9 Reasons to use Logistics Plus for Airfreight Forwarding Services

9 Reasons to use Logistics Plus for Airfreight Forwarding Services

Air Freight Forwarding

In a global supply chain, timing and visibility are critical. So is selecting the best freight forwarder. Here are nine (9) reasons why you should consider working with Logistics Plus for your airfreight forwarding needs.

  1. Broad Service Portfolio. Logistics Plus offers courier, ocean, and air freight options internationally (for both import and export) and domestically. We are able to move cargo any way the customer requires (including ocean, ground, and rail). We have our own IAC (Indirect Air Carrier) certificate and our IATA/CNS membership allows us to ship cargo with all 250 air carriers they represent. Our relationships with the airlines allow us to negotiate our own rates which allows us to be cost-effective and competitive. Logistics Plus also has offices in 20 countries around the world which helps which gives us valuable knowledge and relationships for how best to ship internationally and which carriers to use.  Our foreign offices are also able to help if there is a crisis in their area. For example, when a recent shipment was delayed in FRA (Frankfurt) our Germany team reached out to their local airline contacts to get the freight rescheduled on the first available flight.
  2. Customs Brokerage. As a licensed customs broker, Logistics Plus is currently able to clear shipments in the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis areas; and our license will be expanded to include all areas in the U.S. later this year. Additionally, we have partnerships with local brokers around the country if something specialized or time-sensitive is needed.
  3. Industry Expertise and Responsiveness. The Logistics Plus airfreight staff works as a cohesive team for all shipments.  Their “all hands on deck” approach ensures that shipments move smoothly and as fast as possible. Airfreight quotes are quick and easy and can generally be provided within 24–36 hours. The Logistics Plus staff is cross-trained so that if one person is missing, the workflow isn’t disrupted as time is critical when it comes to air freight shipping. Our airfreight team leaders are always on hand to answer questions or address any potential delays. Having our own, fully-staffed global trade compliance department in-house as well, allows getting decisive and quick responses to any potential issues (our global trade compliance staff will even provide training to your employees if needed).
  4. Competitive Transit Times. With over 40 offices in 20 countries and additional agent relationships around the world, the Logistics Plus network is fully capable to source the mode and speed you need. Wherever you need to ship, we can make it happen (unless it’s an embargoed commodity, of course). We also work with a multitude of airlines that cover all destination airports. As a result, we are always able to offer different service options into locations no matter your preference – “less expensive and slower” or “more expensive and faster.” As a rule of thumb, we try not to offer any transits with more than 1 stop; sometimes it’s unavoidable, but that’s the best way to circumvent potential delays. Our knowledge of foreign countries, their holidays and weather patterns, also helps avoid potential problems.
  5. Competitive Rates. Logistics Plus is able to negotiate its own rates starting from pickup to delivery. If a customer has a “target rate” we can work directly with the airline to ensure we meet it, or get as close to possible. We are also available for our customers 24/7 to answer any questions they may have.
  6. Streamlined Manifesting and Invoicing. Logistics Plus bills electronically unless paper is requested. We are also enrolled in the IATA E-AWB program which has the ultimate goal of airfreight becoming completely paperless.
  7. Full Shipment Visibility. Customers are updated daily on the status of their shipments from the Logistics Plus dedicated international air staff. Visibility is also available to customers through our online eWorldPlus™ freight forwarding platform where the “workflow and tracking” is updated to follow every flight so a customer can see real-time statuses of their cargo. Customers can also obtain spot quotes, manage inventory, run reports, and more, through the eWordPlus system.
  8. Evaluate Product Integrity. Having good relationships with our warehouses is an important distinction for Logistics Plus. For airfreight, we utilize warehouses for airport transfer which allows our shipments to be inspected “one last time” before delivering to the airline. Any sign of damage we see is immediately reported to the customer. As a result of our solid relationships with carriers, warehouses, and agents, damages are extremely rare in our experience. All of our people show great care for your cargo, and it really shows.
  9. Talented People. Logistics Plus employees are among the most talented and caring in the industry. We are available 24/7/365 via telephone or e-mail. If something is potentially wrong we know about it. That’s just one of the many little things we do to ensure your shipment delivers successfully – or, as we like to say, that’s how we put the “plus” in Logistics Plus.

If you’re looking for a full-service airfreight forwarding partner, look no further than Logistics Plus. As this article illustrates, we have the expertise, capabilities … PLUS talented and caring airfreight specialists who will help you from pickup to final delivery – and everything in between. Let us provide you with a Quick Quote on your next airfreight shipment, or simply give us a call at 866.LOG.PLUS to get the process started. To quote a famous song, we will be the wind beneath your wings!

 

Meet our LTL Freight Staff

Meet our LTL Freight Staff

LTL StaffLess-than-truckload (LTL) shipping can seem daunting and complex. Rate tables, freight classifications, discounts, accessorials, minimums … understanding your charges is hard enough – let alone knowing whether you received a good deal or not. Don’t fret, you have an experienced Logistics Plus team that is ready to help. Rate negotiations, pricing agreements, freight bill auditing … we do it all.

Logistics Plus has LTL logistics specialists located in offices across North America; but most of our coordination comes from the LTL staff located at our Global Headquarters in Erie, PA. Recently, we were able to pry most of them away from their computers and telephones for a quick photograph so that we could introduce them to you.

Shown in the photograph are (left-to-right):

  • T.J. McGraw – logistics specialist
  • Neil McCord – logistics specialist
  • Linda Swogger – logistics specialist
  • Kristen Rzodkiewicz – logistics specialist
  • Jessica Konieczki – logistics specialist
  • Julie Moore – logistics specialist
  • Marty Gloekler – logistics specialist
  • Anthony Pachell – logistics specialist

(You can also find any of these individuals using our friendly, online global directory)

This group coordinates daily with hundreds of shippers and dozens of the industry’s top LTL and specialized freight carriers to secure the best rates, create bills of lading, schedule pickups, track shipments, and everything else that comes with shipping LTL freight within and across North America. Whether you need standard or guaranteed delivery service, domestic or cross-border, LTL or volume … or even small package parcels – this team has you covered.

One way this group stays organized and efficient is by using our proprietary eShipPlus™ transportation management system (TMS). Customers who wish to self-service their LTL freight shipping activities can also sign-up for a free eShipPlus.com user account. With eShipPlus, it’s very easy to obtain competitive LTL rate quotes for multiple carriers in one, easy-to-use screen. The system also helps users create bills of lading, schedule pickups, track shipments, pay invoices, and run customized reports.

If you haven’t yet worked with the Logistics Plus LTL staff, give them a try by requesting a free, no-obligation quick quote on your next LTL or Volume freight shipment. After just one or two shipments you’ll quickly see how this group puts the “plus” in Logistics Plus by doing everything you need to save time and money on your LTL freight shipping!

Meet Our Truckload Staff

Meet Our Truckload Staff

Truckload StaffSourcing truckload capacity can be a real nightmare for shippers. It takes a lot of time making multiple phone calls to carriers, searching for the right equipment and drivers in the right place at the right time, and ensuring your selected trucker has the proper operating authority and safety rating – not to mention finding a fair, affordable price. Well, the good news is you have an experienced Logistics Plus team that is ready to help – from planning to delivery, and everything in between.

Logistics Plus has truckload specialists located in offices across North America; but most of our load coordination comes from the truckload brokerage staff located at our Global Headquarters in Erie, PA. It wasn’t easy, but we recently pried most of them away from their computers and telephones for a quick photograph so that we could introduce them to you.

Shown in the photograph are (right-to-left):

  • Bobby Rosa – truckload specialist
  • Colin Seth – truckload coordinator
  • Beverly Lazar – truckload specialist
  • Libby O’Hara – truckload operations manager
  • Abby Perez – truckload specialist
  • Amanda Gannoe –truckload specialist
  • Gary Picheco – truckload specialist
  • Jeremy Chaffee – truckload solutions manager
  • Craig Warnshuis – director, domestic operations

(You can also find any of these individuals using our friendly, online global directory)

This group coordinates daily with hundreds of shippers and thousands of national, regional and specialized freight carriers to secure capacity, find the best rates, create bills of lading, schedule pickups, track loads, and everything else that comes with shipping full and partial truckloads within and across North America. Whether you need standard or expedited delivery service, domestic or cross-border – this team has you covered. They can also secure whatever equipment type you need, including dry vans, step decks, flatbeds, and refrigerated trailers. Need cargo van, “hot shot” expedited, intermodal, or domestic air service? This team can do all of that too.

Securing reliable capacity and finding safe carriers can be a time-consuming and daunting task for many shippers. When you work with Logistics Plus, you get access to over 5,000 pre-screened carriers – all with verified operating authorities and safety records. In the rare cases where we can’t find the right carrier, we have access to all of the industry’s top load boards – and specialists who know how to use them to find the right carrier in the right location at the right price.

One way this group stays organized and efficient is by using our proprietary eShipPlus™ transportation management system (TMS). Customers can also sign-up for a free eShipPlus.com user account in order to obtain visibility to all of their freight shipments, pay invoices, run customized reports, and more. Since eShipPlus is fully integrated with Macropoint®, customers can also purchase real-time, continuous tracking information for their critical loads.

If you haven’t yet worked with the Logistics Plus truckload brokerage staff, give them a try by requesting a free, no-obligation quick quote on your next full or partial truckload shipment. You’ll quickly see how this group puts the “plus” in Logistics Plus by doing everything you need to reduce your risk, save you time, and lower your costs on truckload shipping!

MBA Business Magazine Features Logistics Plus

MBA Business Magazine Features Logistics Plus

Logistics Plus was featured in the January 2015 issue of Business Magazine from the Manufacturer & Business Association.

Learn how Logistics Plus, a worldwide freight management and logistics solutions company, has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, operating out of its global headquarters and retail space in the historic Union Station.

View the online magazine and read the full cover story here!

Business Magazine

Giving Back for a Better Future

Giving Back for a Better Future

As we start the New Year, at Logistics Plus we’d like to confirm that we are very proud of the communities in which we reside, which is why we actively work to improve our local neighborhoods and the lives of our fellow citizens. We do this, in large part, as a result of the loyalty and support of our great customers, partners, and employees. We are particularly proud of the work our CEO and founder, Jim Berlin, has done to improve and vitalize downtown Erie, Pennsylvania – home to our global headquarters.Logistics-Plus-Logo--Giving 2

Here are some of the community projects and charities that we continued to support in 2014:

  • Investments in downtown Erie, PA revitalization, including the continued revitalization of historic Union Station, the purchase of the historic Skinner Engine building a year ago, as well as murals and paintings in and around downtown Erie, PA welcoming visitors and encouraging further economic development.
  • Local internship program that has provided valuable experience to nearly a hundred local college students and created many unique, post-graduation career opportunities – including dozens of them here at Logistics Plus.
  • Annual contributions to United Way, with additional gift-giving by Logistics Plus employees through automatic payroll deductions.
  • Charitable support of the March of Dimes, including sponsorship of local fund-raising events.
  • Leading fund-raising efforts for the American Heart Association leading up to, and including its annual Heart Walk event.
  • Corporate sponsorship of the Walk MS: Erie event in support of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  • Annual sponsorship and participation at regional Make A Wish Foundation events.
  • Support for the Barber National Institute and its pursuit to making dreams come true with community-based services for individuals with disabilities.
  • Annual support of Grady’s Decision charity, a non-profit organization that was created to present help families experiencing premature births as well as those families with children needing specialized medical attention.
  • Employees participate in a charity of the week prize raffles at our Global Headquarters every Friday, raising thousands of dollars for special local charities.
  • Numerous other local donations and support of memorial funds, fund-raising events, community gifts, and family help as identified by Logistics Plus friends and family.

Thank you again to our employees, partners, and customers for your support in 2014, and your continued support in 2015. We promise we’ll continue to give back when and where we can, just as we always have.

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Important International Shipping Announcements

Important International Shipping Announcements

Important-Announcement 4

Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)

We want to inform you that carriers will implement the following Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for all dry, reefer, non-operative reefer, flat rack and open-top containers from East Asia to all USA and Canada destinations, as set out below: The amounts of the surcharge are as follow and are applicable to both dry and reefer shipments:

  • Effective: JANUARY 15, 2015 (date of cargo receipt at origin)
  • Scope: East Asia to USA and Canada
  • USD 360 per 20’ standard container
  • USD 400 per 40’ standard container
  • USD 450 per 40’ high cube container
  • USD 505 per 45’ container
  • General Rate Increase (GRI) for East Asia to USA and Canada

We want to inform you that carriers will implement the following General Rate Increase (GRI) for all dry, reefer, non-operative reefer, flat rack and open-top containers from East Asia to all USA and Canada destinations, as set out below: The amounts of the surcharge are as follow and are applicable to both dry and reefer shipments:

  • Effective: JANUARY 15, 2015 (date of cargo receipt at origin)
  • Scope: East Asia to USA and Canada
  • USD 540 per 20’ standard container
  • USD 600 per 40’ standard container
  • USD 675 per 40’ high cube container
  • USD 760 per 45’ container
  • NOTE: For both announcements, East Asia is defined as being the countries of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China (PRC), Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, The Philippines and Russian Pacific Coast Provinces.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact your local Logistics Plus location or call our Global Headquarters at 1.866.LOG.PLUS (866-564-7587) within Canada and United States.  We thank you for your business and look forward to continually serving your global transportation needs.

About Logistics Plus Inc.

Logistics Plus Inc. provides freight management, global logistics, and business solutions through a worldwide network of talented and caring professionals. Founded in Erie, PA by local entrepreneur Jim Berlin nearly 20 years ago, Logistics Plus has been repeatedly recognized as one of the fastest-growing transportation and logistics companies in the country. With a strong passion for excellence, its 350+ employees put the “plus” in logistics by doing the extra little things needed to ensure its customers’ success.

The Logistics Plus® network includes offices located in Erie, PA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL; Evansville, IN; Lexington, NC; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX, Laredo, TX; and Houston, TX; Australia; Belgium; Canada; Chile; China; Columbia; Czech Republic; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Libya; Malaysia; Mexico; Poland; Singapore; Turkey; and additional agents around the world. For more information, visit http://www.logisticsplus.com or follow @LogisticsPlus on Twitter.