What is a next flight out (NFO) service in air cargo?

NFO is an expedited air freight service that prioritizes securing available aircraft capacity on the nearest departing flight, typically within 24 hours. Chapman Freeborn's new service allows shippers to book urgent capacity quickly without waiting for scheduled consolidated shipments.

How does Chapman Freeborn's NFO service improve supply chain resilience?

The service enables companies to respond faster to unexpected supply disruptions, emergency orders, or critical component shortages by guaranteeing rapid access to air capacity. This reduces the risk of production halts or missed customer commitments.

What types of shipments benefit most from NFO services?

Time-sensitive cargo such as medical devices, electronics components, automotive parts, technology equipment, and emergency replacement goods are ideal candidates for NFO shipping due to their high value and urgency.

How should procurement teams evaluate NFO services strategically?

Companies should balance premium NFO pricing against the cost of supply chain delays, production stoppages, or revenue loss. NFO is best reserved for truly urgent situations rather than routine shipments to maintain cost efficiency.

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Chapman Freeborn Launches Next Flight Out Service

Chapman Freeborn, a global air freight specialist, has introduced a next flight out (NFO) service designed to provide shippers with rapid access to available aircraft capacity on expedited schedules. This service expansion reflects the freight forwarder's strategic focus on serving time-sensitive logistics requirements in the air cargo market. The launch is significant for supply chain professionals who manage urgent shipments and time-critical supply chains. NFO services typically offer improved response times compared to standard air freight bookings, allowing companies to secure capacity within hours rather than days. This capability is particularly valuable for industries dealing with emergency repairs, product recalls, or unexpected demand spikes. For logistics managers, this service represents an additional flexibility tool in managing peak seasons or supply chain disruptions. However, NFO services typically command premium pricing, so strategic deployment is essential. The introduction underscores continued competition among freight forwarders to offer differentiated services that address the growing demand for supply chain resilience and agility.

May 12, 2026Source: Air Cargo News2 min read

Chapman Freeborn Expands Air Cargo Capabilities with Next Flight Out Service

Chapman Freeborn has launched a next flight out (NFO) service, marking a strategic expansion of its air cargo offerings in an increasingly competitive freight forwarding market. This development reflects broader industry trends toward supply chain agility and the growing demand for expedited shipping options that can accommodate unexpected disruptions or urgent business requirements.

Why This Matters for Supply Chain Professionals

The introduction of NFO services by established forwarders like Chapman Freeborn signals a shift in how logistics providers compete. Rather than relying solely on scheduled consolidation or standard air bookings, carriers and freight forwarders are now emphasizing rapid response capabilities that allow shippers to access available capacity within hours. For supply chain leaders, this means an additional tool is available to mitigate risk and respond to operational emergencies.

In an era where supply chain resilience has become a competitive advantage, the ability to quickly secure urgent air capacity can be the difference between meeting customer commitments and experiencing costly delays. This is particularly relevant for industries with thin inventory buffers, such as high-tech manufacturing, automotive, and pharmaceutical production.

Operational Implications and Strategic Considerations

While NFO services offer genuine operational benefits, procurement and logistics teams must implement disciplined usage policies. These expedited services typically carry premium pricing—often 50-100% above standard air freight rates—making them unsuitable for routine shipments. Smart organizations will reserve NFO capacity for genuinely critical situations: emergency component replacement, product recalls, or unexpected demand surges that threaten revenue or customer relationships.

The broader implication is that supply chain flexibility is becoming increasingly monetized. Forwarders offering rapid access to capacity can command higher margins, incentivizing continued innovation in this space. However, shippers that rely too heavily on expedited services will find their freight costs rising significantly. The optimal strategy is maintaining a balanced portfolio: leveraging standard consolidation services for predictable demand while reserving expedited options for truly urgent situations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Air Freight Services

Chapman Freeborn's NFO service launch reflects a broader industry trend toward granular service offerings tailored to specific customer needs. As supply chain professionals demand greater flexibility and faster response times, freight forwarders will continue innovating around capacity availability, routing options, and response timeframes.

For supply chain teams, the key takeaway is to evaluate NFO and similar expedited services within a comprehensive risk and cost framework. Build relationships with forwarders offering these capabilities, understand their pricing structures and reliability, and establish clear triggers for when NFO services should be activated. Done strategically, expedited air services can enhance supply chain resilience without creating unsustainable cost pressures.

Source: Air Cargo News

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