What is Next Flight Out Shipping?

Is two-day or next day delivery not fast enough?  If your crucial cargo needs to be delivered as soon as possible, Next Flight Out shipping is most likely the best option. 

What is Next Flight Out Shipping?

Next Flight Out (NFO) shipping is a logistics service that ensures the fastest possible delivery of urgent or time-sensitive packages by placing them on the next available commercial or cargo flight. NFO shipping is typically faster than standard options such as express or overnight shipping and is significantly faster than shipping via truck. 

How Does NFO Shipping Work?

Once a request for NFO shipping is received here at Grand Aire, our Logistics Specialists immediately begin searching for the fastest route for delivery. This starts with locating the airport nearest to the origin of the shipment and the one closest to the cargo’s destination. 

Next, utilizing our extensive network of aircraft connections, the most feasible departing and arriving flight at each airport is pinpointed. Many times, a series of flights are used for the final delivery of the cargo. In some cases, utilizing a more direct flight, even though plane departure is a bit later, can actually save time in the end.       

Once space has been secured on the NFO aircraft, arrangements are made for the freight to be picked up from its holding location and delivered to the departure airport. Likewise, at the destination airport, transportation is secured to deliver the freight to the intended recipient’s location.    

Benefits of Next Flight Out Shipping

The most apparent benefit of NFO shipping is its speed. It guarantees that the package will be on the very next available flight, ensuring the fastest possible delivery. This is crucial for businesses facing emergencies or tight deadlines.

Global Reach: NFO shipping utilizes an extensive airline network worldwide which makes it possible to ship items across international borders with great efficiency. It is especially useful when dealing with remote or overseas destinations.

Minimizing Downtime: In industries such as manufacturing, a delay in receiving critical parts can lead to costly operational downtime. NFO shipping ensures that vital components arrive quickly, thus avoiding lengthy interruptions.

Flexibility: NFO services are available around the clock. This 24/7 accessibility makes it an ideal solution for businesses that need to respond to last-minute emergencies or have irregular working hours.

High Level of Security and Handling: Due to the urgency and the nature of items typically shipped using NFO services, packages often receive specialized handling and tracking. This ensures that sensitive or high-value items are carefully managed and monitored throughout the shipping process.

Customer Satisfaction: NFO shipping can be a critical service to maintain customer satisfaction. It allows businesses to fulfill emergency requests, maintain promises, and handle unforeseen circumstances efficiently.

Who Uses NFO Shipping?

NFO shipping is primarily used by industries that simply cannot afford delays in their business operations. These include:

• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Hospitals, clinics, and labs often rely on NFO shipping for the delivery of critical medical supplies, organs for transplant, or time-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
• Manufacturing: Production facilities may need crucial parts to avoid costly downtime.
• Aerospace and Automotive: These industries use NFO services to ship spare parts for planes or vehicles when grounded or stalled operations need to resume quickly.
• High-Tech and Electronics: Companies that deal with expensive or complex technology might need fast repairs or replacement parts to maintain operations.

Next Flight Out Shipping with On-Board Courier

If it’s a single package or perhaps an envelope of important documents that must be delivered same day, Grand Aire offers Hand Carry Service as a possible option. With Hand Carry Service, an individual, or on-board courier (OBC) personally carries the package/documents with them onto the NFO plane. Once they’ve landed at the destination airport, they personally deliver the shipment to the recipient or their agent.

One advantage of Hand Carry Service is the high level of security and reliability it offers. Shipments are guaranteed not to be lost or mishandled since it never leaves the hands of the OBC until it is delivered.

Alternative to NFO Shipping

For time-sensitive shipments that need to be delivered quickly, but not as crucial as NFO, Air Charter may be the answer. With this shipping option, a private rather than commercial airplane is obtained to transport cargo from its point of departure to the final destination. Freight loaded onto a chartered plane belongs to only one customer. The cargo space is not shared with any other freight. 

Securing a charter plane may take a little more time than NFO, but it is still faster than shipping by boat or truck. And like NFO service, our team provides door-to-door support.

Shipping with Experience

Grand Aire has been a leading air service provider for over 30 years. No matter what the time constraint may be, our dedicated team is available 24/7/365 and ready to find a transportation solution to meet your needs.   

Whether NFO or Air Charter, let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us at 1-800-74-GRAND or email or team at logistics@grandaire.com.