Air Menzies launches online import rates service as shipment weigh rises

THE US arm of Air Menzies International (AMI), trade-only air freight and express wholesaler, has launched an import version at an investment cost of US$350,000 providing online door-to-door express import rates.

Click2ship Imports went live on July 1 following successful testing with five of AMI's top US customers for shipments collected anywhere in the world. Rates include collection at origin, customs clearances and delivery in the US, but exclude duties and taxes.

Like AMI US's exports version launched a year earlier, click2ship Imports allows online quotes, instant conversion to a booking, and subsequent online tracking although books can still be made by phone. The service has an AMI-resourced, dedicated live chat facility to answer customer queries.

AMI's senior vice-president US, Peter Weir said its growth over the last 12 months has been phenomenal due to the speed, convenience and visibility of the service. "From zero, we are already getting 2,500 online quote requests per month. It's currently only three per cent of our business in the US, but we expect the addition of imports to take it to more than 10 per cent within the next year."

Although click2ship was originally expected to attract primarily small packages, the average shipment weight is now running at 38 kilograms/85 pounds. It is able to provide spot rates for larger shipments of up to 75 kilograms/170 pounds.

To obtain quotes and bookings by phone a dedicated toll-free number (1-800D2Dship) is available connecting to its Dallas call centre, which is open from 0900 hrs (Eastern time) to 1800 hrs (Pacific time).