The rise of international trade deals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was worth US$ 2.3 trillion and the rising global eCommerce industry is massively contributing towards the growth of the global air freight forwarding business.
eCommerce currently accounts for 18% of air cargo income and 15% of air freight trade volume is made up of eCommerce. Due to the eCommerce industry’s consistent expansion, which has proven to be a substantial source of cargo volume for airlines, the air cargo business is gradually setting its pace.
Global courier services have recently seen massive growth in air freight forwarding companies which are meeting the demand of the import-export business by leveraging cutting-edge technology and superior infrastructure. While there are many companies in the business, in this blog, we will talk about the leading global air freight forwarders that are setting bars high for the future of the global freight forwarding industry.
Understanding Freight Forwarding and The Role of Freight Forwarders in Global Shipping
Freight forwarding is the organization and transportation of goods from one point to another using one or more carriers through air, water, land, or rail. The foundation of freight forwarding lies in the effective and economical transportation of goods that are preserved in good condition during the route. To accomplish this, freight forwarders become experts in managing the logistics necessary to guarantee that goods reach on time.
Air freight forwarding involves strategic logistics planning and execution for the worldwide shipment of goods on behalf of the shippers via air routes. The duties of a freight forwarder include negotiating freight rates, container tracking, customs paperwork, and freight consolidation.
Significance of Air Freight Forwarding in The Global Supply Chain
Delivering life-saving and essential goods to customers worldwide at competitive rates is essential for the prosperity of the global economy. Approximately 35% of global trade in terms of value is carried out through air cargo, which transports commodities valued at over US $6 trillion.
The air cargo sector is regarded as a growth enabler and has a significant impact on other industries. Increasing the effectiveness of other industries across the entire spectrum of economic activity also has an impact on the performance of the global economy. This is sometimes referred to as “spin-off” or “catalytic benefits.”
Additionally, air freight has maintained the world’s supply lines for time-sensitive products functioning. The use of air freight has aided in fostering international business networks and has enabled time-sensitive global consignments to reach their destinations in a confined time period.
The countries which are land-locked or have disputed geographical locations are greatly aided by air freight for a seamless flow of import-export business across the globe.
Top 5 Global Air Freight Forwarders in the Business
1. NimbusPost
Leading its way into the global logistics and shipping industry, NimbusPost is catering to the rapidly changing needs of today’s eCommerce logistics and international shipping by providing comprehensive solutions to small, medium and large-scale businesses. Their tech-enabled shipping, logistics and warehouse fulfilment services are reliable, efficient, and available at reasonable rates.
NimbusPost offers global shipping and freight forwarding services across 196+ countries, via NimbusGlobal, an integrated platform which is particularly designed to make global trade convenient and flexible.
2. Kuehne + Nagel
The Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the top logistics providers in the world, present in over 1,300 locations in more than 100 nations. With a specific focus on integrated logistics solutions, it operates in marine logistics, air logistics, road logistics, and contract logistics.
They have more than a century of experience focusing on the transportation sector and provide solutions to a variety of markets, including high-tech, industrial products, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Order management, warehousing and storage, supply chain consulting, project management, air, rail, and sea freight, as well as expos and events, are just a few of the services offered.
3. DHL
The DHL Supply Chain and Global Forwarding Divisions offer rail, air, and road freight forwarding services throughout Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. The business’s global reach goes beyond shipping and warehousing to include sector-specific solutions made to simplify international logistics for its customers. Services offered by them include supply chain management, dedicated freight management, warehousing, customs services, freight security, and air, land, and sea shipments.
4. Nippon Express
Established in 1937, Nippon Express Co., Ltd. has grown into a world leader in offering a broad variety of logistics and moving services supported by the largest worldwide logistics network, great staff, and cutting-edge IT systems. They are not only the top logistics and transportation provider in Japan but have also grown internationally. As a result, they now offer a vast array of balanced land, sea, and air transportation services that are specifically designed to meet the needs of their clients daily.
5. DB Schenker
One of the top global logistics companies in the world, DB Schenker supports trade and industry in the international exchange of commodities through land transportation, international airways and ocean freight, contract logistics, and supply chain management. They are one of the top suppliers of integrated logistics services in India, with 30 offices and more than 49 warehouses comprising more than 3.9 million square feet of warehouse space.
They aspire to transform the air freight sector by assisting their clients and transportation partners in managing their sustainability initiatives in addition to delivering goods and managing supply chains.
Conclusion
While the global courier service largely depends on air freight for meeting the time-efficient demands of the industry, the upcoming years will witness a surge in the air freight forwarding business due to a rise in demand for express and time-bound services across the world.
If you are planning to step into the world of international shipping, you should consider the above-mentioned names which are reliable and reputable partners you can rely on.