Recently-formed Wholesale by Vels and established Australian wholesaler Consol Alliance have entered into a strategic partnership to develop trade air cargo business on the Europe-Australia route.

Initially, the new alliance will operate weekly, trade-only unitised airfreight consolidations from Amsterdam Schiphol to major Australian airports, utilizing premium carriers. The service frequency is expected to increase over the coming months, and import services from Australia to Europe are also on the agenda.

Receiving and build-up facilities have been set up by Wholesale by Vels in Amsterdam, while Consol Aliance will use its own handling centres to break bulk in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, for local release or transfer of cargo to its other regional stations in Adelaide and Fremantle.

Forwarders will have the option of using the service’s master air waybill, or their own individual air waybills.

In a statement, it said the service caters for general cargo, dangerous goods and e-commerce. Discounts will be offered for dense cargo under 6000cc/kg in volume.

Strong emphasis is being placed on quality of service and “going the extra mile”, says Rinaldo Vels, who adds that the service will feature late cut-offs, fast releases and flexibility when needed.

“This is still a challenging time for forwarders trying to support their customers. Carrier rates are generally high, capacity is limited and service is often less than optimal.

“Remarkably, in the midst of a pandemic, we have managed to identify and bond with the ideal partner - who possesses the knowledge, experience, resources and market influence to produce a game-changing service. Working together, we are determined to restore quality and reliability, as well as value-for-money, to airfreight between Europe and Australia.”

Adds Alana Raitt, Airfreight Product Manager of Consol Alliance: “We are already one of the big three operators on this route, and the trusted partners for some of the world's most recognized forwarding brands. We are truly hands-on, and we know the carriers and routes that can be trusted to deliver.

“Consol Alliance is delighted to be aligned with such a highly-motivated partner, who shares our values and our passion. With our many years of experience in this trade, our mutual focus is providing exemplary customer service and innovative solutions for moving air freight.”

Concludes Vels: “Our goal is to support our trade customers and provide them with the best possible tools to go out and win more business. No wholesale operator should regard this route as theirs by right: you’re only as good as your last service. We think it’s time for a market re-set!”

Wholesale-by-Vels was launched in 2020 by Dutch airfreight specialist Rinaldo Vels, who has spent over 20 years in key positions with forwarders, cargo handlers, aviation truckers and a major wholesaler.

Based near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Europe’s 4th largest air cargo hub), and fully licenced by IATA, Wholesale by Vels is combining the traditional principle of consolidating smaller shipments to achieve better rates, with the added benefits of expertise in optimal routes and carriers, and providing access to IATA carriers’ capacity for non-accredited agents. The company is strictly neutral, and will only deal with transport intermediaries.

Melbourne-headquartered Consol Alliance was launched in 2011 and is continuing to focus on a specialisation in consolidation services.

The company is equally active in both airfreight and ocean freight wholesaling; some 40% of all its airfreight business is from and to the UK and Europe. The company has Customs bonded facilities at all locations, and a reputation for exceptionally fast clearance and handover. Outside Australia, it also operates in Auckland and Chicago, and plans to collaborate with Wholesale by Vels in these markets also.