Important Benefits of Expedited Shipping and Air Freight
July 8, 2023
r2logistics
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.
How Can Properly Executed TMS Affect Your Supply Chain Spend?
L.I.N.K.| Continuous Improvement in the Supply Chain
Intermodal Freight Solutions
Along with our other available capabilities, R2 also offers your business intermodal services. If you would like to utilize this service or explore its options, our experienced staff can assist you in taking advantage of its possibilities. Let us help you find the most efficient and manageable cost for your shipment.
Intermodal Freight Benefits
– R2 associates are on hand 24/7 to assist in any matter
– We can accommodate cost effective solutions for any number of loads you may have
– Watch your shipment move from Point A to Point B online
– Multimodal transition is done seamlessly as your needs alter
– A contracted capacity with the ability to move your freight in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Managed Transportation Solutions
As supply chain complexity is in constant evolution, ingenuity is vital for gaining a competitive edge. Our expert associates provide the ability to appraise your logistics network to expand and apply more cost effective and service oriented solutions. Do you have just one requirement or several? The R2 team is only a phone call away to help position your company above the competition
R2’s Managed Transportation Program Includes:
– Collaboration – your business is our business. We will aid in the arrangement of meeting your supply chain demands with corporate guidelines
– Evaluation of your distribution system and design of the most cost effective network
– Providing transportation direction to bring control to your shipping budget and improving response time
Truckload Capacity
With R2 Logistics’ excess of contracted carriers, the options are endless to find the right solution to move your freight. We also understand that getting it moved isn’t your only concern. That’s why it’s our first priority to choose the right option for you.
After the selection has been made we begin the process of following the freight from start to finish. At least 5 check calls are made for each shipment to ensure its security, and if you ever have a question, we’ll have an answer.
Truckload Freight Benefits
– We’re committed to you and your business – we’re available 24/7
– We set you up with your ONE and ONLY account representative
– We are not bound by U.S. borders – we make it easy for you to move shipments to and from Mexico and Canada
– Follow your shipments quickly and easily online
– Countless options – whether it’s for one load or for your entire supply chain, R2 has the solution you’re seeking
LTL Freight Simplified
Knowing when to use Less Than Truckload shipments increases productivity, reduces freight spend, and streamlines freight shipping. LTL is ideal when freight doesn’t require the use of an entire trailer and weighs between 150 and 15,000 pounds.
Our relationships with the nation’s leading LTL carriers, allows R2 to pass our rates to our customers. Beyond our competitive rates, we have simplified the LTL shipping process with our innovative and game-changing Transportation Management System.
Using our TMS, shippers can realize the rewards from the moment they log on. With R2’s cloud-based TMS, shippers have access to real-time pricing, capacity across multiple carriers, and actionable reporting analysis.
LTL Freight Benefits with R29
– Analyze your logistics network and improve its current state
– Competitive rates pre-negotiated with our network of LTL carriers
– Ability to instantly quote, book, track and manage all shipments with R2 TMS
– A dedicated LTL freight expert to help with any of your freight questions
– Consolidated invoicing for all your shipments
– Unparalleled reporting capabilities making performance and cost analysis simpler than ever
Expedited & Air
We can understand that there’s never enough time in the day. If you have a shipment that should have been moved 24 hours ago we have the means of getting it there now. We have a multitude of contracted expedited and air freight carriers who can move your freight for you in a safe and reliable fashion. Let us do the work for you. We will track the shipment and let you know when it has arrived at its destination.
Expedited and Air Freight Benefits
– Dedicated dispatch and freight management from all R2 associates
– Extra precaution and 24/7 supervision for sensitive shipments
– ONE point of contact to answer any and every need you may have
– Customized options allowing you to utilize the best combination of service and value
– Accessibility to a surplus of different vehicle or trailer types as well as single and team driver
Ocean Freight Solutions
With a wide range of Ocean Freight services covering multiple equipment types and consolidation services, we ensure your cargo reaches its destination in the most cost-efficient manner. Our long-term relationships with ocean carriers allows R2 Logistics to provide both Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) and Full-Container Load (FCL) shipments. Our in-house team of international freight specialists manage your freight and also offer customs clearance and tariff classification.
R2’s Ocean Shipping Benefits
– Competitive rates pre-negotiated with our network of ocean carriers
– Use FCL shipping for valuable cargo that you wouldn’t want with another person’s shipment. FCL is also a good option if you need to ship loads of 12+ pallets
– LCL shipping means you share container space with other cargo. This can be a more cost-effective option for shipping smaller loads overseas.
– The ease of working with one company for all your logistics needs—including ocean, air, customs brokerage, trade compliance, and surface transportation
Reverse Logistics
Simply put, Reverse Logistics is the return of products to a manufacturer or distributor from their customer. A well-organized Reverse Logistics program will result in direct benefits such as improved customer satisfaction and reductions in warehousing and distribution costs. Studies show 8-9% of all customer shipments are returned and 25-30% of e-retail shipments are as well. Managing Reverse Logistics costs are critical to running an efficient Supply Chain.
Reverse Logistics Benefits
RA Numbers & Accounting
RA numbers are captured in the R2 TMS and linked with BOL numbers and Carrier PRO numbers resolving accounting issues due to missing RA numbers.
Damage & Recouping
Strong relationships with R2’s network of LTL carriers ensures shipments are handled with care.
Cost
The R2 TMS will select the most effective carrier for both transit time and cost. Customers are no longer held “hostage” with only one carrier choice.
Flatbed & Specialized Freight Solutions
When you’re hauling a shipment that’s oversized and overweight, attention to detail is crucial. The attention needed is exactly what you will receive with R2. With our vast network of nationwide carriers we can solve the problems you may face with your specialized shipment. Safety always plays a major role in any shipment moved under our watchful eyes. This makes us the easy choice for your next shipment requiring special handling.
Flatbed & Specialized Freight Benefits
– 24/7 dispatch supervision from start to finish
– Guaranteed certified and insured carriers used for every load
– ONE account executive available for any assistance needed
– Online tracking and document retrieval capability
– Shipping solutions designed to meet your unique needs