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Who We Serve: 3PL

AirFreight.com delivers expedited air freight, air cargo charter, and ground solutions designed specifically for 3PL providers that need fast, reliable, and scalable logistics. We provide mission-critical transportation with speed, visibility, and 24/7 support.

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SERVICES OVERVIEW

Logistics for the Logisticians: Expedited Air & Ground Services for 3PL Providers

Logistics is essential for success in any industry, but it has become so complex in recent years that many businesses have given up trying to handle it internally. Instead, they leave it to the professionals, contracting with third-party logistics (3PL) businesses to take care of the transportation, warehousing, and broader supply chain management. 3PL businesses benefit from greater specialization, direct experience, and the ability to invest in a large enough number of logistics resources to benefit from economies of scale. 

Ironically, these businesses deal with logistical mishaps beyond what their existing infrastructure can handle. 3PL companies have been expanding resources to cope with this new demand, but in the meantime, it can be difficult to stay ahead of their obligations. In this situation, expedited freight providers become essential.

EXPEDITED SHIPPING SERVICES delivery

Complex Timelines

It’s not uncommon for a 3PL provider to have hundreds of trucks on the road or planes in the air at any given time, with each vehicle having complex timelines for delivering, handing off, or storing the items they’re carrying. Such a complex operation is inevitable if you want to do business on a large scale for a variety of customers, each with unique delivery needs. But the more complicated it gets, the more layered successful operations become.

REAL-TIME TRACKING gear

Advanced Tech

AirFreight.com’s resources and advanced technology allow us to replace parts throughout your 3PL chain quickly, should they go missing or become delayed. Because our vehicles are spread so widely across North America, we can easily identify a truck close to the location of your items and dispatch it to pick those items up. Once we have the items, we’ll get right on the road toward their destination, and will use our centralized tracking and planning infrastructure to make sure it stays on the fastest, most reliable route.

RAPID AIR FREIGHT loading-airplane

Scheduled and Charter Flights

If the destination in question is an airport, we’ll either get it there in time for its flight or, if the flight has already left, schedule space for it on another flight to its final destination. If scheduled flights are limited, we can charter a new flight specifically for your items. One way or another, we’ll complete the delivery and make sure that a momentary lapse in your system never gets out of hand.

Industry Statistics

90%
Of Fortune 500 companies use a 3PL partner
86%
Of shippers say their 3PL partner has improved their customer service
75%
Of shippers say their 3PL partner has reduced their overall logistics costs
71%
Of shippers say their 3PL partner helped with new customer acquisition

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AirFreight.com offers the gold standard in expedited freight solutions.

Third-party logistics providers depend on partners who can move freight quickly, adapt to changing volumes, and maintain strict time-sensitive delivery windows. AirFreight.com provides comprehensive air freight, same day air, and air cargo charter solutions that integrate seamlessly into 3PL operations. Our nationwide carrier network, deeply experienced operations team, and real-time tracking tools enable 3PLs to streamline high-priority shipments and maintain service reliability. Whether it’s a last-minute expedited shipment, an urgent supply chain disruption, or a scheduled air charter requirement, AirFreight.com ensures speed, visibility, and precision for every shipment.

As an emergency delivery broker, we’re used to helping companies out of logistical jams, and we have no trouble providing that help to companies in the logistics business. We provide an extensive network of cargo airline affiliates across North America. Through these resources and our centralized planning operations, we help 3PL providers overcome all the challenges of their industry.

Request a Quote

Add your shipment details below, and one of our professional expeditors will contact you within minutes. For immediate assistance on an urgent quote, call (800) 713-1000 with these details handy.

KEY BENEFITS

Serving Diverse Industries

Coordinating just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing shipments? Sending speedy replacement components for critical IT infrastructure? Our experts work across industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, farming, energy, renewables, and aerospace, to fine-tune shipping solutions for your urgent requests.

Boeing 767-200F aircraft

AIR CHARTER AIRCRAFT

Reliable, on-demand aircraft charter solutions—customized to move your freight faster, safer, and smarter.

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PILATUS PC 12

PILATUS PC-12

A small, single-engine aircraft with a large aft cargo door, designed for short- to medium-range travel. The PC-12 operates from small airfields and is known for safety and reliability.

CESSNA 406 CARAVAN II

CESSNA 406 CARAVAN II

A small, twin-engined turboprop aircraft for short- to medium-range deliveries. Capacity is limited, but its size and versatility allow it to use airports close to where its cargo is produced and needed.

DASSAULT FALCON 20

DASSAULT FALCON 20

The perfect aircraft for delivering vital parts or materials quickly, this famously efficient private jet accommodates five pallets and has a range of nearly 3,000 miles.

DOUGLAS DC 9 15F

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS DC-9 15F

A smaller, twin-engined jet built for short- to medium-range transportation. Cargo capacity is a little over 10 tons, but the ability to use shorter runways increases the versatility of this aircraft.

747 400F

BOEING 747-400F

Built for efficient delivery of huge loads to any corner of the globe. The wide-body design, with an opening nose, large side door, and cargo handling system, simplifies loading and unloading.

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Wherever You Need Us, You'll Find Us

We're proud to serve customers across the United States with custom shipping solutions designed to meet urgent needs. Browse by state to view services in your area.

AREAS WE SERVICE
Air Freight Services

Air Freight Use Cases

With AirFreight.com, you can always expect the same top-flight service from start to finish. For more information, contact us today at (800) 713-1000, and let us help you get back in the air!
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Air Cargo

Air cargo refers to freight transported via aircraft to meet fast or time-sensitive delivery requirements. For 3PLs, air cargo supports customers who need rapid replenishment, emergency parts, or expedited B2B deliveries. This includes express air cargo, air cargo freight, and dedicated air cargo airlines when speed is critical. Air cargo allows 3PL providers to manage tight service commitments and maintain reliability across multi-node supply chains.

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Same Day Air

Same day air is a premium expedited service where freight is transported on the next available flight to ensure delivery within hours. 3PL providers rely on same day air to resolve production delays, inventory shortages, and last-minute customer requests. When ground options are too slow, same day air ensures urgent shipments move without delay, making it a vital offering for high-pressure industries.

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Air Freight Services

Air freight services include scheduled, express, and expedited transportation via commercial or cargo aircraft. 3PLs use air freight services to maintain flexible delivery windows, reduce lead times, and support national and international distribution. This includes air freight shipping, air freight service providers, air freight delivery services, and air freight/delivery services that adapt to diverse customer demands.

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Air Cargo Charter

Air cargo charter services involve reserving an entire aircraft exclusively for a customer’s freight. This solution benefits 3PLs managing oversized cargo, high-value goods, or urgent shipments that cannot rely on scheduled airline capacity. Air cargo charter provides guaranteed lift, priority handling, and direct routing, enabling 3PLs to meet strict delivery deadlines and complex logistics requirements.

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Air Freight Charter

Air freight charter services offer dedicated aircraft solutions tailored to time-critical logistics. For 3PLs, charters are ideal when commercial flights lack availability or when freight needs exact departure and arrival times. These services support industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing where downtime is costly and precise timing is essential.

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Next Flight Out Shipping

Next flight out (NFO) shipping is one of the fastest shipping options available, using immediate placement on the next commercial flight. 3PL providers depend on NFO to offer rapid response services for urgent parts, medical shipments, and high-priority inventory transfers. NFO helps maintain customer expectations when delays are not acceptable.

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Expedited Freight

Expedited freight ensures priority handling and the fastest possible transit time using air or ground modes. For 3PLs, expedited freight services solve supply chain emergencies by bypassing standard shipping constraints. This includes same day air, express trucking, and air cargo charter for shipments that must arrive without delay.

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Hot Shot Trucking

Hot shot trucking provides time-critical ground transportation using dedicated vehicles. When paired with air freight, hot shot trucking offers 3PLs seamless airport-to-door operations. This service supports urgent freight transfers, mission-critical parts delivery, and pre-flight or post-flight transport for same day shipments.

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Air Freight Logistics

Air freight logistics encompasses planning, routing, scheduling, and coordinating air shipments. 3PLs rely on these capabilities to streamline distribution, reduce downtime, and optimize transit speed. Strong air freight logistics partners help 3PLs scale operations rapidly while maintaining service quality.

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Air Freight Quote

An air freight quote provides estimated pricing based on weight, dimensions, distance, and required service levels. For 3PL providers, quick access to accurate quotes is essential when customers need real-time cost visibility for expedited shipments, air charter requirements, or express air cargo.

Support

Express Air Shipping

Express air shipping accelerates freight movement with prioritized handling and fast transit times. 3PLs use express air shipping for clients that require urgent delivery, tight production schedules, or rapid replenishment for just-in-time workflows. This service reduces lead times and ensures freight arrives as quickly as possible.

Dedicated Single Point of Contact

When 3PL providers partner with AirFreight.com, they gain direct access to a centralized air freight support team that manages every step of the shipping process. For detailed status updates or changes, your single point of contact is always ready to assist. This around-the-clock visibility helps 3PL providers maintain service commitments and support customers who depend on rapid, precise air freight solutions.

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Hi, I'm Steve

Reach out today and let's solve your urgent shipping needs. I or a member of the team will be with you from start to finish.

Let's chat

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Ready to get started? Your shipment is our top priority.

Our team specializes in urgent air freight logistics and understands the unique needs of 3PL companies. We work with a wide range of air freight companies, air cargo charter brokers, and operators to create rapid solutions for freight that cannot wait. This expertise covers everything from dangerous goods compliance and customs guidance to air freight forwarding services, hot shot trucking coordination, and selecting the ideal aircraft for air cargo charter services.

Because 3PL environments demand flexibility, we tailor solutions for fluctuating shipment volumes, irregular schedules, supply chain disruptions, and customer-specific service requirements. With decades of experience in expedited logistics, AirFreight.com provides reliable decision-making and operational excellence.

Request a Quote Now

Add your shipment details below, and one of our professional expeditors will contact you within minutes. For immediate assistance on an urgent quote, call (800) 713-1000 with these details handy.

Industries We Serve

Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by AirFreight.com can get you back in the air with the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.
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Construction

Because one shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project, you need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is AirFreight.com.
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Energy

The consequences from lost power production are serious for any business. Equipment failure is one of the biggest causes of energy production downtime. Losses compound exponentially with delay, loss of energy capacity, or the idling of plants for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Whether it's a hydroelectric power station or solar farm, you need a 3PL provider who can move your parts and equipment safely and securely while meeting your most stringent deadlines.

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Farming & Food

Food processors can lose a significant percentage—up to 20% or more—of production capacity due to unplanned downtime. With processing plants running 16-20 hours a day, the hourly cost of a shutdown can reach up to $30,000 per hour. Get back online with the parts you need expedited by AirFreight.com.
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Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money due to the high costs involved in lost sales and lost customers. With many manufacturers building to just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed, expertise, and experience of freight services from AirFreight.com make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain.
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Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle, waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and a logistics partner such as AirFreight.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.
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Renewables & Environment

Wind turbines can be as tall as an 85-story building with a blade radius of an acre. Transporting just one wind turbine can take up to nine separate shipments. Solar equipment includes sensitive electronics and glass that are easily subject to damage. Constructing one solar panel requires nearly 40 different components, including precious metals, that need to get to the factory on time. With requirements like this, it's critical to work with the right 3PL provider that can flex with your needs when situations and requirements change.
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Retail

During downtime, retailers experience lost sales with the inability to process credit cards, access customer purchasing history, or locate items in stock at a distribution center or another retail location. Don’t let unexpected downtime due to point-of-sale equipment failures impact your brand or frustrate your customers. If you can’t serve your customers, your competition will!
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Technology

Unexpected IT downtime can bring down even the largest businesses—just ask airlines when their reservation systems go offline. The importance of e-commerce, online sales, and the computing infrastructure that supports it makes getting systems and servers up and running even more critical. With 98% of organizations reporting that a single hour of downtime costs over $100,000, you can’t afford a slow logistics partner.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What air freight services does AirFreight.com offer for 3PL providers?

AirFreight.com offers a full range of expedited air freight shipping services tailored for 3PL providers, including same day air, next flight out, overnight air freight, air freight charter service, and express air cargo. These services are supported by a nationwide network capable of handling shipments of all sizes, from small parcels to large palletized freight. Our solutions also include access to air cargo airlines and air freight service providers that specialize in time-critical logistics, helping 3PLs meet demanding customer expectations.

For 3PLs managing diverse supply chains, these services extend beyond simple transport. They include customized routing, dedicated coordination, secure handling, and flexible capacity designed to adapt to shifting volumes. By integrating both air and ground capabilities, AirFreight.com gives 3PLs a competitive advantage when offering high-speed, high-reliability delivery options for urgent shipments.

How can same day air shipping support 3PL operations?

Same day air shipping enables 3PL providers to deliver mission-critical freight within hours, offering a rapid solution when production delays, inventory shortages, or urgent customer requirements arise. This service uses express air cargo and next flight out options to minimize downtime and ensure fast replenishment. For 3PLs working with industries that require immediate transport—such as medical, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace—same day air is an essential capability.

Beyond speed, same day air allows 3PLs to maintain operational stability by offering customers reliable emergency shipping solutions. It reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions, helps maintain service-level agreements, and supports just-in-time inventory systems. The ability to move freight quickly strengthens a 3PL’s value proposition and enhances customer trust during high-pressure situations.

When should a 3PL use an air cargo charter?

Air cargo charter services are ideal when freight is too large, too sensitive, or too urgent for scheduled air freight options. For 3PL providers managing time-critical shipments, charters deliver unparalleled control, including the ability to select departure times, routes, and aircraft types. This makes air cargo charter services especially effective for oversized machinery, high-value goods, or critical components needed to avoid costly operational delays.

In addition, air cargo charters provide guaranteed lift capacity, eliminating the unpredictability of commercial airline schedules. 3PLs benefit from dedicated aircraft availability, direct routing to reduce transit time, and secure handling for sensitive shipments. These capabilities are essential when working with customers in the aerospace industry, energy sector, automotive manufacturing, and other time-sensitive markets.

Do you provide real-time tracking for 3PL shipments?

AirFreight.com provides real-time tracking across all air freight and air cargo services, giving 3PL providers full visibility into every stage of transit. Shipment data includes location updates, estimated arrival times, and proof-of-delivery confirmations. This transparency is crucial for both expedited air shipping and overnight air freight, allowing 3PLs to maintain tight service commitments and communicate quickly with their customers.

Real-time tracking also helps 3PLs improve operational planning and reduce delays. With continuous monitoring, logistics teams can anticipate issues, adjust routing when necessary, and maintain high performance for express air cargo services. This level of visibility is essential for modern supply chain operations that rely on accuracy, efficiency, and proactive communication.

What industries benefit most from 3PL air freight solutions?

Industries that experience frequent supply chain pressures—such as automotive, aerospace, medical, energy, electronics, and industrial manufacturing—rely heavily on expedited air freight services. These sectors often require rapid delivery of components, replacement parts, or sensitive materials, making same day air and next flight out shipping critical to their operations. For these businesses, delays can halt production or disrupt essential services.

3PLs serving these industries benefit from fast, predictable, and secure air freight logistics. AirFreight.com’s ability to provide express air shipping, air cargo charter services, and dedicated ground support helps 3PLs maintain service-level agreements and deliver precise timing. This reliability enhances customer satisfaction and builds long-term trust in competitive markets.

What is next flight out shipping?

Next flight out (NFO) shipping is one of the fastest shipping options available, using the next departing commercial flight to transport freight. This service minimizes delays by bypassing normal scheduling limitations and moving cargo with maximum urgency. For 3PL providers managing time-sensitive shipments, NFO ensures rapid handling and the shortest possible transit timelines.

NFO supports 3PL operations by providing flexibility during supply chain emergencies and last-minute customer demands. It is ideal for industries where timing is essential, such as aerospace component transport, critical medical shipments, and emergency production support. Combined with real-time tracking, NFO allows 3PLs to maintain service precision even under tight deadlines.

Do you offer ground support for air shipments?

AirFreight.com integrates expedited ground transportation with air freight services to provide end-to-end logistics solutions for 3PLs. This includes hot shot trucking, airport-to-door delivery, and dedicated vehicles for urgent shipments requiring precise timing. Ground support bridges the gap between airports, distribution centers, and customer facilities.

By combining ground and air capabilities, 3PL providers can offer seamless door-to-door delivery for urgent freight. This integration also ensures consistent service quality, reduces transit delays, and improves accuracy for time-sensitive air freight shipping services. The result is a faster, more reliable logistics experience for 3PL customers.

How does AirFreight.com support 3PLs during supply chain disruptions?

AirFreight.com provides rapid-response logistics solutions when supply chains face disruptions, delays, or unexpected obstacles. Our team quickly assesses alternative routes, sources available aircraft, and coordinates expedited freight services to maintain delivery schedules. These services are essential during manufacturing shutdowns, inventory shortages, or urgent production requirements.

For 3PLs, this level of adaptability helps maintain service commitments and prevent customer dissatisfaction. When disruptions occur, having access to air cargo charter services, same day air shipping, and express air cargo enables 3PLs to restore normal operations quickly. This resilience strengthens overall supply chain performance.

What types of freight qualify for air charter services?

Air charter services accommodate freight that is oversized, urgent, sensitive, or operationally critical. This includes heavy machinery, aircraft components, medical equipment, hazardous materials, and temperature-controlled goods. Air cargo charter companies handle freight that cannot move safely or quickly through commercial airline channels.

For 3PL providers, air charter services are essential for managing specialized logistics scenarios. These services ensure secure handling, tailored aircraft selection, and precise timing, helping 3PLs offer advanced logistics solutions to customers with complex shipping needs.

 

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