Today, the shipping industry is facing significant challenges. A shortage of lumber and microprocessors has dramatically reduced access to consumer products. Still, the industry is facing shortages of shipping materials and even dock workers to keep the supply chain moving.
The recent debacle in the Suez Canal is a prime example of how a supply chain can be derailed.
Expedited shipping and air freight can ensure that goods can promptly reach both the consumer and store shelves, even amidst the supply chain problems affecting today’s shipping industry. This article will look at how expedited shipping and air freight can improve a business and suggest the best ways to approach these methods.
Demands of Specialty Shipping
Expedited shipping and air freight methods each have their own unique demands and challenges.
Expedited Shipping
Expedited shipping demands speed. That isn’t just about keeping vehicles on the highway. Businesses can gain speed by streamlining every part of their logistics process so that shipments can be loaded, transported, and unloaded as efficiently as possible to eliminate any wasted time.
Air Freight
Air freight provides the benefit of speed, but the demand here tends to be costly. This method can be expensive by nature, and if a business fails to optimize its logistics process, it can lead to inefficiency, which can further increase shipping costs.
The Benefits of Expedited Shipping
Expedited shipping can keep the supply chain moving quickly and ensure that products reach their destination as soon as possible. This solution is particularly beneficial today since problems in the supply chain are creating empty shelves in the retail industry. This method of shipping may not solve the shortage of goods, but it can at least keep shelves stocked and the economy moving.
The Benefits of Shipping by Air
Nothing can beat air freight for speed and reliability. This way product can be delivered virtually anywhere in a brief amount of time.
Plus, air shipments tend to be highly secure and offer transparent tracking options so that you have the most reliable, up-to-date information available for your shipment.
What Kinds of Companies Should Use Expedited Shipping or Air Freight?
Any company can benefit from these shipping methods, but some offer products and services that demand speed and reliability.
Ecommerce
When it comes to eCommerce, shipping is almost as important as the product. In a 2019 article in Forbes magazine, nearly 1 in 4 online shoppers reported they’d be willing to give up Netflix in exchange for free shipping on all online orders.
Retailers can offer customers expedited shipping and air freight options at check-out, enticing prospective buyers and ensuring rapid delivery to maximize customer satisfaction.
Medicine
Medical and pharmaceutical companies may be meeting critical needs that demand expedited shipping and air freight to deliver medical supplies, medication, and more.
Large-Scale Manufacturing
Many large-scale manufacturing companies are being impacted by shortages in supplies, containers, and even workers. When the supply chain is backed up, expedited shipping and air freight can ensure that products get to the shelves as quickly as possible.
Ways to Improve Your Shipping Processes
Today, you can improve your shipping process by partnering with a reliable third-party logistics (3PL) company. A 3PL company can help with the physical components of the shipping process and offer tracking data, route planning, inventory management, and other features to optimize your entire operation.
Consider R2 Logistics for Your Shipping Needs
R2 Logistics has quickly become an industry leader when it comes to shipping and logistics. As a 3PL, we offer state-of-the-art services to all our clients, ensuring that they get the most from their business.
Contact us when you’re ready to see what R2 Logistics can do for you.
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