Being flexible is a critical characteristic of a successful business. When looking at supply chain and logistics, the ability to pivot allows a company to continue to meet deadlines and grow, despite what may be going on in the global market.
If the last three years have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected and implement agile strategies to navigate these challenges as they arise — cue charter programs.
“A consolidated charter network allows customers without full-charter volume to take advantage of the economy of scale of a charter product,” says Joe Rocha, Director of Airfreight Product, EFL Global. “This is a premier air product that guarantees predictability for capacity, cost, transit time, and routing.”
There are various benefits to implementing a charter program.
1. Flexible scheduling. Dedicated charter programs allow for flexible scheduling, creating a timeline that suits your business based on your supply chain needs. Charters are not subject to canceled commercial and cargo flights, capacity constraints, and other issues that may arise when using a typical air freight strategy.
2. Cost-effective shipping. Air freight rates are subject to various factors, including capacity constraints, market conditions, and more. With charters, businesses can work with a logistics provider that offers cost-effective shipping based on your cargo, key destinations, and timeline.
3. Prioritization of your cargo. As previously mentioned, these charter programs are dedicated to your business. Your cargo is prioritized to ensure safe handling, efficient routing, and a budget that works for you. You are not at the mercy of another company’s cargo needs.
4. Business opportunities in key origins and destinations. Another benefit of implementing a charter program is the ability to hit all your key origins and destinations, regardless of what flights and trade lanes are on the schedule. Your logistics provider will ensure the charter covers all locations that are important to your supply chain.
5. Special handling for high-value, break bulk, and dangerous goods cargo. In a charter program, a logistics provider can offer more suitable flight and handling options for various types of cargo, including high-value, break bulk, dangerous goods, and more. It’s easier to create a more tailored flight for the safe and compliant handling of your cargo.
Since 2020, we’ve seen the struggles of global port congestion, capacity constraints, and the pandemic, leaving businesses with little inventory and late shipments. It’s important to utilize solutions that ready your supply chain for future challenges.
“Charter networks allow cargo to move unimpeded by major airfreight market events. With the current uncertainty of production and supply chain timelines, this leaves one less major milestone – the international transportation leg – to worry about,” says Rocha.
As we head into summer, businesses should realign on objectives set for 2022 and prepare their supply chain and transportation plans for the holiday season. A dedicated charter program is a great place to start.
