In the rapidly changing landscape of the 21st century, sea and air freight logistics have evolved beyond their traditional role of moving goods from point A to point B. While supply chain management and storage remain fundamental aspects of this industry, there is a new approach that brings added value to the logistics process: Value-Added Services (VAS). Read about the significance of VAS in logistics and how it reshapes the supply chain. Value-Added Services in Logistics Value-Added Services encompass a wide range of services that span beyond facilitating the transportation of goods. These are tasks that customers would otherwise have to perform themselves, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain. Far more than post-production work, VAS covers the entire value creation chain. From pre-assembly to functional testing and surface cleaning, they play a crucial role in streamlining logistics operations. Evolution of VAS in Air Freight Logistics The evolution of VAS was a natural progression as air freight logistics transformed from simple forwarding to managing large goods flows. Today, logistics service companies go beyond transportation – they provide customers with a range of VAS like picking, packing, and quality control. In fact, some providers excel in not only handling these essentials but also going the extra mile, offering warehousing, labelling, product assembly, and rigorous quality control that add more value to the process. What Are the Three Main Categories of Cargo Air Freight? Cargo air freight is categorised into three based on the method of service and type of product: general cargo, special cargo, and dangerous goods. General cargo is comprised of ordinary shipment items that do not require special handling but must meet specified safety requirements. Examples include household goods, office equipment, and clothing. Special cargo, on the other hand, demands special handling and adherence to IATA regulations and includes live animals, perishable goods, valuable items, and live human organs, among others. Finally, dangerous cargos are loads that can cause harm to the environment, humans, and flight safety, such as explosives, flammable liquids, toxic substances, and radioactive materials. Air cargo transportation requires specific handling and safety precautions depending on their category. VAS Benefits to Customers in Dubai The benefits of Value Added Services are significant and contribute to a more streamlined and efficient logistics experience. For example, if you’re an electronics manufacturer in Dubai facing logistical challenges such as transporting your products to global markets while meeting varying regional demands, Value Added Services from a logistics provider can help simplify your supply chain management. This is achieved by coordinating and consolidating various processes into one integrated platform. With Dubai as your supply chain centre, this approach enables customers to optimise their logistics processes, streamline their operations, and gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Working at OCS Middle East The integration of Value-Added Services in logistics has revolutionised the industry, including Emirati businesses. This shift represents an opportunity to achieve increased efficiency and flexibility in their operations. At OCS, we offer comprehensive VAS that will remove all the complexity from cargo shipping and make solutions that meet your logistics needs. With our tailored logistics services, we make sure they're transparent and tailored to our customers' needs.