China to the Americas by ‘Air+Road’
Taiwan-based Dimerco recently launched a new intercontinental transport service called ‘Air+Road’. It aims at supplier shipping high-value components from China to manufacturing plants in Mexico. The door-to-door service takes just 6˗8 days and goes via the USA.
According to Dimerco’s central service centre, growing manufacturing operations in North America rely on the rapid replenishment of components from China, but standard shipping options are frequently inadequate. Ocean freight is too slow and direct air freighter services limited.
The new ‘Air+Road’ solution combines regular consolidated flights from China to Los Angeles CA and Dallas TX, with cross-border bonded trucking services then taking over. A team of drivers travels non-stop and only on highways, to keep the cargo safe.
In Mexico, the cargo is delivered to the international airport closest to the consignee, where it is treated by customs as a China to Mexico airport-to-airport shipment. While this transhipment solution via the USA increases transit time by 2–3 days compared to a direct airfreight option, it’s 30–40% cheaper. (sh)