Bermuda Forwarders Ltd has launched a small package service aimed at small businesses, the freight forwarders have announced.

Small Package Solutions, which operates in tandem with Bermuda Forwarders’ regular consolidated LCL ocean service out of New Jersey and Florida, beats the existing air freight services by 40 percent, said Nick Kempe, vice-president of Bermuda Forwarders Ltd.

Mr Kempe said: “Our small package service beats the existing air freight services by 40 percent in every case I’ve seen when talking to business operators since the launch. Hopefully, we can play a part in making retail more competitive and supporting the (economic) recovery.”

He added: “We were the first company to offer regular containerised ocean freight services in the early 1970s. We now offer worldwide services to Bermuda. Bermuda business has been altering how it does business in response to declining volumes and we are proud to be a part of the solution, negotiating with our partners to add mini-consolidations by sea to our regular ocean consolidation services.

“No longer do businesses have to worry about waiting to build up enough freight for a pallet and maybe losing a sale in the wait, nor about having to send their small non-urgent shipments by air and losing their margins.”

Mr Kempe, who called himself “proud of the company’s commitment to finding ways to better service the business community, especially the evolving retail industry”, explained customers need do nothing differently than how they regularly send ocean freight, as there are no subscription commitments, membership fees or buying fees. He explained that whether a company is reordering inventory and it is less or more than a pallet load is irrelevant, as Bermuda Forwarders Ltd will automatically apply the less expensive rate. Weight is “hardly an issue” with ocean freight, whereas heavy shipments can be “punitive” by air, he said.

Mr Kempe encouraged interested businesses to check the Bermuda Forwarders website, and added prices are published so that it is easy for customers to know how much a shipment will cost.

Bermuda Forwarders has also been able to establish a flat tariff inclusive of customs clearance, he said, adding that if you know the volume of your product, you know exactly what you are going to pay. “This is a no commitment, no surprise service, so try and see for yourself,” he said.

He cautioned that if a shipment is urgent or very small — less than one cubic foot — the courier and mailbox-style companies are probably still the best option.

In the age of internet shopping, Mr Kempe said he is “very cognisant” of the struggles of local retailers, especially small and medium business.

“We see volumes starting to stabilise with modest growth in some areas.

“Bermuda Forwarders Ltd strongly supports the Buy BDA initiative. We want to make sure that we are giving every tool we can to local business to succeed.”

Useful website: www.bermudaforwarders.com