Will Airlines Replace Traditional Freight Forwarders?
Airlines now handle cargo booking directly. Things have changed – they can book shipments online themselves, bypassing freight forwarders' profits. Does this mean forwarders will disappear?
While it might seem like forwarders are being squeezed out, they won't vanish overnight.
Freight forwarders bring unique value. First: professional service.
Forwarders have specialized knowledge to provide complete solutions. When planning shipments, they select the best airline and route based on cargo type, destination, and timeline. They handle customs clearance, inspections, and ensure smooth transit – services airlines can't fully replace.
Take air freight to Dubai: Flights and schedules vary constantly. Which option offers the best value while meeting deadlines? Customers aren't experts – they can't quickly find the optimal solution. With our Dubai-dedicated service, we compare Air China, China Southern, direct/connecting flights with different costs and speeds. We secure daily allocations on Dubai-bound flights, letting us book the perfect option (direct/connecting, specific dates) so clients focus on production, not logistics.
Second: customer trust and relationships.
Forwarders build long-term partnerships. Clients rely on their expertise for efficient shipping. Many small businesses deeply trust their forwarders – it's their go-to for shipping needs. Airlines can't easily replace this. Our loyal clients simply send us their cargo, knowing we'll deliver the best value. Some even trust us to monitor production or conduct factory inspections.
Third: airlines have operational limits.
Airlines focus on flight operations and routes – their core job is moving cargo. Value-added services like pickups or specialized packaging? That's beyond their scope.
Consider destination clearance/delivery: For our air freight to UAE, our delivery partner has 20+ years' experience, 50+ trucks, and 500+ staff. They're available 24/7 – even at 2 AM Dubai time – with China-aligned hours for seamless coordination. We control every step without relying on third parties. Airlines can't do this. Most forwarders can't either.
Fourth: market coverage.
Airlines have sales channels for specific cargo types. Forwarders dominate market reach – they penetrate local markets and understand regional needs. Take us: nearly 100 employees dedicated to mastering freight forwarding. Airlines couldn't handle this workload.
Our Middle East Expertise:
Established 1998 | ~100 staff | Dedicated Yantian Port warehouse
We successfully shipped ¥40M worth of Huawei electronics. Huawei doesn't choose forwarders lightly – they conduct site visits, background checks, and sign multiple agreements. Would they pick anyone unreliable? When you need air freight to Middle East, you need experts you can trust.