Transitioning from Slow Ground Freight to Rapid Air Freight

Depending on the needs of your particular logistic strategy, there will be times when your company will benefit from the right combination of various transportation methods, as opposed to a single method of getting your cargo from point A to point B.

While using multiple methods of transportation requires an extra layer of strategy and planning, when moving across various geographies and terrains it can be essential to harness the power of diverse transportation methods.

One method for rapid transportation is air freight. While air freight does tend to be a bit more expensive, it can still be a valuable part of your company’s logistics.

Why Air Freight?

1. Critical Part Deliveries

While air freight may not be the solution for your everyday operations, there may come a time when a critical part needs to be delivered as quickly as possible. Rapid air freight can significantly cut down on delivery time, and ensure the critical part arrives in a timely manner.

2. Competitive Advantages

With the advantages of air freight, you are able to manage shorter order times if delays happen, because the freight can be shipped more rapidly by air. Using air freight in combination with other methods, like sea transport and ground freight, can set your company apart from competitors.

3. Diversify

We’ve all heard the saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Using air freight to diversify your supply chain strategy can provide your company with a wider range of opportunities.

One way air freight can expand your reach is by introducing your freight to a particular market. Once that market expands and becomes established, you can reevaluate your supply chain strategy and structure it to be more efficient and cost-effective based on the market’s needs.

Transitioning from Ground Freight to Air Freight

The problem is that air freight is not a standalone solution. Instead, it works in conjunction with ground freight to create an efficient strategy. And making that transition between two methods of transportation can be difficult.

Here are a few tips for handling the ground and air freight relationship.

1. Plan

The key to utilizing air and ground freight together is having a swift hand off between the two. Otherwise, the time savings you might have had with air freight could potentially mean little or nothing if there is no smooth hand off. Not only does your freight need to find its way to the airport, it also needs to be picked up from the airport. This is where a well planned and thought out logistics strategy is essential.

2. Communicate

The key to just about any undertaking is having strong communication. You can have a great plan, with reliable providers, but delays and problems will sometimes arise. Instead of leaving all parties involved hanging, communicate frequently to ensure everyone is up to speed and things go as smoothly as possible.

3. Choose a Trusted Provider

Having a trusted partner on your side can do a lot to ease the anxiety of managing freight in a complex logistics strategy. While you can be continuously planning and communicating, it comes down to having partners who will execute with precision and consistency.

Utilizing rapid air freight delivery can have a powerful impact on your business, but it does not negate the need for ground freight. Taking the time to create a strategy that uses these two transportation methods together can produce great results and growth for your business.

Ready to take your freight to the skies, but need the support of reliable ground transportation? We can help! Contact us today at 214-373-1999 or fill out our online form.