Air Freight Export Booking Notes Shortfall Cargo Fee to Be borne by Sender

When booking cargo space for international air freight, it is important to pay attention to these issues; if there is a shortage of cargo space, the sender will need to bear the cost.

In international trade, air transport is a fast and efficient mode of transportation, especially suitable for commodities with high time sensitivity. However, during the process of sending goods abroad by air, the booking phase is often overlooked, yet the details in this phase can significantly impact the overall logistics cost and efficiency. One particularly noteworthy issue is the shortage fee, as once it occurs, the sender usually has to bear the related costs.

What is a Shortage Fee?

A shortage fee refers to the additional cost incurred due to airlines failing to fully utilize the aircraft's cargo hold capacity. When the weight or volume information provided by the consignor during flight reservation does not match the actual loading situation, or when the consignor fails to deliver the goods in time, leading to an inability to complete the loading operation before the flight departs, this situation may arise. For example, if the sender’s manifest indicates that the entire plane can be filled, but only part of the goods arrive at the airport on time and pass security checks, the remaining space becomes empty space. Airlines charge the sender a shortage fee to compensate for the loss caused by this unused space.

How to Avoid Generating a Shortage Fee?

To avoid unnecessary shortage fees, it is essential to ensure all information is accurate. Before making an air freight booking, the sender should carefully verify the specific weight, dimensions, and quantity of the goods and deliver them to the designated location for inspection according to the specified time. Attention should also be paid to weather conditions, holidays, and other factors affecting flight schedules, with contingency plans prepared in advance. For instance, in case of adverse weather or other force majeure events, communication with the carrier should be promptly initiated to adjust the plan, avoiding delays in shipment times.

News Case Analysis

Recently, media reports highlighted a case where negligence resulted in a large shortage fee. A manufacturer of electronic products failed to update order details in time, causing a batch of goods worth millions of dollars to miss the scheduled flight. Although the goods eventually arrived at their destination on the next flight, the company had to pay tens of thousands of RMB as compensation. This incident serves as a reminder that every step in international freight transportation is crucial, and even minor oversights can lead to serious consequences.

Conclusion

In summary, from both economic and management perspectives, it is necessary to reasonably plan the air freight process. For senders, besides focusing on price factors, they should also emphasize service quality and professional standards. Only in this way can potential risks be minimized, and their own interests protected. At the same time, it is recommended that enterprises prioritize choosing logistics companies with rich experience and good reputation when selecting partners, leveraging their expertise to optimize the overall operational model. In short, only by fully recognizing the importance of each detail and taking corresponding measures to prevent risks can unexpected expenses such as shortage fees be effectively avoided.