What does it mean to be a government-approved freight forwarder? At Alaska Air Forwarding, it’s proof of our commitment to excellence and reliability. To understand the significance of this approval, let's look at the two main organizations involved: the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA,) part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD.) We’ll also break down some of the jargon to help you understand what government approval means.
Why Government Approved?
Our status as a government-approved freight forwarder brings several advantages. It signifies our ability to meet the unique needs and standards of government contracts, ensuring efficient and secure transportation of goods. Additionally, it reinforces our credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of our clients, whether they are government entities or commercial businesses.
Agencies Involved
- General Services Administration - The General Services Administration (GSA) is an independent federal agency that connects the private sector with federal agencies to fulfill business needs. To achieve GSA approval, companies undergo a rigorous process, highlighting their track record, financial stability, and ethical operations. This approval allows us to provide services and products to various government agencies, ensuring we meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
- Defense Logistics Agency - The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA,) part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD,) plays a crucial role in procuring goods for military purposes. Becoming DoD-approved involves meeting stringent standards and understanding federal acquisition rules. As a government-approved carrier, we undergo thorough inspections and adhere to strict requirements, enabling us to transport equipment and materials for the Department of Defense and other government agencies.
Approvals Process
As a commercial business, you can choose to apply for both GSA and DLA approval. Both approvals involve a long and arduous process, as the federal government wants to be sure that it is entering into a contract of business with a reliable and trustworthy company. Eligibility requirements include:
- A proven track record: This includes years of experience in the industry and a history of satisfied clients.
- Financial stability: The company must be financially sound to ensure it can handle government contracts.
- Ethical operations: Upholding ethical business practices is crucial for government partnerships.
- Meeting High Standards: Both the GSA and DoD have specific requirements companies must fulfill, depending on the type of government work they seek.
Alaska Air Forwarding has met all these requirements and this status enables our staff to work with both Commercial Bills of Lading (CBL) and Government Bills of Lading (GBL). A Commercial Bill of Lading serves as evidence of the title for receipt of goods and services. This is different than a government bill of lading.
What Is A Government Bill Of Lading?
A government bill of lading (GBL) conveys specific terms and conditions to protect the government's interest and serves as a contract of carriage. We can transport equipment for the DOD and the GSA with a government bill of lading.
So, for example, with a GBL in hand, we become an agent for the United States government, indicating that we are trusted by both the Department of Defense and another General Service agency of the government to act on their behalf while shipping freight from point A to point B.
Our quick and cost-effective delivery has earned us a favored position when it comes to working with the government. We are also Syncada enabled, so we can quickly and efficiently receive payments via the Syncada cloud network. This financial supply chain has increased the efficiency of all government shipping transactions, minimizing paperwork, and providing a secure platform for transferring payments.
Advantages To Alaska
How does our status as a government carrier benefit Alaska? Well, quite simply, we enable Alaska to receive the government support it easily needs. For example, when it comes to supporting the infrastructure of the state of Alaska, Alaska Air Forwarding can provide the equipment needed for repairing roads after a harsh winter. Additionally, there are federal buildings in Alaska. When they need supplies to support the daily operations of these agencies, Alaska Air Forwarding is the carrier of choice, thanks to our government-approved status.
As a government-approved freight shipping company, we offer yet another reason to trust Alaska Air Forwarding with your shipping needs. It reflects our dedication to excellence but also underscores our role in supporting critical government operations. Whether it's delivering equipment for infrastructure projects in Alaska or facilitating the daily operations of federal agencies, Alaska Air Forwarding stands ready to meet shipping needs with efficiency, reliability, and trustworthiness. Ready to ship cargo to Alaska? Contact us today to learn more or get a freight shipping quote.
