Air, Feature, Freight News

New wholesaler offers airfreight for all

[ November 5, 2020   //   Chris ]

Dutchman Rinaldo Vels has set up a new airfreight wholesaler, particularly targeting non-IATA-licenced forwarders, courier companies, trucking companies, ecommerce forwarders and digital forwarders.

Based near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and fully licenced by IATA, Wholesale by Vels is combining traditional consolidation of smaller shipments to achieve better rates with his expertise in optimal routes and carriers, and access to IATA carriers’ capacity. The company is strictly neutral, and will only deal with transport intermediaries.

It will initially focus on outbound services to Asia Pacific, Latin America and the US, and inbound from Asia and the US. Despite the shortage of cargo space on many key routes, Vels is confident that his company can provide attractive solutions for those with air cargo to move: “Even in this digital age, it is very much a matter of contacts, reputation and trust – and we have all three.

“But for me, it is also very important to show the true buying rates to our customers. We agree on terms and conditions as well a pre-set profit margin, and this provides total transparency to the customer.”

Vels has spent over 20 years in key positions with forwarders, cargo handlers, aviation truckers and a major wholesaler. He says that Wholesale by Vels will complement digital systems and front ends, with practical knowledge of which routes and carriers work best.

Vels believes his company’s main appeal will initially be for freight agents who do not hold IATA accreditation, and for overseas-based forwarders who have no operation in Amsterdam. “But consolidation will also play an important role, providing a cost advantage and space for those who may be unable to access these in their own right.”

It is also providing bespoke solutions for customers with larger volumes that cannot easily be accommodated due to currently restricted linehaul capacity, recently operating three full charters out of China.

He adds that Wholesale by Vels could be extended beyond the Netherlands, possibly as a joint venture or through franchising.

Tags: Wholesale by Vels