AMI UK’s recently-launched, trade-only online express imports service has already boosted traffic by 10% in its first three months, and is speeding up quotes and saving customers hours of research.

click2ship Express Imports aims to make handling imports less labour-intensive and more profitable for couriers and freight agents, by enabling customers to obtain an online quote for any express import shipment. The easy-to-use ‘all inclusive’ pricing tool includes freight charges, collection at origin, delivery at destination and all Customs processing.

The new service takes the place of telephone enquiries - producing accurate, instant quotes that couriers and agents can use to provide instant prices for their own customers based on prime integrator suppliers.

A click2ship Express Imports quote is easily converted to a booking; the system then generates all paperwork, which AMI’s agent customer can forward to his customer and their overseas supplier. Regular updates, notifications and tracking information are all available online and, if the collection and delivery points are confirmed prior to booking, an accurate transit time can also be confirmed. While click2ship Express Imports is intended to provide an all-inclusive service, agents can still opt to perform some functions (such as Customs clearance) themselves.

click2Ship Express Imports is based closely on AMI’s well-established click2Sship Express Exports system, launched in 2010; this means customers will immediately find the new imports version familiar and easy to use. click2ship Express Imports has now completely replaced the former manual express imports system; it has handled an average of over 20 bookings every day since its launch, and growth is accelerating.

“I can only see click2ship Express Imports growing, as more and more customers become aware of its benefits to their businesses,” says AMI’s VP Europe, Sharon Wright. “In addition to getting fast quotes, they will now be able to improve collection and transit times, with goods often being picked up at origin on the same day the booking is made; this was not possible with the previous manual system.”

click2ship Express Imports is aimed primarily at smaller and lighter shipments, but can also prove attractive for larger consignments. The only commodities click2ship Express Imports cannot accept are Lithium Batteries and other Dangerous Goods; if an attempt is made to book such cargo, the enquiry is automatically forwarded to AMI’s Cargo Import desk for alternative carriage options.

 AMI’s new click2ship Express Imports service is global, and is the latest online offering from the company, which now transacts over 40% of its global business through its web portals.

Concludes Sharon: “A lot of couriers and freight agents have previously shied away from express imports, thinking they were complex, fraught with restrictions, and suffered lack of visibility and control. We believe click2ship Express Imports fully addresses these problems, and will encourage these customers to take a fresh look at this potentially lucrative revenue stream.”

Pilot Marketing