This month our resident advice columnist answers questions about air freight and about a unique service shippers can purchase to get smaller shipments – like fashion samples – delivered quickly and inexpensively.
Dear Ahab, I recently read that Milwaukee is poised to become a new destination for air freight. What has spurred air freight’s growth and demand in recent years? – Wheels Up
Dear Wheels Up: The main reason for air freight’s quick ascension can be traced back to the pandemic when companies were looking for ways to quickly and reliable ship products. Air Freight filled that need as the interruptions we’ve seen to container shipping, caused by either a pandemic or continued missile attacks, have made the reliability that air freight offers more appealing to many companies. Sure, it may cost more than putting cargo on a boat, but how much is it worth to get your cargo in four days instead of six weeks? An increasing number of shippers are crunching the numbers and are finding that it is worth the difference in price.
Dear Ahab, I have a few fashion samples that I need delivered quickly, but not overnight. How can I ship them through the air without breaking the bank? – Budget Flyer
Dear Budget Flyer: If you need products delivered quickly, but can wait a few days, the best recommendation I have is to take advantage of OEC’s e-commerce program, which is designed to help companies get smaller shipments – like samples – delivered quickly and inexpensively. The program’s secret lies in the growing ecommerce market, where OEC is able to leverage its many connections to your advantage. This gets you the best possible price that is so low it beats the courier market. If this is something you need then I highly recommend reaching out to them quickly as this service, and Air Freight in general, is quickly selling out.
Dear Ahab, I read a study that said 50% of men think they could land a plane in an emergency. That got me thinking, if I got my pilot’s license, do you think I could get in on this air freight boom? Making freight runs across the pacific sounds exciting to me. – Cockpit Cowboy
Dear Cockpit Cowboy: Look, there’s a market for it, but this kind of start-up requires some serious investment not just a pilot’s license. However, if the cost isn’t a deterrent and you find sprinting across the Pacific Ocean with a jumbo jet full of valuable cargo to meet a tight deadline is your jam, then you should go for it. You can start by making Milwaukee part of your run as they are currently looking for freight airlines to fly into their cargo facility, which is expected to open in the next year or two.
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