International Air Freight Consolidation vs. Direct Booking Process and Document Comparison

Comparison of Operating Procedures and Document Differences Between Consolidated Air Freight and Direct Booking

With the continuous development of global trade, international air freight services play an increasingly important role in the logistics system. Among them, consolidated shipping and direct booking are two common methods of international air freight. There are certain differences between these two methods in terms of operating procedures and document requirements. This article will compare and analyze the operating procedures and document differences of these two methods.

1. Operating Procedure of Consolidated Shipping

Consolidated shipping is a method where the goods from multiple shippers are collected and integrated, then transported through a single transportation channel. Its operating procedure mainly includes the following steps

1. Cargo Collection Freight forwarders or logistics companies collect goods from different shippers and perform preliminary classification and integration.

2. Customs Declaration and Shipment Freight forwarders or logistics companies are responsible for customs declaration and shipment, usually selecting appropriate flights or routes for transportation.

3. Tracking and Information Feedback Freight forwarders or logistics companies provide tracking information for the goods, allowing shippers to promptly understand the location and status of their goods.

2. Operating Procedure of Direct Booking

Direct booking refers to the method where the shipper directly hands over the goods to the airline or freight forwarder for transportation. Its operating procedure includes

1. Self-Declaration The shipper prepares the customs documents by themselves and completes the customs clearance procedures before the flight departs.

2. Goods Handover The shipper hands over the goods to the airline or freight forwarder and handles relevant documents such as the waybill or delivery note.

3. Tracking and Information Feedback The shipper can check the location and status of the goods at any time through the airline's official website or customer service hotline.

3. Document Differences

In the operating process, documents are indispensable. They record information about the goods, including the name, quantity, and destination of the goods. There are the following differences between consolidated shipping and direct booking in terms of documents

1. Shipping Note Consolidated shipping requires a shipping note provided by the freight forwarder or logistics company, which records relevant information about the goods and the transportation plan. Direct booking, on the other hand, uses a waybill provided by the airline or freight forwarder.

2. Invoice Consolidated shipping requires an invoice for the goods to prove ownership and value. Direct booking usually does not require an invoice, but it needs relevant documents to prove the legality and authenticity of the goods.

3. Delivery Note Consolidated shipping requires documents such as a delivery note or waybill to prove that the goods have been handed over and entered the transportation channel. Direct booking only needs a delivery note or waybill to prove that the goods have been handed over and started transportation.

In summary, there are certain differences between consolidated shipping and direct booking in terms of operating procedures and documents. Consolidated shipping is usually handled by freight forwarders or logistics companies, who are responsible for cargo collection, customs declaration, shipment, and tracking. Direct booking, however, involves the shipper handling customs declaration and handover by themselves. These differences result in variations in application scenarios, costs, and risks, and the choice should be made based on specific circumstances.

4. Summary and Recommendations

Consolidated shipping and direct booking are two common methods of international air freight, with differences in procedures and document requirements. Consolidated shipping is usually suitable for large-scale cargo transportation, with freight forwarders or logistics companies responsible for the entire transportation process and providing more comprehensive services. Direct booking, on the other hand, is suitable for small-scale cargo transportation, where the shipper handles customs declaration and handover independently, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

To better adapt to the development of global trade, it is recommended that logistics companies and shippers fully consider actual situations and needs when choosing an international air freight method, weigh the pros and cons, and select the most suitable option. At the same time, they should enhance their understanding of relevant laws and regulations to ensure the legality and safety of cargo transportation.