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Category: Air Freight

18 Apr 2024
Air Freight Forwarder shipping goods via air transport

Perishable Goods in Air Freight: Best Practices for Shipping Temperature-Sensitive Cargo

The world economy continues to expand, and so does the soaring consumer demand for fresh produce, life-saving pharmaceuticals, exotic flowers, or other time- and temperature-sensitive products. However, delivering these goods across vast distances presents a unique logistical challenge. Air freight Forwarders offer a quick and reliable solution to ensuring such goods arrive pristine.

With its unmatched speed, precise temperature control, and strong global network, this type of transport offers an added advantage over traditional ground and sea transportation. However, navigating the intricacies of air cargo for perishable goods requires understanding the unique challenges and best practices involved.

This blog will explore the key considerations and steps to ensure the safe and organized transport of your temperature-sensitive cargo via air freight forwarders.

Why is air transport the best for transporting perishable goods?

Air freight offers several advantages for shipping perishable goods:

Speed: Compared to ground and sea transportation, air freight is the fastest shipping mode, ensuring quick delivery and minimizing time in transit.

Temperature Control: The controlled environment of aircraft cabins allows for precise temperature management, ensuring your temperature-sensitive cargo maintains optimal conditions throughout the journey.

Reliability: Its extensive global network and frequent flight schedules provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing businesses to quickly and efficiently deliver their perishable goods to customers worldwide.

Best Practices for Packaging Perishable Goods

Proper packaging is essential for protecting perishable goods during air cargo transportation. Consider the following:

Opt for insulated containers and temperature-controlled packaging materials.

Use gel packs or dry ice to maintain the required temperature if necessary.

Consider the specific needs of different perishable goods, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and live plants.

Temperature Monitoring and Control

Real-time Tracking: Utilize data loggers or GPS trackers to monitor temperature fluctuations during transit.

Active Temperature Control: Consider actively controlled containers that maintain a consistent temperature through refrigeration or heating units for longer journeys.

Regulatory Requirements and Documentation

Air Cargo Compliance: Ensure all documentation follows Air Cargo Compliance (ACC) regulations, including commodity descriptions, temperature specifications, and special handling instructions.

Phytosanitary Certificates: Phytosanitary certificates issued by the National Plant Protection Organization are often required for plant and animal products.

Handling and Logistics Considerations

Coordination is Key: Seamless communication between shippers, airlines, customs authorities, and logistics providers ensures efficient handling and minimal delays.

Specialized Airport Handling: Airports with dedicated cool storage facilities and trained personnel for perishable cargo are ideal.

Choose Your Reliable Global Air Freight Forwarder

Shipping perishable goods via air freight forwarder requires careful planning, execution, and adherence to best practices. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safe and efficient transport of your perishable goods.

At Nissin Belgium, we are committed to providing expert temperature-controlled air freight logistics services for perishable goods. Our team of experts can help you streamline the entire process and ensure seamless coordination for your needs.

Contact us at + 32 2 751 44 99 or write HowCanIHelpYou@be.nissin-eu.com to learn more about our logistics solutions.

11 Jan 2024
Luggage being loaded onto a large airplane with Determining Air Freight Rates

8 Factors Determining Air Freight Rates and Charges

Air shipping offers a fast and reliable way to transport goods globally. However, the costs associated with air cargo can differ significantly depending on several key factors. As a shipper looking to move products by air, it’s important to understand what determines Costs for air freight rates and charges. Nissin Belgium allows you to estimate better and control your shipping budget.

This post will explore the top 8 factors influencing air freight logistics pricing. Reaching out to a knowledgeable provider like Nissin Belgium can also help provide valuable insight into current market rates.

Weight and Dimensions

A key determinant is the actual weight and dimensions of your shipment. Bulky or heavy cargo will cost more to transport by air. Air logistics carriers need to optimize limited cargo capacity. Density ratios are used to take into account both weight and dimensions.

Transportation Route

Longer transport distances mean higher fuel costs for the airline. Popular routes with high competition may be cheaper. Less common lanes can be more expensive. The origin and destination airports also impact costs. Busy international hubs charge higher fees.

Perishability

Temperature-sensitive goods like fresh produce or pharmaceuticals require special handling, which comes at a premium. Refrigeration and monitoring equipment is needed for cold chain shipments. Time-critical deliveries also cost more to expedite.

Seasonality

Air freight rates fluctuate based on supply and demand. Peak holiday shipping seasons drive up pricing as more companies compete for space. Low-volume months offer better deals. Weather disruptions can also constrain capacity at certain times of the year.

Commodity Type

Some products incur higher security and handling fees. Dangerous goods require certified packaging and loading procedures. Oversized cargo may need special equipment and handling that increases cost. High-value electronics and other attractive targets face higher risk rates, too.

Shipment Mode

Exclusive use of an entire aircraft is the fastest option but comes at a premium. Consolidating with other freight on commercial passenger planes offers a more economical alternative. Chartering part of an aircraft can be a middle-ground based on volume needs.

Fuel Prices

Since fuel accounts for up to 40% of airline operating costs, the fluctuating price of jet fuel heavily impacts air shipping rates. Airlines adjust their rates frequently based on global oil and gas markets. Fuel surcharges may be added if prices spike.

Customs Processing

Shipments that cross international borders can rack up fees for customs inspections, duties, taxes and more. Brokerage costs are also incurred when clearing customs at destination airports. Simplified customs protocols can reduce these costs.

Let Nissin Belgium Be Your Air Freight Navigator

Understanding these key factors gives you greater insight into the components that determine pricing for air freight. A logistics partner like Nissin Belgium has the expertise to help optimize your shipments by consolidating loads, using efficient routing, meeting deadlines, navigating customs, and more. Our seamless air shipping services ensure your cargo arrives safely and cost-effectively.

Contact us today at + 32 2 751 44 99 or HowCanIHelpYou@nissin.be to get a competitive quote tailored to your air freight needs.

21 Dec 2023
A large airplane on the tarmac, used for air shipping or air freight

Exploring the Role of Air Shipping in Global Trade

As global trade volumes continue to climb yearly, meeting the world’s demand for goods requires moving cargo faster and more efficiently than ever before. Air shipping has become essential for businesses participating in global supply chains. With journeys measured in hours and days instead of weeks, air freight provides unmatched speed and accessibility even to remote corners of the world.

Air cargo offers the speed and accessibility that enables the modern, interconnected world. As an experienced freight forwarder, Nissin Belgium understands the immense value air transportation offers in today’s competitive landscape. But what exactly makes air freight the best of speed and reach?

Advantages of Air Shipping

Speed: The Time Factor

Air freight achieves by far the fastest transit times of any cargo mode, reducing delivery schedules by over 90% compared to ocean shipping. For time-sensitive shipments, only air transport can meet the tight deadlines that today’s data-driven, just-in-time supply chains require.

Accessibility: Reaching New Markets

The sheer reach of intercontinental flights empowers businesses to access previously untapped markets and opportunities abroad. Air shipping links factories directly to customers globally, enabling on-demand delivery unachievable via sea or ground routes.

Cargo Integrity: Ensuring Quality & Compliance

Maintaining exact temperatures or environmental conditions is non-negotiable for goods like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishable foods. The speed of air freight minimizes risks, while state-of-the-art cargo monitoring and protective handling capabilities add further assurance of integrity from ramp to ramp.

Inventory & Logistics: Streamlining Operations

With air shipping’s combination of velocity and reliability, companies can adopt leaner supply chain strategies rather than stockpiling months of inventory. The precise delivery windows also increase production flexibility and heighten responsiveness to surges in customer demand.

Considerations for Choosing Air Shipping

Although air freight comes with a higher price tag than its ocean and land counterparts, for the right products going to the right markets, those higher transportation costs pay for themselves many times over. Businesses must weigh key considerations when determining if air shipping makes sense for a given product or sales channel:

Cost: Priority Products Justify Priority Shipping

While air freight costs more than ocean or ground movements, it generates far more sales per year from high-priority, high-margin, or perishable items. Strategic use of air shipping multiplies inventory turns.

Size & Weight: Optimizing Air Cargo Efficiency

Dimensional and weight restrictions vary across aircraft types, so optimization is key. Nissin Belgium’s freight experts are finely attuned to the capacities of all major air carriers and routes to configure shipments for efficiency.

Infrastructure: Accessing Global Gateways

An interconnected network of cargo airports and flights provides businesses with a broad reach, but some destinations lack robust air logistics facilities. Nissin Belgium helps shippers navigate these complexities.

Regulations: Navigating Security & Customs

Given the international nature of most air cargo, businesses must comply with layered customs, security, and handling regulations. As compliance experts, Nissin Belgium helps customers clear these hurdles quickly and accurately.

Choose the Best

At present, air shipping isn’t just an option; it’s a strategic imperative. Whether you’re an established multinational or a budding entrepreneur, Nissin Belgium can help you unlock the potential of air freight and propel your business to new heights.

Contact us on + 32 2 751 44 99 or write to us at HowCanIHelpYou@nissin.be for a personalized air freight consultation or quote, and experience the unparalleled service and expertise that sets us apart. Let us be your trusted partner in navigating the skies and exceeding your expectations every step of the way.

28 Aug 2023
Future-Trends-in-Air-Shipping

Future Trends in Air Shipping: Technology and Sustainability

Air shipping is evolving at a quick pace, driven by technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. As global trade continues to expand, the air freight industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient movement of goods across borders. Taking the lead in this transformative landscape is Nissin Belgium, a firm believer in driving innovation and progress in the industry.

In this blog, we will explore the future trends in air shipping, focusing on the linking concepts of technology and sustainability.

How Does Air Shipping Work?

Air shipping, also known as air freight, is the process of transporting cargo using aircraft. This method is favored for its speed, reliability, and ability to connect distant locations worldwide. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

Packaging

Freight Forwarding

Airline Booking

Customs Clearance

Air Transport

Destination Handling

Technological Advancements in Air Shipping

Digitalization and Automation: The seamless integration of digital technologies like IoT sensors and Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) tags has revolutionized cargo monitoring. Real-time data collection ensures optimal temperature control and heightened security. Additionally, automation has streamlined numerous processes, substantially reducing errors and boosting overall efficiency.

Drone Deliveries: The skies are abuzz with the promise of drone deliveries, particularly for last-mile distribution. Drones offer a swift, environmentally friendly solution for transporting smaller packages, especially to remote or challenging-to-access areas.

Blockchain’s Transparent Trail: The adoption of blockchain technology in the air freight industry introduces a new era of transparency and traceability. By creating an immutable ledger of transactions, blockchain curbs fraud and guarantees the authenticity of crucial documents.

Predictive Analytics: Advanced data analytics are driving the industry forward with predictive maintenance strategies. This data-driven approach optimizes aircraft performance, mitigates downtime, and ensures timely deliveries.

Navigating Towards Sustainable Skies

Alternative Fuels: A significant stride towards sustainability involves the exploration of alternative fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen. These eco-friendly options hold the potential to substantially reduce the carbon footprint associated with air shipping.

Innovative Aircraft Design: Aircraft manufacturers are embracing sustainability through the design of fuel-efficient planes. These marvels of engineering boast improved aerodynamics and employ lightweight materials to enhance fuel efficiency and minimize emissions per unit of cargo.

Carbon Offsetting Initiatives: Airlines and shippers are taking responsibility for their emissions by investing in carbon offset projects. These projects actively counterbalance carbon emissions by supporting endeavors that capture or reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Efficient Route Planning: The adoption of advanced route optimization algorithms is playing a pivotal role in curbing fuel consumption. These algorithms meticulously calculate and select optimal flight paths, resulting in reduced energy consumption.

Explore the Future with Nissin Belgium

As we look into the future of air shipping, it’s evident that technology and sustainability will lead the way. The industry’s dynamic nature, coupled with these transformative trends, promises a future where air shipping is not only efficient but also environmentally conscious. The journey towards a sustainable and more innovative air freight industry is well underway, and each step taken brings us closer to a world where global trade thrives harmoniously with the planet.

With a commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, Nissin Belgium is your partner in navigating the evolving landscape of air freight. Explore our innovative solutions and be part of the revolution in air shipping!