FF Freight Forwarders is introducing a new freight service between the UK and Asia. Fig. 2.1 shows the advertisement it produced. NEW FREIGHT SERVICE FF Freight Forwarders, the ninth biggest freight forwarder in the UK, wants to announce a new air cargo service from the UK to Asia. Our new service will begin on 10th December, 2024 from Glasgow Airport. We look forward to working with you. Please look at our website for our competitive rates. [Figure 2.1] Use Fig. 2.1 to help you answer the following questions.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] States that FF Freight Forwarders is the ninth biggest in the UK
2. [1] Announces a new air cargo service
3. [1] From UK to Asia
4. [1] Gives the date of service when it begins (10th December 2024)
5. [1] Destinations / locations have been stated / starts from Glasgow airport/ name of airport
6. [1] Please look at the website for our competitive rates / please look at the website.
7. [1] Fonts/colour / graphics / photos (1) so that they stand out / attract customers (1)
8. [1] Embolden some parts of the advertisement (1) such as the heading (1)
9. [1] Add some persuasive wording or example (1) such as the word wonderful / reliable / receive the best service (allow any suitable word example) (1) to attract customers (1)
10. [1] Make a comparison with other companies (1) such as the words 'no other company can provide such a good service' (1) attract customers (1)
11. [1] Give examples of competitive prices/rates (1) e.g. $300 for any sized container (1) to attract customers (1)
12. [1] Use humour / colour / emotions / hero worship / slogan (1) to attract customers (1)
13. [1] Use special offers / deals / discounts (1) to attract customers (1)
14. [1] Use positive reviews (1) to attract more customers. (1)
15. [1] Insurance
16. [1] Prepare storage / warehousing / inventory management
17. [1] Packing/packaging
18. [1] Arrange / manage customs clearance / calculating tariffs
19. [1] Prepare / handle documentation / paperwork
20. [1] Logistics advice / logistics management
21. [1] Secure payments / manage payments.
22. [6] Up to 2 marks for describing air transport/goods carried
23. Up to a further 2 marks for analysing the two transport factors when carrying medical supplies to another country
24. Up to a final 2 marks for evaluating which factor is more important when carrying medical supplies to another country
25. [1] Speed / Time – air transport can deliver goods much more quickly than other transport methods. There are fewer delays with air freight, so the medical supplies are more likely to reach its destination on time
26. [1] Cost - air transport is usually more expensive than other transport methods so this would increase costs
27. [1] Urgency - if the medical supplies are required urgently or there is a natural disaster in a country, air transport would be used so that patients can access the medical treatments that they require quickly
28. [1] Quantity of goods to be carried / weight – if the medical supplies are lightweight then aircraft can carry more supplies
29. [1] Distance - it might be too far to use road transport
30. [1] Nature of goods – if the medical supplies require special handling, then air transport is preferred over other transport methods such as rail
31. [1] Convenience – air transport could be convenient to carry medical supplies from an airport
32. [1] Geographical location - if the other country is in a remote or mountainous area then air transport is more suitable for access than other transport methods
33. [1] Reputation / reliability of carrier – the medical supplies, as they are being sent on a regular basis, will need an efficient / reliable carrier to get the medical supplies there on time.
34. Evaluation: The business would normally want to choose the least costly method of transport but if the medical supplies are urgently required then air transport will be used. However, if the medical supplies are bulky, low cost and not urgent the business might decide to use sea transport.