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January 9, 2013
We understand that economics have a financial snow ball effect on global industries, but it’s really interesting to note how a simple product launch, such as the iPhone 5, can send air cargo into the profitable margin, and help the industry bounce back from some serious recession repercussions.
Economic Injection
The Apple product has provided much needed relief to the air freight industry which suffered a huge decrease in product volumes and rates during the tough economic period. Air cargo transport companies have seen a dramatic increase in their shipments since the demand for Apple iPhones, laptops, tablets and desktop computers has dramatically escalated.
Apple favours the use or air cargo services to transport their products across the globe, which has also helped to drastically improve the prices of air freight as they were escalating as companies needed to still cover costs, but with less income. July 2009 showed the worst returns on air cargo prices, and most recently in July 2012, but with the newest Apple products once again flooding the global market, stockists everywhere are placing urgent orders.
It’s most interesting when statistics show that some companies have seen a 50% profit increase when new product launches are advertised, not only by Apple but by many technological suppliers such as Samsung and Phillips.
Air cargo is by far the preferred mode of shipping as it’s faster in speed, as well as clearing and forwarding, however shipping companies should not put all their eggs in one basket. Apple has the means to afford air cargo as and when it is required, but not all companies are flush enough to ship products at the drop of a hat, and for this reason the shipping and air cargo community are starting to adopt a new approaching to their rates and pricing.
As with the behavioural patterns shown in tech enthusiasts where they rush to buy one product, and then cool down on the next one, so too does the air cargo and shipping industry has to roll with the economic ebbs and waves in the current economic climate.
June 25, 2012
The dimensions and contour is almost incomprehensible. It is most difficult to not heed her imposing presence. Blue Marlin ship is the globe’s largest seagoing carrier across the oceans. The sturdy carrier can transport an oil rig, or 22 barges, or a couple of submarines, even a couple of aircraft carriers. The semi-submersible was built purely for the transport of these massive constructs.
She is the biggest powerhouse ship on the ocean. Weighing an impressive 60,000 tonnes the Blue Marlin can load and carry additional 75,000 tonnes with absolute ease. At just over 700 feet in length and 149 in depth, the Marlin’s width is the most impressive. She measures two football fields in width and which allows her to carry mammoth structures such as rigs and up to 22 barges. Apparently a larger carrier ship is set to be launched at the end of 2012 and she will be the newest member of the Blue Marlin team. Designed to out-do the Marlin is most ways, she will carry a maximum weight of 110,000 tonnes. Now that’s impressive, but one still cannot dispute the legend that is the current Blue Marlin. Her freight and shipping capabilities are powerful and extremely dramatic.
The Blue Marlin has a crew of 24 because it takes some seriously experienced deck hands to ensure her colossal cargo is placed and
secured perfectly and safely each and every single time. It requires experienced men to ensure that the massive semi-submersible does exactly what she was designed for. Her ballast tanks fill with water, which then allows the Blue Marlin to perform a controlled sink to a depth of 15 metres. The cargo is then moved across the water onto the back on the Marlin. The water is pumped out of the ballast tanks and the ship rises so the cargo sits on top of the water, making it is ready for transportation. The crew’s job is extremely intensive and their responsibilities are heightened according to the risk and cargo their ship carries. The position of the cargo in relation to the ship is critically important.
The largest structure transported by the Blue Marlin was BP’s 60,000 tonne oil rig, still considered the largest offshore structure in the world. After loading the rig was transported all the way from Korea to the Gulf of Mexico. Clearly air freight forwarders would not work for this cargo shipment as it would have to be done in many pieces and many different trips. The structure stretched was so big stretched wider than the ship which means it stood out 55 metres on both sides. This is not the only mammoth shipment transported on the back of the imposing ship.
The Blue Marlin was commissioned by the US Navy to transport their USS Cole back to the States after it was damaged bombing attack during the Iraqi war. For the Marlin this was an easily loaded cargo. The stricken craft was then shipped back to its United States base. Now, as the bigger sister of the Blue Marlin makes its debut at the end of 2012, we cannot wait to see what she will carry.
December 6, 2011
With tumultuous political backgrounds, Africa’s skies are policed perhaps too aggressively. With the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) granting hosting rights for an international congress to Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2013, tourism ministers throughout the continent are looking to open the airways and boost tourism. The co-hosts of the United Nations Council have expressed a desire to minimise no-fly zones in an attempt to open new routes for air freight, commercial trade routes and tourism. The United Nations convention in South Korea granted successfully the two countries bid to co-host the congress. Already the Zimbabwe tourism minister, Walter Mzembi, has canvassed government to adopt an open sky policy in anticipation of the United Nations tourism convention; considering the performance of Air Zimbabwe this is a good move.
The bigger picture is in the short to medium-term; air traffic should be increased building up momentum toward 2013 and the subsequent positions United Nations move to take in the continent all in the aid of tourism. Africa is where the United Nations looks to bolster tourism with most other continents fairly broad in terms of foreign visitors. Localised tourism hubs seem to be in Southern Africa and Northern Africa, with the vast Central Africa looking forlorn for the meantime, but that looks to change in the future in the United Nations’ job of revolutionising African tourism. With sea freight limited to the coast and airways bogged down with awkward policies, perhaps this move is a sign that the world is ready to throw in their lot to see Africa succeed on the world stage.
There will be challenges however that need to be addressed, root causes that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation will take decisions on in 2013. Co-operation from African countries is key and although it sounds like tourism benefits all Africans, the tumultuous political background does come into play. Careers with the United Nations may open up for more Africans to create new policing regulations for tourism to keep Africa competitive with the rest of the world. The United Nations has seen the need and the good news is that it will attempt to come to Africa with sustainable aid.
November 29, 2011
100 years ago in air freight history no one would have thought that transportation through air freight would have become such a significant mode of transportation of goods. It is one of the main contenders in terms of transportation and it celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
A clearing agent plays a holistic role in the history and smooth running of any air freight business and using air freight as a means of transportation ensures the efficient functioning of production procurement and sales process within the sector. The history of air freight has seen air transportation transporting high quality perishable goods and also individual parts that are to be turned into high quality products. Air transportation though the history of air freight has seen it bring together countries from opposite sides of the globe and has in turn created sustainable relationships between economies of trade. The history of air freight started when an American businessman approached the flight pioneers, the Wright brothers to transport silk. Ten bales of silk were transported from the flying testing grounds of the Huffman Prairie Flying Fields in Dayton, Ohio to the hundred miles distant Columbus, Ohio. This was to be the birth and commencement of air freight as a prominent means of transportation of goods. Soon after the Wright brothers transported goods via air the idea started circulating in Germany and across the world. During the 1920’s the history of air freight evolved as did the volumes being transported, from the 1927’s it grew from 45,859 pounds to more than 1 million pounds by 1931. There were many attempts to establish air freight airlines in the 1920’s but the first commercial air freight airlines that were all cargo, only emerged after world war one.
After the first introduction of air freight transportation from the Wright brothers to the first commercial all cargo airline, air freight history has evolved year by year and it has become a worldwide player in terms of transportation of goods. The air freight industry has been incredibly volatile during the past few years due to the economy crisis but it seems it is finally emerging from the slump and has a bright future further. Happy 100 years to the air freight industry.
October 25, 2011
Some of us crave adventure, a change or some of us are placed in an opportunity to start a new life in a different place. Whether you are moving abroad for work or pleasure or a change of lifestyle, once you make the decision, it is daunting and the move itself can be incredibly stressful. In this article, we are going to help you along your new journey and give you some peace of mind and answer some questions you have about how to move abroad.
1. Avoid the high street banks when you need to exchange currency
Obviously if you are moving abroad you are going to need money. A big mistake some people make is to use the big name brand banks in their own countries. This is important among the things on the moving abroad checklist. What is advisable and what will possibly save you money is shopping around for a broker in the country you are moving to. This will all come in handy when first moving abroad and having to stick to a budget.
2. Get references and help when looking for property
A lot of the time when people are moving abroad they are doing so in a rushed manner and rush into property that may not be suited to them. When looking for property when moving abroad, make sure you evaluate the property you are interested in like you would do in your own country and before leaving try and attain good references of people that can help you when you arrive.
3. Moving abroad shipping
When moving abroad you will need to ship or freight all of your belongings with you to your new country. This may be a daunting task but if you do your homework and use a reliable air freight company, it should be a breeze. There are many companies that will offer their services to you and can even help with moving abroad with pets.
4. Learn the native tongue before you land
This would be the best idea. It will help you in acclimatizing to your new surroundings and your new fellow country people will appreciate the effort.
5. Insurance
Insurance is a must. This is the best way to protect yourself in the worst case scenario.
Good luck with your new adventure and new move. We hope these moving abroad tips helped. Now all you need to do is jump on the sea freight ship that is transporting your goods to save on flights.
Moving abroad is a daunting task for many emigrants and people and families relocating. Logistics are a nightmare when it comes to immigrating papers, finding work and a place to live and also a large worry is how to transport all the belongings you have accumulated over the years. Sea freight shipping and air freight are the most popular ones used.