight of the cargo. This is often overlooked by many businesses, resulting in unnecessary expenses.

Weigh and measure your shipments accurately, and check the dimensional weight regulations of a carrier before making a reservation.

Last-minute bookings

Last-minute booking of air freight may result in a higher price and a limited choice of flights. Schedule shipments and reserve space early to obtain improved pricing and more dependable schedules.

Failure to know the customs regulations

Every country has its customs procedures and restrictions. Not researching them may lead to wasted time and expense. For example, some goods require special permits or are outright banned. Obtain well-researched solution destination requirements or partner with an experienced logistics provider that can guide you.

Trading reliability in favor of price

Other companies are interested in locating the cheapest carrier without considering reliability, quality of services, and transit time.

This often results in delays or spoiled products, which can be more expensive in the end. Weigh the cost and reliability by considering aspects such as transit time, tracking services, customer reviews, and the chocarrier

Lack of insurance

Faith in nothing going wrong, many companies avoid cargo insurance in an attempt to save money. However, lost, delayed, or damaged goods can have a significant impact on profits and reputation. Always maintain cargo insurance. You need insurance for air freight shipping.

Conclusion

Air freight can be an effective tool for international trade, but only when managed carefully. Those seven mistakes can be avoided. Examples include poor packaging, incorrect paperwork, failure to meet size requirements, late booking, incomplete customs work, selecting a carrier solely based on price, and not taking insurance.