International Air Freight Forwarding Solutions
The expertise of our experienced routing specialists, alongside our focus on forming partner alliances with worldwide airlines, enables us to deliver an outstanding level of service.
When it comes to Air Freight Forwarding, every SEKO office around the world has the same goal - to provide outstanding service and competitive pricing. Our 40 years of experience in the air freight management industry helps us meet those goals, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – so we can deliver on your promises.
ROUTING SPECIALISTS
Our value-added Air Freight Forwarding services are managed by experienced routing specialists who will ask you when your shipment needs to arrive, and then tailor the air logistics service accordingly. If there’s flexibility in your delivery date, then our expertise in international markets can save you even more money. And if your air freight is on a tight deadline - we supplement our commercial lift with dedicated and part-charter flights to accommodate nearly any shipment from almost anywhere!
RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELECT PARTNERS
At SEKO, we’ve concentrated on forming long term relationships with selected worldwide airlines and cartage companies, and through these individual partner alliances, we are able to negotiate the best pricing available for our Air Freight Forwarding services. In our most critical market areas we have ‘blocked space’ agreements in place that guarantee us capacity during both low and high seasons, with the flexibility to expand or contract these commitments based on customer need.
CHINA EXPERTISE
In addition to bringing cross border bulk import specialisms in house, our acquisition of Air-City in June 2019 also significantly increased our China shipping expertise – both for imports into the US and exports from the US to China. This is particularly significant in an environment where US goods, including perishables and other agricultural products, are becoming more highly sought-after by the Chinese middle class.
Air-City’s air freight volumes were already very significant, and the level of cross border eCommerce delivery expertise which their teams possess - coupled with their close working relationships with Chinese airlines - has provided a real asset for SEKO.
COMPLIANCE
We work with you to maintain Global compliance for air freight exports and imports all around the world – including our specialist in-house cross border eCommerce shipping expertise for eCommerce clients. In doing so, SEKO becomes more than just an air logistics service provider, but rather your true supply chain partner. We’ll continue to provide our customised logistics management support as you increase your number of sourcing countries, or as you expand your customer base around the globe.
COMPLEX DOCUMENTATION MADE SIMPLE
We’re committed to providing you with a flawless Air Freight Forwarding service, and fewer headaches. That means handling specialised documentation for shipping to certain countries, such as those in the Middle East. We provide certificates of origin and registration, letters of credit and much more. We even do banking.
INTERNATIONAL AIR FREIGHT FORWARDING SERVICES
Sometimes next day service just isn’t fast enough. Maybe you have a last minute order, or a customer needs a replacement part for an assembly line that’s down, or maybe ‘same day’ is simply the nature of your market? For situations like these, or any other unforeseen emergency, we offer SEKO Next Flight Out - a time critical service. The SEKO Next Flight Out service is available for shipments of any size, large and small. There are no weight restrictions, and we can even do the packing for you if you need us to.
For those international shipping requirements that just can't wait, or Global deliveries of stock, parts, consumables and supplies - SEKO can quote for the following windows:
- Air Freight Expedited Cargo and Project Cargo
- Aircraft on Ground/AOG
- Next Flight Out/NFO
- International, Domestic
- Customs Brokerage
- AOG
- NFO
- 24/7/365 Service
- Project Cargo
- Air Charters
- Oversized
- Express (1 to 2 days)
- Standard (3 to 5 days)
- Economy (5 to 7 days) Charter
News
SEKO Invests in Flagship London Heathrow Facility
SEKO is demonstrating its confidence in the continued Cross-Border growth potential of British brands globally by investing in a new flagship air freight and Omni-Parcel services facility close to London Heathrow. The move comes as SEKO’s revenues are set to top £100 million in the UK in 2018 for the first time.
“As always, SEKO once again came through for us when the shipment had to be there. I know I can always count on you and I can go home and let you handle it. That is priceless. Thanks again.”
Lisa Veach Parts Manager, Power Curbers
Air Freight FAQ's
Air freight forwarding is a service that involves the transportation of goods or cargo via air carriers. It is an essential part of the global supply chain and helps businesses and individuals ship their products and commodities quickly and efficiently across international borders.
The process of air freight forwarding includes several key steps:
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Booking and coordination
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Documentation and customs clearance
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Packaging and labelling
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Freight consolidation
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Cargo tracking
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Delivery and distribution
Air freight forwarding offers numerous advantages that make it a preferred choice for certain types of shipments. Here are some of the key advantages of using air freight forwarding:
- Speed
- Reliability
- Global Reach
- Reduced Transit Time
- Security
- Less Packaging Requirements
- Flexibility
- Reduced Warehousing Cost
- Suitable for Perishable Goods
- High-Value Cargo
Air freight forwarding is best suited for certain types of goods due to its speed, reliability, and other advantages. The following types of goods are particularly well-suited for air freight transportation:
- Perishable Goods
- High-Value Goods
- Time-Sensitive Shipments
- Fashion and Apparel
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment
- Electronics and High-Tech Products
- Automotive Parts
- Aerospace Components
- Fashion Shows and Events
- Valuable Artwork
Choosing the right air freight forwarder is crucial to ensure smooth and efficient transportation of your goods. Here are some essential steps to help you select the right air freight forwarder for your needs:
- Research and Shortlist: Look for reputable companies with proven track record of handling similar types of cargo as yours.
- Check Credentials and Certifications: Ensure they are a member of industry associations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). These affiliations often indicate a certain level of professionalism and compliance with industry standards.
- Experience and Expertise: Consider the forwarder's experience in handling air freight shipments, especially for your specific type of goods.
- Network and Coverage: Assess the forwarder's global network and coverage.
- Services Offered: Evaluate the range of services offered by the forwarder, including customs clearance assistance, cargo tracking, warehousing, packaging, and insurance options.
- Reputation and Reviews: Look for customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the forwarder's reputation and level of customer satisfaction. You can also seek recommendations from other businesses or industry contacts.
- Financial Stability: Ensure the forwarder is financially stable and capable of handling your shipments without delays or financial issues.
- Communication and Customer Service: Choose a forwarder that promptly addresses your queries and provides regular updates on your shipments.
- Insurance Coverage: Inquire about the forwarder's insurance coverage for your cargo. While forwarders usually offer limited liability coverage, it's essential to know the extent of protection provided and consider additional insurance if needed.
- Cost and Value: Compare quotes from multiple forwarders, but don't solely base your decision on the lowest price. Consider the overall value offered, including services, reliability, and customer support.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the forwarder complies with all relevant international and local regulations, including customs procedures, export/import requirements, and safety regulations.
By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can select an air freight forwarder that best aligns with your shipping requirements and provides a reliable and efficient service for your cargo.
Air freight forwarding involves several important documents that are required for the transportation of goods via air carriers. These documents are essential for customs clearance, compliance with international regulations, and ensuring the smooth flow of cargo through the supply chain. The specific documents needed may vary based on the nature of the goods, the countries involved, and the airline's requirements. Here are some common documents required for air freight forwarding:
- Air Waybill (AWB)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Export License or Permit
- Import License or Permit
- Bill of Lading (for Consolidated Shipments)
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (if applicable)
- Certificate of Insurance (if applicable)
- Letter of Credit (if applicable)
It's important to work closely with your freight forwarder to ensure that all the necessary documents are prepared accurately and submitted on time. Compliance with documentation requirements is critical to avoiding delays and potential issues during the air freight forwarding process.
Find out how SEKO can Transform Your Business
Everything we do is focused on making our customers' lives easier and helping them to develop and maintain excellent relationships with their own customers.
To find out more, fill in the form, email ukenquiries@sekologistics.com, or give us a call.