What is air freight forwarding?

1. Definition of air freight forwarding agent
Air freight forwarding, abbreviated as air freight forwarding or air freight forwarding, is a professional organization specializing in air freight logistics services. They serve as a bridge between shippers and airlines, providing shippers with a range of services from receiving, packaging, warehousing, customs clearance, inspection, to air transportation. Air freight forwarders not only handle the transportation of goods, but also involve coordination and communication with airlines, customs, insurance companies, and other parties.
2. The functions of air freight forwarding agents
Goods Receipt and Packaging: Air freight forwarders are responsible for receiving goods from the shipper and providing professional packaging based on the nature, size, and weight of the goods to ensure their safety during transportation.
Warehousing services: Air freight forwarders usually have their own warehouses or cooperative warehouses to provide short-term cargo storage services for shippers. This helps shippers better arrange the transportation and delivery time of goods.
Customs declaration and inspection: Air freight forwarders have professional knowledge in customs declaration and inspection, and can assist shippers in completing relevant procedures to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.
Air transportation arrangement: Air freight forwarders establish cooperative relationships with multiple airlines to select the optimal flight and route according to the needs of the cargo owner, ensuring fast and timely delivery of goods to the destination.
Tracking and querying: Air freight forwarders use modern information technology to track and query goods in real-time, enabling shippers to constantly understand the transportation status of goods.
Insurance and claims: Air freight forwarders provide cargo transportation insurance services to shippers. In the event of loss or damage to goods during transportation, shippers can receive corresponding compensation.
3. The Importance of Air Freight Forwarding in Modern Logistics
Improving logistics efficiency: Air freight forwarders have professional logistics knowledge and rich industry experience, and can provide customers with efficient and convenient logistics services. They reduce logistics costs and improve logistics efficiency by optimizing the transportation path of goods and increasing the loading rate of goods.
Simplify logistics processes: As a bridge between shippers and airlines, air freight forwarders can coordinate resources from all parties and simplify logistics processes. They provide one-stop logistics services for shippers, allowing them to focus on their core business and improve market competitiveness.
Reduce logistics risks: Air freight forwarders have professional risk management capabilities and can provide customers with comprehensive risk management and insurance services. They reduce the risk of loss and damage to goods during transportation through strict inspection of goods, reasonable packaging, and timely tracking measures.
Promoting international trade: Air freight forwarders play an important role in international logistics, providing cross-border logistics services to shippers from different countries and regions. With the assistance of air freight forwarders, shippers can better understand international trade rules and market demands, promoting the prosperity and development of international trade.