Air Freight vs. STL: Why Choose Small Truckload

Explains Mike Ernst, COO at Expedite All

Air freight has long been considered the go-to for speedy deliveries. However, has it actually been so? Let’s compare air freight to a modern solution – Small Truckloads to find out which shipping method would win the battle. 

The Hidden Challenges of Air Freight

Air freight might seem like a super fast option, but beneath the surface, it harbors pitfalls that can hamper your operations.

High Costs That Break the Bank

"Anytime you book something, and they call it air freight, they're going to charge you as though it actually went on a commercial airline," says Mike Ernst, Chief Operating Officer at Expedite All. Air freight rates are significantly higher, which is often three to five times more than other shipping methods. These inflated costs can strain budgets and erode profit margins.

Delays and Missed Departures

Airlines operate on fixed schedules, and missing a departure isn't uncommon. "They only have certain schedules for departures. So if you miss that schedule, you could actually carry over into the next day before that shipment could actually travel via air," Ernst explains. Such delays can have a domino effect on your entire supply chain, leading to dissatisfied customers and lost business.

Multiple Handlings and Security Concerns

Freight shipped via air often passes through multiple touchpoints, increasing the risk of damage or loss. "From a timing perspective, again, in most cases, we can do it as fast or faster with that door-to-door service offering," Ernst adds, highlighting the inefficiencies inherent in air freight's handling processes. Each additional handling point is another opportunity for errors and security breaches.

Small Truckload: The Efficient Alternative

Businesses always seek more reliable and economical shipping methods. This natural process led us to Small Truckload services as a compelling option. STL offers direct, same-day delivery at a fraction of the air freight cost.

Direct, Same-Day Delivery at a Lower Cost

"We can actually do that for about a fifth of the price," Ernst highlights when comparing STL to air freight. Using sprinter vans, box trucks, and straight trucks, STL provides a direct route from origin to destination, eliminating the need for transshipment or warehousing.

Consider a shipment from Chicago to Atlanta. "An air quote came in at $4,134.48. Our quote comes in at $800," Ernst reveals. That's a saving of over $3,300 on a single shipment, achieved without compromising on delivery time.

Faster Pickups and Consistent Delivery Times

One of the significant advantages of STL is flexibility in pickup times. "Depending on the proximity to the vehicle, we can pick up in 30 minutes, an hour, two hours, and we're going to run direct," says Ernst. Unlike air freight, which depends on fixed flight schedules, STL adapts to your timetable, ensuring your freight gets moving as soon as possible.

Moreover, STL vehicles often operate with teams of drivers. "They don't stop to do anything other than swap out drivers," Ernst explains. This continuous movement allows for longer distances to be covered in shorter times, often matching or beating air freight delivery schedules.

Secure, Dedicated Vehicles for Your Freight

"Our solutions are a dedicated service that's never handled, never going to be touched," Ernst emphasizes. With STL, your freight is loaded once and remains untouched until it reaches its destination, reducing the risk of damage and loss.

Dedicated vehicles mean your goods aren't sharing space with other shipments. "It's secured in a dedicated vehicle, that no one else's freight is on that vehicle," Ernst assures. This exclusivity adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind, knowing your shipment is the sole focus.

Bypassing the Pitfalls of Air Freight

Surprisingly, "approximately 80% of all air freight never gets more than four feet off the ground," Ernst points out. Many so-called air shipments end up being transported via ground vehicles due to logistical reasons, yet shippers still pay the premium air freight price.

"They'll use sprinters, they'll use box trucks, they'll use straight trucks, depending on the size of the shipment," Ernst explains. In essence, you're paying air freight rates for ground transportation that STL offers at a fraction of the cost.

Avoiding Hidden Fees and Delays

Airports have strict policies regarding freight storage. "Typically, the airports only give you 24 hours to get your freight out of the airport, or they start kicking in some very high detention charges," Ernst warns. These hidden fees can accumulate rapidly, adding unexpected costs to your shipping budget.

With STL, there's no need to navigate airport logistics. "From a timing perspective, again, in most cases, we can do it as fast or faster with that door-to-door service offering," Ernst reiterates. Your freight goes directly from point A to point B, eliminating unnecessary steps and fees.

Real-World Savings and Satisfaction

Companies making the switch to STL are reaping significant benefits, from cost savings to improved delivery times and enhanced security.

Cost Comparisons That Speak Volumes

The financial advantages of STL are undeniable. On the New York City to Cincinnati route, "an air shipment is going to cost you $4,160.40 based on the quote that we received. We can do that same move on a one-day service point for $600," Ernst shares. That's a saving of over $3,500.

These savings aren't isolated cases. "There are a number of examples," Ernst notes. "In most cases, we're going to be one-third to one-fifth of the cost." For businesses shipping frequently or in high volumes, these savings can significantly boost profitability.

Faster or Equivalent Delivery Times

Time is money in logistics, and STL doesn't disappoint. "Many of our vehicles have teams, so they don't stop to do anything other than swap out drivers," Ernst explains. This approach allows STL to match or even surpass the delivery times of air freight, especially when considering potential air freight delays.

"Depending on what time of the day you pick up and what time their departures are for the airlines," STL can offer more reliable and consistent delivery schedules, Ernst points out. This reliability helps businesses plan better and maintain customer satisfaction.

Factory Fresh Freight Delivered Directly

The integrity of your freight is just as important as its timely arrival. With STL, "it's picked up at origin, delivered to the destination factory fresh because it's secured in a dedicated vehicle," Ernst assures. The reduced handling minimizes the risk of damage, ensuring your goods arrive in excellent condition.

Furthermore, the direct route means fewer opportunities for mishandling or misplacement. "No one ever touches it except for the shipper and the consignee," Ernst emphasizes. This control over the shipping process enhances security and builds trust with your customers.

The Clear Choice for Efficient Logistics

In an industry where every minute and dollar counts, Small Truckload services offer a compelling alternative to traditional air freight. STL addresses the challenges businesses face with air freight, bringing to the table significant cost savings, reliable delivery times, and enhanced security.

As Mike Ernst aptly puts it, "When you look at the comparisons, the obvious is, on anything that we can do within the same service standards, we're going to be one-third to one-fifth of the cost." The choice becomes clear when considering the tangible benefits STL brings to your logistics operations.